How to support your child with their mental health

Mental health can affect us all in different ways. It helps to have a clear plan in place to help support your child with their management of their mental health as well. And when it comes to the amount of stress, anxiety and potential for low moods in children it’s more important than ever to give your child the best outcome in their learning journey.

A school’s duty of care

Many independent schools and prep schools will provide children with pastoral care and other ways to support their wellbeing. To help support your child further, you should aim to familiarise yourself with the support teachers and other members of staff can provide while they’re studying. They can give your child an unbiased view of how to manage expectations and get them on the right track.

Providing the right support for your child

As a child grows older they’re going to be dealing with a variety of different emotions and thoughts. In that part of their development, you can give your child the best support you can by offering to listen to them, be courteous and remind them that you are there for them. In doing so, your child is learning to be independent and resourceful. It gives them more of an understanding of how these feelings can develop over time, and it will remind your child that they are not alone in handling their mental health.

Become aware of methods to support a child’s mental health

While listening and being there for your child are of course very important, there are other ways to help support them. Give them space should they need it; it helps them learn how to calm themselves down in stressful situations. Show them how you break down a problem when you come across one, and give them the chance to work out how they would deal with the problem. In giving them the choices, they’re becoming aware of their own confidence.

As adults, it is our responsibility to take care of our children — physically, mentally, emotionally, intellectually, and spiritually. We strive to guide them into successful adulthood by meeting their needs and some of their wants. However, when it comes to mental health, things can be complex.

Understanding if our children’s behaviour indicates a mental health disorder or a normal developmental phase can be challenging. It’s important to realise that an episode or two of troubling behaviour isn’t enough for a mental health diagnosis. If unusual behaviour persists for about six weeks, it’s time to seek help.

Before seeking a counselling therapist, consult with your child’s teacher and physician to eliminate physical or school-related causes for their symptoms. The infographic attached, “Mental Health Misdiagnoses in Children,” highlights common misdiagnoses and offers accurate alternatives. It’s crucial to ensure an accurate diagnosis before starting treatment, as incorrect diagnoses can be dangerous, resulting in adverse physical side effects, confusion, and treatment delays. Continue reading to learn more about this crucial topic from MySpectrum.