Since even the youngest of kids have a complex mind that fuels feelings and emotions, being mentally healthy is just as important for a growing child, as it is for an adult.
However, despite being in distress, young people often refuse to seek professional help, because they feel embarrassed in opening up to someone they don't know or believe they can handle their problems on their own.
While mental health is not a term usually associated with children, it is one that requires early shedding of the stigma related with it. WHO cites that adolescence and childhood are the most critical stages for mental health as the brain develops the most during this phase.
If the emotional needs and development of the child are not noticed and addressed early on, chances are that these issues can develop into a serious illness approaching adulthood.
Clear up the misconceptions
You will be surprised how many times a kid sitting for the first time in a therapy room has no idea what is going on. Neither do they know what to expect from therapy or why they are in the office in the first place.
They may not have an inkling about the meaning of the word " therapist" or "counselor" or confuse them with someone who conducts administrative tests and gives out shots.
Even older kids who have an idea of what to expect in a therapy session tend to be confused by what they see in the media. Again since older kids are more mature, they worry about confidentiality. They wonder if what they say in counseling could get them into trouble with parents or others.
Therefore, explain to the child what goes on inside a therapy room and what a counselor can do or cannot do. Don't make therapy sound like a punishment for bad behavior.
Be aware
It is impossible to gather every bit of information about the mind, but being aware is the key and there are no two ways about it. To begin with, here are some tips on how to stay informed on your little one's mental health:
- Information on the internet could be misleading, so rely on credible sources such as WHO and CDC
- Talk to an expert psychiatrist or psychologist
- Discuss with the paediatrician about the child's behavior
- Observe your child's behavior in school and connect with the teachers on a regular base to inquire how the child behaves in class
Being aware helps in doing away with the stigma associated with mental health issues and makes you the right advocate of your child.
Encourage them to share their feelings
Check with your teen and ask them about the events of the day. No matter what you hear or feel, they should know you are there for them always. All it will take is a few comfortable words of encouragement to make them share their feelings with you. When they open up, respond with something like " it sounds like a difficult situation but that makes sense".
Show that you love them
The best positive way to start is by telling your child how much you love and adore them. Share a joke with them, enjoy a favorite snack or laugh and watch a show together. Avoid conversation first thing in the morning as the child will not be in the best form
Support them
Work with your child to establish a new routine to achieve daily goals, like doing home tasks or getting the homework done before dinner. Give your team time and space to be on their own. Needing space is a normal part of growing up.Try not to take over and tell them what to do.
Tackle conflicts together
Sort out conflicts calmly after giving careful consideration to your teens' views as everyone feels stressed. Never discuss issues when in anger as you can talk with your child later about it. Take time how you and your child can resolve the conflict.
Care for yourself
As a caregiver for your child, you too need support and care for yourself. Displaying self-care is a great way of imparting the practice in your child. If you are feeling overwhelmed, talk to someone or a family member.Finding new people to share your experiences with will make your own relationship better.
Online therapy for kids
Mental health issues in children and adolescents have increased exponentially in recent years. Early intervention can therefore make all the difference for kids and teenagers struggling with these disorders.
In such cases, online therapy can be a boon for children, who otherwise would not be able to access the services of a regular provider. It is also affordable, flexible and offered by licensed therapists directly to their homes.
One major benefit of virtual therapy is the fact kids nowadays are already so accustomed to using their mobile devices for everything. A usual drawback of online counseling is the fact there is no face to face interaction, but that’s something most teenagers won’t mind, and even prefer.
The biggest downside to online sessions when it comes to kids is the fact most providers enforce a strict age limit. According to bestonlinetherapy.com, teen therapy is only available after the age of 13. The only exception to this rule is Amwell - who offers counseling for kids aged 10 or above.
A few things to note
- The rapport between a professional and a young person is extremely important.Therefore, if a teen is able to access their own psychologist online, it will play an active role in their counseling as they feel more engaged in the process.
- Maybe it is because teens are able to open up to difficult subjects more easily online or maybe it is due to the fact that technology feels natural to them, or the computer screen makes them feel more anonymous. Anyway, it is a good option to consider when your child is refusing other forms of therapy.
Never give up
If your child refuses treatment for the first time, keep trying by asking clinicians what they should recommend. It is important to continue to make an effort as to what your teen is feeling and what they need. Progress is not achieved in one conservation, but comes gradually, but if the groundwork is laid, they will surely turn to you for support when they are finally ready.
