Do you have a child with a mental health disorder or signs of one? It can be a struggle to understand ways to support your child’s mental health. Mental health among children affects how they think, feel, and act. Not all mental health issues can be prevented but helping your child through these challenges can be helpful to their development. Among children, the most common mental health disorders are anxiety, behavior problems, ADHD, depression, and learning disorders.

Creating a safe space and outlet for your child can show them that you are there for them through these challenges. Just simply letting your child know that you are there is key to how they handle their mental health. It can be hard when your child has a mental health disorder, but it is especially hard for them when they are not quite able to express their emotions and feelings at a young age. Children and adolescents can have fluctuating feelings, emotions, and actions. Look for changes in thoughts, feelings, behaviors, how they are performing in school, physical issues such as stomach pain, and even differences in their sleep or eating patterns.

Here are a few tips to help address and support your child’s mental health:

• Create a safe space for your child. This lets them know when they become overwhelmed that they always have a place to go for support and calmness.
• Be open and honest. This lets your child know that they can share anything with you and have you listen without judgement. If you are open and honest and involve them in decisions, they may be more likely to trust and open up to how they are truly feeling.
• Have a set routine. This can help them with anxiety and provides peace in knowing what is going on.
• Be encouraging to your child. Encouragement and positive feedback create confidence and reinforces positive behavior. Let your child know that you are interested in what they like and what their favorite hobbies and activities are so that you can be there for them.

• Show them healthy coping skills. Be a role model by taking your mental health seriously.If they are seeing you use positive coping skills, then they are more likely to do these things as well. Some examples could include using a stress toy, deep breathing, different types of art, and walks outside. These allow them to express their feelings without words so that they can learn to cope with their emotions.
• Document all changes that occur. Keep a journal that you can write down when your child has a change in mood, behavior, activities, etc. This can be used when trying to figure out if a mental health disorder is present and to show to your child’s doctor or counselor.

Overall, figuring out ways to support your child’s mental health is never easy. So, try to be easy on yourself in knowing you are doing your best to help your child to. Every child is different, and some things may help your child, while other things will not. Having your child know that you are there for them and love and support them is what is most important. Do not feel like you are alone in this journey. Reach out to loved ones, support groups, or a therapist for help.