According to the CDC, 1 in 6 children ages 2-8 years old has a mental behavioral or developmental disorder. In addition, 1 in 5 adolescents has had a serious mental health disorder. Raising a child with a mental, behavioral or developmental disorder can be very challenging. Here are a few steps to take if you suspect your child may have a mental illness.
Seek Help
There is still a lot of stigma surrounding mental health, but if your child is exhibiting signs that concern you, seeking professional help is the best thing you can do your you and your child. Having a diagnosis relieves the anxiety of not knowing what is wrong and creates a framework to help your child get better.
Stay Involved
It is good to educate yourself on your child’s diagnosis and maintain good communication with your child as they seek treatment. You do not want to become overbearing or uninvolved but find balance and remain supportive.
Know what to do in a Crisis
Staying involved will help you know what to do if a crisis were to occur. Ensure that your family has a crisis
Self-Care
It is important that your child sees you setting a good example in self-care. You can only help them get through this if you are taking care of yourself throughout this process.
Sources:
https://nami.org/Blogs/NAMI-Blog/October-2018/Raising-Children-with-Mental-Illness
