Every parent wants their child to be happy and healthy, but not everything can go as planned. Children suffer from illness and disease as much as adults, and it’s important that parents recognize certain instances or events that could be causing their children harm.
Your child’s mental health is just as important as his or her physical health, so if there are issues that are causing your child to struggle or suffer, you need to find a solution before it spirals out of control. The following are four things that could be affecting your child’s mental health.
Bullying
No child wants to be picked on, but unfortunately, bullying is an epidemic that can have serious consequences. If your child is being bullied, they may start to doubt their confidence and start believing what the bully is saying. This can cause your child to suffer from anxiety or depression, and neither are good for your child’s state of mind or health. Be sure to talk with your child about bullying, and if you know or suspect it’s happening, find the best solution as soon as possible.
Home
Sometimes situations at home can have a negative impact on your child’s mental health. For example, if you and your spouse are going through a divorce or even fighting often, your child may suffer. If you recently moved or made another big transition, such as the addition of a new family member or if someone is suffering from an illness, this too can cause your child to suffer. Make sure you always talk about changes with your child and remind them they can share their thoughts and feelings with you. If your child is still suffering, seek professional help.
School
Aside from bullying, school can put a lot of pressure on a child that can decrease their mental health. For example, if your child is struggling in school, they may become depressed or anxious. If they don’t fit in with their classmates, this too can cause stress. If your child acts out at school or tells you they don’t like it, make sure to seek professional help to remedy the situation before it gets worse.
Genetics
Some mental health issues can be passed from parent to child. If someone in your family has a history of mental health, you should have your child screened to see if this is also affecting him or her. For example, if your child suffers from aggression, you should seek help before it progresses. According to SoYouLive.com, a Houston-based drug rehab center, “Participants will be able to recognize negative thinking and physical cues that lead to unhealthy displays of emotions or aggressive behaviors, and will be able to utilize conflict resolution skills learned and practiced during the program.” These programs can be extremely beneficial in helping children.
No matter the issue your child is facing, there is always a way to make the situation better and get them the help he or she deserves. Always be sure to talk with your child and then find a professional in your local area who can help get your child in control of his or her mental health issues.