Parenting a child who struggles with mental illness can sometimes be confusing and overwhelming. Knowing what’s best for them and how you can support them can be hard. If you’re currently struggling with this problem and are wondering how to best support a child with a mental illness, this blog is for you.
Understanding Mental Illness
It is incredibly important to note that everybody has a different path in life. There isn’t one specific method that’s “right” when parenting a child with mental illness. You must work to understand them and create solutions that make sense for them individually. Depending on their unique situation, what works for someone else might not work for you and your child.
It can be not easy to accept that your child has a certain diagnosis or know where to go with it. As such, it’s important to get support for yourself as well. Below are some ways to support your child when they struggle with a mental illness.
Open Conversations
One of the most important things to establish is open communication. Your children need to feel like they can come to you with their struggles and not be judged. By establishing trust, you can have open conversations that allow your child to share what they’re going through. Doing so also gives you a better idea of how you can support them.
Finding Resources
Many different resources are available for children who struggle with their mental health. Helping your child identify these resources can be helpful. It’s also a good idea for you to know what kind of support structures are available. Reducing the stigma around making use of resources can be a great step toward encouraging your children to be open about their mental health.
Advocating at School
One of the most important things you can do for your child is advocate for them at their school. It’s essential to ensure they have the resources they need to succeed academically, mentally, socially, and emotionally. Whether it means being allowed to call you when they’re nervous or getting permission for extra time on tests, advocating for your child and being clear about their needs is one of the most helpful things you can do.
Dealing with mental illness yourself can be hard. Watching someone, you love struggle may be even harder, especially when it comes to your children. If you’re looking for support for yourself or your child, don’t hesitate to reach out to us by calling (844) 857-5992. At Avalon Malibu, we understand the complexities of having a child that deals with mental illness and can help you come up with the best plan possible. You’re not alone, and the Avalon Malibu team is there to provide you with support.
