Let’s talk about mental health
Over the last few months athletes have been making news about the issues of mental health. The coverage of top athletes Naomi Osaka and Simone Biles are evidence that young adults are experiencing mental health struggles and are showing up to advocate for the support they need. I was encouraged by the outpouring of support for them but was disgusted to learn that so many people made negative comments via social media. It made me think that this is an opportunity for parents to have conversations about mental health with our children, teens and young adults.
1 in 6 (17%) children ages 6-17 are diagnosed with a mental health illness each year. In addition, black and hispanic children are less likely to receive treatment for mental health. During the pandemic, there has been an increased number of children being seen in emergency departments for mental health related reasons.
As a pediatrician, my role is to help educate families and patients about mental health and help to normalize the conversation about mental health. I want more young people to feel supported and feel safe to speak up when they need help. It’s not always easy to ask if our children are struggling with mental health but it’s important that we have the conversations. It’s okay to ask about mental health.
As many families are preparing to go back to school, there is a need to check in with our children to see how they’re feeling as they transition back. The last year and a half has impacted both parents and children.
Tips to help parents support children’s social and emotional health
Learn to recognize signs of mental health concerns in your child.
Check in with your feelings. Are you taking care of yourself? How are you coping? Do you need help?
Check in with how your children are feeling. This can be done by observing their behaviors, asking them directly about if they’re feeling sad or anxious, using the examples of Naomi Osaka or Simone Biles to help prompt the conversation or asking about how their friends are doing.
Supporting your child. If there are concerns about your child’s behavior or mental health, seek help. You can speak with your pediatrician, a mental health professional or if you need help finding a therapist, you can use The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration's Health Information Network (SHIN) Mental Health Facilities Locator.
Take care of yourself. It’s important as parents that we take care of ourselves as well as our children. Our social and emotional health matters. Take time to invest in activities that help you cope and bring you joy. Seek help when needed. Reach out to your health care provider, mental health professional or if you need help finding a therapist, you can use the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration's Health Information Network (SHIN) Mental Health Facilities Locator.
Learn about resources available to help your child. Pediatricians are great resources to help you and your child. In addition, contact your school. Many schools have implemented school-based mental health services or can provide information on finding mental health supports.
Resources for parents
Therapy for Black Girls: Finding a Therapist
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration's Health Information Network (SHIN) Mental Health Facilities Locator.
Mental Health During COVID-19: Signs Your Child May Need More Support
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK or texting the Crisis Text Line by texting ‘TALK’ to 741741.
Naomi Osaka and Simone Biles in sharing their experiences have helped to highlight the importance of mental health and advocate for normalizing the conversation. As a mom, I think that these young women and realize that they aren’t much older than my own two sons. I remember having conversations about mental health with my own children as they were growing up. There were times I worried that they didn’t want to talk about it but learned that they were ready and open. I also had to be open myself to seek the help and supports that I needed when I was struggling. Seeking help made me a better mother and person. The data shows me that the importance of social and emotional health of our children starts early and continues throughout childhood and young adulthood. The data also underscores that far too few Black children and youth are receiving the help that they need. Let’s talk about mental health. Our kids' mental health matters. Our mental health matters.