No parent wants to think that anything is wrong with their child, but mental illness can affect anyone, regardless of age. That said, suspicion of mental illness in your children is reason enough to do your research and learn coping skills to get you and your family through what could be a very difficult time.
Read on for what you should do if you suspect your child is developing a mental illness.
The Best Thing You Can Do is Be There for Your Child
Raising a child with a mental illness, even suspected, is hard on everyone involved. You become awash in parental guilt despite the fact that there’s often nothing you did wrong or could have done better. However, in the midst of your own challenging feelings, don’t lose sight of your child. They are experiencing emotions at 100-miles-per-hour and your support matters. The best thing you can do is hug them tightly, love them deeply, and let them know you will help them through whatever happens.
Professional Diagnosis and Coping as a Family
When you suspect your child has a mental illness, your immediate reaction should be to examine the symptoms, make a tangible list, then present your concerns to a pediatrician. The pediatrician should in turn refer you to a specialist that would be able to better give you a proper, professional diagnosis after thorough reviews and tests that involve talking with your and your kiddo.
Readjust Your Expectations to Accommodate Your Child’s Needs and Uniqueness
From a young age, children are told what they need to accomplish to be normal. They are told what milestones will make them average. They are told when to do things, how to act, and the kind of life they should lead—and, unsurprisingly, children become overwhelmed.
You have expectations for your child. Every parent does. But sometimes you should adjust your expectations to meet their personality and follow their lead instead of them following yours.
Tip: Do something engaging with your child to help them focus more on their interests and passions. It could be anything from reading a series of fantasy books in a weekend, to building custom ship models, to simply coloring to calm their nerves.