How to Talk About Mental Health with Your Child

Do you need help starting a conversation with your child about mental health? Try leading with these questions. Make sure you actively listen to your child’s response.

• Can you tell me more about what is happening? How you are feeling?
• Have you had feelings like this in the past?
• Sometimes you need to talk to an adult about your feelings. I’m here to listen. How can I help you feel better?
• Do you feel like you want to talk to someone else about your problem?
• I’m worried about your safety. Can you tell me if you have thoughts about harming yourself or others?
• I care about you and we need to make sure you are safe. Let's look into getting support from a counselor or mental health professional.

When talking about mental health problems with your child you should:

• Communicate in a straightforward manner
• Speak at a level that is appropriate to a child or adolescent’s age and development level (preschool children need fewer details than teenagers)
• Discuss the topic when your child feels safe and comfortable
• Watch for reactions during the discussion and slow down or back up if your child becomes confused or looks upset
• Listen openly and let your child tell you about his or her feelings and worries

Youth Tips for Parents: How to Talk to Your Teenager About His or Her Mental Health

Arapahoe-Douglas Mental Health

Arapahoe-Douglas Mental Health provides professional, culturally- inclusive mental health and substance abuse services, including outpatient services such as individual, family, marital and group counseling and psychiatry.

http://www.highlandsbhs.com/patient-resources/arapahoe-douglas-mental-health/

FAMILY SUPPORT SERVICES

Family resources including mental health services, grief and tragedy resources, McKinney-Vento Homeless Act, cybersafety, and other medical resources.

LPS Resource Page

Second Wind Fund

The Second Wind Fund match children and youth at risk for suicide with licensed therapists in their communities. If a financial or social barrier to treatment is present, they pay for up to 12 sessions of therapy from one of our specialized network providers

http://www.thesecondwindfund.org/

PACER Center: Champions for Students with Disabilities

PACER Center is a parent training and information center for families of children and youth with all disabilities from birth to young adults. Located in Minneapolis, it serves families across the nation, as well as those in Minnesota. Parents can find publications, workshops, and other resources to help make decisions about education, vocational training, employment, and other services for their children with disabilities. PACER’s National Bullying Prevention Center provides resources designed to benefit all students, including those with disabilities.

http://www.pacer.org/livestream/?wksp=FF2F0CE1-2AC2-449C-8111-BFABA7C84FA7