Know how to talk about mental health with your child

Carlton D'souza, Counselling Psychologist, Dept. of Mental Health and Behavioural Sciences, S. L. Raheja Fortis Hospital, briefs you about how to spot the warning signs in children.

Written By: Editorial Team | Updated : October 17, 2018 12:10 PM IST

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Teens may not always be able to express what they're going through, and they might not want to talk about. It is essential as a parent to learn how to talk about mental health with them to help them feel comfortable and end the stigma before it begins. Carlton D'souza, Counselling Psychologist, Dept. of Mental Health and Behavioural Sciences, S. L. Raheja Fortis Hospital, tells you how to help your child.

Watch out for these signs:

They may often come across as irritable and cranky, more than sad
They may feel misjudged or highly sensitive to criticism
Frequent drug and alcohol abuse
Low self-esteem that may play out as expressions of hostility, embarrassment, unworthiness and failure they may spend excessive time on gadgets
Changes in appetite and odd eating habits
Feelings of worthlessness and guilt
Staying away from social and family relationships
Difficulty in concentrating

The conversation that will help protect your teen

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Make them realize that you are there from them: Let them know you're there for them entirely and whenever they want. Be careful as to not to ask too many questions. Maintain their space; you don't want them to feel crowded or patronized.

Put the invite out there: At times starting the conversation is the stiffest part. 'Are you okay? I'm here if you ever want to talk.''You seem a little down/ worried/ exhausted/ sad lately. Is that how you're feeling at the moment?' Then, subject to the answer, 'Would you like to talk about it?'
Be gentle but persistent and available but not invasive: Your teen might not open up straight away and that's okay. Keep trying but be alert of pushing too hard. It is vital to keep making yourself available for when they're ready.
Don't try to talk them out of their depression: Even if their thinking seems unreasonable, it isn't that way to them. Endorse them, 'It's bothering you isn't it,' or 'I can see how upset you are,' so they know they can come to you again.

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