Empowering Families: Facing Childhood Mental Health Challenges Together
Tanya Trevett, M.Ed., Author, Speaker, Peer Parent, and Coach, stands at the forefront of mental health advocacy for families. She helps parents and children learn how to successfully navigate mental health challenges with less stress and more confidence, leading to a pathway of hope and healing.
When your child is diagnosed with a mental health condition, it can feel overwhelming. Suddenly, you are faced with uncertainty and countless questions. As a parent, you may be feeling helpless. Although these feelings are valid, it is important to remember that there are numerous resources and support systems that can lead your family to a pathway of hope and healing. This op-ed offers insights into three key takeaways for parents who are starting this journey: embracing the emotional impact, the importance of becoming an advocate, and the power of fostering resilience.
Embracing the emotional impact of your child’s mental health challenge is an important first step. Parents may have feelings of guilt, sadness, and fear, while siblings may feel overlooked or struggle with their own fears or sadness. Open communication within the family is crucial to ensure everyone’s emotions are addressed and validated. Each family member should feel heard, validated, and supported. It is important to find professional help for your child, as well as yourself and other family members, as you are all on this journey together.
With a child’s mental health diagnosis comes additional parental responsibilities: that of an advocate. As an advocate for your child, you will want to educate yourself about your child’s mental health condition, understand the available treatment options, and learn how to navigate the mental healthcare system effectively. Along with your child, you will be working with professionals to learn effective coping strategies that will help your child manage life at home and in school. The more knowledgeable you become, the better you will be able to make informed decisions and become an integral part of your child’s treatment team.
Parents must also advocate for their child in the school setting. Work closely with your child’s school to ensure appropriate accommodations are in place. This may entail developing an Individualized Education Program (IEP) or a 504 Plan to address your child’s needs at school. Advocacy is about creating an environment where your child’s needs are met and their voice is heard. Empower your child to express their feelings and needs, advocating for their rights at home and in school to ensure they are setting themselves up for success.
The difficult journey of parenting a child with a mental health challenge is often a marathon, not a sprint. It requires patience, adaptability, and resilience. Fostering resilience in the family is important for the entire family. Parents need to prioritize self-care, with the understanding that they can’t pour from an empty cup. Taking care of a child with a mental health challenge is exhausting and can lead to parental burnout. Remember this is a journey, requiring you to adapt to changing circumstances, embracing the unknown, and celebrating small victories along the way.
In summary, while a child’s mental health diagnosis can initially feel overwhelming, parents can navigate this journey successfully by understanding the emotional impact, becoming strong advocates, and fostering resilience within the family. The journey may be challenging, but it’s important to remember that you are not alone, and resources are available to support you. As you support your child through their mental health challenge, remember that with resilience, patience, and empowerment, you are not just helping them survive, you are helping them thrive.
For more information about mental health coach Tanya Trevett, M.Ed., visit: http://www.tanyatrevett.com
