Although mental health problems such as anxiety and depression can look different from person to person, here is a list of possible signs that your child might be in emotional distress:
-Sad mood
-Feeling restless/agitated
-Anger or irritability
-Difficulty concentrating
-Changes in appetite
-Sleep problems
-Loss of interest in activities that were motivating
-Being withdrawn
-Changes in behavior or aggression
-Use of alcohol or drugs
Common signs of anxiety include:
-Excessive feelings of tension, worry or panic
-Physical signs such as rapid heartbeat, sweating, trembling, restlessness
-Somatic complaints without obvious illness
-Frequent avoidance in activities
Common signs of depression include:
-Loss of interest
-Sad mood/crying spells
-Feelings of worthlessness or of “being a burden”
-Inability to concentrate
-Changes in sleep, appetite, energy level
-Irritability
-Impulsive or destructive behavior
Although fleeting feelings of sadness or anxiety are common, persistent signs of anxiety or depression warrant assessment by a mental health or medical professional. You and your child can access help by contacting:
-School guidance counselor/social worker
-Pediatrician
Online/phone/text resources include:
-NYC Well – nyc.gov/nycwell (phone: 1-888-692-9355 or text WELL to 65173)
-The American Psychological Association – www.apa.org-The American Psychiatric Association – Psychiatry.org–TherapySafetyNet.org is a website that provides a list of free or low cost mental health resources
How Parents Can Help:
Perhaps the best way parents can support their children is to listen to them without trying to minimize their concerns. Parents can help by:
-Actively listening to their children’s feelings and letting them know that they are not alone
-Empathizing and validating
-Explaining that negative emotions are a normal part of human experience
-Being honest
-Modeling adequate coping
-Letting children know that it’s ok not to have all the answers
-Letting them know that asking for help is not a sign of weakness
-Answering their questions openly
-Providing reassurance and non-judgment
-Keeping criticism to a minimum
Parents may also find this article helpful: https://childmind.org/article/supporting-teenagers-and-young-adults-during-the-coronavirus-crisis/
