September is Suicide Prevention Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness and connecting individuals with treatment and support. For parents, it’s a vital opportunity to check in on their children’s mental well-being and reinforce the supportive foundation they have at home. Your role is crucial in navigating the sensitive topic of mental health and creating a safe space for your child to open up. This guide offers actionable ways to support your child, not just this month, but all year round.
Fostering Open and Honest Communication
Talking about mental health can feel daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. The key is to create an environment where these conversations are normal, not scary. You don’t need to have all the answers; you just need to be willing to listen.
Actionable Tips for Starting the Conversation:
- Use Casual Openings: Find natural moments to bring up the topic. You could mention a character in a movie or a story in the news to gently introduce the subject of mental health. For example, “I saw a story about how much pressure students are under these days. How have things been for you?”
- Share Your Own Feelings: Normalize vulnerability by sharing your own experiences with stress or sadness in an age-appropriate way. This shows your child that it’s okay to not be okay.
- Ask Open-Ended Questions: Instead of “Are you okay?” which can be answered with a simple “yes,” try asking questions that encourage a more detailed response. “What was the best part of your day?” or “What’s been on your mind lately?” can open the door to deeper discussions.
Recognizing the Warning Signs
One of the most powerful things you can do as a parent is to be attentive. You know your child best. While some moodiness is a normal part of growing up, certain changes in behavior can be warning signs that require closer attention.
Be Attentive to Changes Like:
- Withdrawal: Pulling away from friends, family, and activities they once enjoyed.
- Changes in Mood: Increased irritability, anger, anxiety, or periods of unexplained sadness.
- Shifts in Sleep or Eating Habits: Sleeping much more or less than usual, or significant changes in appetite.
- Decline in School Performance: A noticeable drop in grades or lack of interest in school.
- Expressing Hopelessness: Making comments about feeling trapped, being a burden to others, or having no reason to live.
Trust your instincts. If something feels off, it’s worth exploring further.
Building a Supportive Home Environment
Your home should be a sanctuary where your child feels seen, heard, and valued. This sense of security is a powerful protective factor for their mental health.
How to Create a Stigma-Free Zone:
- Practice Active Listening: When your child talks to you, put your phone down and give them your full attention. Hear them out without judgment or immediately trying to fix their problems. Validate their feelings by saying things like, “That sounds really difficult,” or “I understand why you would feel that way.”
- Emphasize Strengths: Regularly acknowledge your child’s efforts and resilience. Remind them of their strengths and past successes, especially when they are feeling down on themselves.
- Set Healthy Boundaries: Structure and routine can provide a sense of stability. This includes encouraging healthy habits around screen time, sleep, and physical activity.
Support Resources:
If you or your child need immediate support, please reach out.
- 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988 anytime for free, confidential support.
- The Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741 to connect with a crisis counselor.
