September 15, 2020
How Children and Adolescents Can Benefit from Mental Telehealth
What is Mental Telehealth?
Now more than ever parents are encouraged to care for their children's mental health. A popular choice for busy parents is telehealth. This gives you a unique opportunity to make sure your child gets any help they might need without needing to leave the house. We can all agree that Telehealth is a great way to promote emotional health, but how do you know when your child might need that extra help?
The Stigma Surrounding Mental Health Help
First, it's important to understand that just because your child might need help dealing with their emotional health doesn't mean that they're weak. Therapy is beneficial for children who are struggling but it is also beneficial for children who aren't. Even people who don't struggle with their mental health often see a therapist just to have a non-biased 3rd party to talk to.
Please also understand that addressing any issues your child may have now will help them combat those issues and recover a lot faster than if it is pushed off until adulthood. The problem is that a lot of parents don't realize that their child is struggling right away.
Signs Your Child May Need Mental Health Help
So here are some examples of signs that you can look for in your child that might mean they are struggling and could benefit from therapy for adolescents:
- Your child is pulling away from you, other family members and friends:
This can be difficult to notice because it is normal for your child, as they get older, to become more independent and distance themselves from people that they were previously close to. But if your child seems to be isolating themselves from friends and family, that might be a sign that they are struggling with their emotional health.
- Change in sleeping habits:
We all go through changes in our sleeping habits, especially with a change in our schedules. But if you're noticing that your child is sleeping for a lot longer or even a lot less than normal, this may be tied to their health. Change in sleeping habits is a sign of possible depression, so make sure you encourage your child to talk to a therapist just in case.
- Change in eating habits:
A drastic change in eating habits can also be a sign that your child is struggling. They may even develop an eating disorder if the issue is not addressed quickly enough. Eating habits can have a lot to do with how your child views themselves. So if you notice that your child is making disparaging comments about their body, weight or general looks, then you should really look into getting help for them before it goes any further. We're not always going to love ourselves as much as we should, but children should not be concerned about their weight.
- Parents fighting a lot or getting divorced:
Sometimes we don't realize the affect our lives have on our children. If you and your partner are fighting a lot or considering separation, then you should be aware that this can negatively affect your child's life. Seeing the two people they love the most not getting along or even separating can be incredibly damaging and it is easy for a child to start to blame themselves. It's best to combat this thinking with therapy to ensure your child knows that your fighting or separation is not their fault.
- Moving and changing schools:
Moving can be hard for children and adults. As much effort as it is going to take for you to adjust to moving, it can be even more difficult for your child. Adjusting to a brand-new school can make your child feel anxious because they will have to get used to a brand-new setup, new teachers, new classes and meet new friends. It can be difficult for the new kid to make friends, so having a therapist to talk to can make your child feel less lonely and help them adjust better.
- Any type of traumatic event:
This is a broad category, but if your child has been through anything that a professional would deem as traumatic, it is best to get them into therapy. Emotionally healthy adolescents are fostered by healthy adults who can see when their child is struggling and gets them help. Something traumatic for your child can be any type of physical or emotional abuse or even a single traumatic event. Even if your child seems okay after an event like that, it can't hurt to get them into therapy just to be safe and make sure there are no long-term effects for your child.
- Increased physical ailments:
If you notice an increase in headaches or stomach aches that your child's doctor can't find a reason for, then these symptoms could derive from depression and/or anxiety. This can be especially common in teenagers. Of course, teen therapy is going to be a little different from young adolescent therapy. But getting your teenager into therapy can help with these symptoms if they are linked to emotional issues.
- What to do if you notice any of these issues:
These are just a few examples of things to look for in your child that could indicate that they would benefit from therapy, but the list doesn't end there. You know your child, and if you feel like something isn't right, go with your gut. Even emotionally healthy adolescents can benefit from having someone to talk to.
It can't hurt your child to get them into teen therapy or therapy for adolescents, but there are things you can do to ensure that they have the best possible experience. If you choose telehealth, make sure they are set up in a private space. If they feel like you are constantly watching them and listening in, they may be less likely to open up to a therapist. It can be difficult, but give your child privacy when they truly need it, and it can make a huge difference.