Caregiver talking with their child about mental health.

Understanding and Explaining Mental Health To A Child: Know the Signs & How To Help

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Mental health is just as important as physical health. Let’s repeat that together; mental health is just as important as physical health!

Now more than ever, parents and caregivers need to talk to their children about what it means to have good mental health. Mental illness is a serious condition that affects mood, thinking, and behavior. It can make it hard to do everyday tasks and enjoy life. So, how do you maintain an open line of communication with your kids? Here are some ways to get the conversation started when it comes to explaining the importance of mental health to your child. Read more

Meridian HealthCare withdrawal management program (detox) facility.

9 Types of Behavioral Health Therapy to Improve Your Child’s Mental Health

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Children have a lot of feelings swirling around, whether or not a mental health condition is present — and it can often be hard for them to express things clearly. Mental health services provide helpful tools for children so that they can learn the skills needed for regulating their emotions. 

If your child is struggling with behavior issues, such as anger management or tantrums, there are many effective types of behavioral health therapy for kids.

*If this is an emergency, please call 9-1-1. Read more

Residential treatment facility at Meridian.

Can You Prevent Your Children From Inheriting Addiction Problems?

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Addiction is a complex disease that can be difficult to overcome, and unfortunately prevention is never guaranteed. It often runs in families, and unfortunately, children of addicts are at a higher risk of developing addiction problems themselves. But does this mean that addiction is hereditary? And are there steps you can take to TRY to prevent your child from inheriting your addiction? 

Disclaimer: Addiction looks different for everyone. This article will make general statements about addiction and is not meant to diagnose or suggest treatment. If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction, contact a treatment center. 

*If this is an emergency, please call 9-1-1. Read more

Child mental health counselor talking with an adolescent.

Understanding Adolescent and Children’s Mental Health Statistics

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As a parent or guardian, it’s natural to worry about your child’s health, and it can be scary when you start noticing signs of a mental health struggle in your son or daughter.

Current child mental health statistics show that mental health disorders are more common than you may realize. (In fact, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services estimates that nearly half of all adolescents experience a mental health disorder at some point in their lives.) It’s important to seek help when you notice emotional distress, because in many cases, these issues can be part of a larger problem. Every single day, young children and adolescents are treated for mental illnesses — and successfully. There is help out there!

*If you think your child might have a mental health disorder, do not self-diagnose. Instead, reach out to a mental health care provider.

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Child mental health counselor during counseling session.

Finding the Right Therapist: How to Choose a Child Mental Health Counselor

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There are lots of reasons that children can benefit from talking to a counselor. Whether to treat a mental illness or to simply build up self-esteem, talking with a mental health professional is a simple step that can make a big difference. However, it’s also important to know how to choose a child mental health counselor, because not every professional is a good fit!

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Parent practicing skills for how to nurture a child's mental health.

How to Nurture Your Child’s Mental Health for a Happier, Healthier Life

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If you’re a parent or guardian, chances are that you have worried about your child’s mental health at one point or another. Whether you’ve had concerns about anxiety, depression, poor self-esteem, eating disorders, or other problems, in the end you just want to rest assured that you can positively impact your child’s ability to grow and thrive.

The good news is that many adolescent mental health conditions can be successfully treated, especially when identified early on. The sooner you seek help for your child, the better chance they have to overcome their challenges and avoid more serious issues in the future. Read on to learn more about how to nurture your child’s mental health.

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Child at a counseling session.

Signs That Can Mean Your Child Needs Counseling Support

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Sometimes it’s difficult to tell the difference between normal growing pains and a serious emotional struggle. Children who are depressed, anxious, or dealing with other mental health concerns often know that something feels wrong, but find it difficult to get the help they need.

According to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1 in 6 children (aged 2-8 years) have a mental, behavioral, or developmental disorder.  Sadly, pediatricians and parents often mistake the early symptoms of childhood depression for normal moodiness or other behavioral problems, such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). So, the importance of early detection and treatment for children with mental health issues cannot be stressed enough.

If you think your child is struggling but you’re not sure if he or she needs professional help, you may want to take a closer look at their day-to-day behavior. Below are some of the most common warning signs that your child needs therapy support.

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