Talking about mental health with children and adolescents is essential to help them understand their emotions and to show support in seeking psychological help when necessary. According to the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), promoting mental health and preventing disorders are considered fundamental for the prosperity of children and adolescents and to prevent conditions that extend into adulthood.
With this in mind, the Brazilian Psychiatric Association (ABP) launched a booklet on Wednesday (11) with practical guidelines for parents and guardians on how to talk about mental health with their children and adolescents. The document lists tips on appropriate language for each age group, guidelines on how to create an open environment for dialogue and how to teach how to normalize different types of feelings.
“Talking about mental health to children and adolescents is important to help them understand and manage their emotions, but it is essential to understand that children and adolescents are not mini adults and therefore need specific strategies for them, where age range, language, developmental assessment and even learning need to be taken into account”, begins the text.
Among the tips listed in the booklet to address the topic of mental health for children and adolescents are:
- Use simple and clear language, adapted to the child’s age and avoiding technical terms that the child may have difficulty understanding;
- Be open and accessible, creating an environment where the child feels safe to talk about their feelings without judgment;
- Use stories, books, films, drawings to illustrate points about mental health in a way that is understandable for the child’s age;
- Normalize feelings and explain that it is normal to feel emotions such as sadness, anger and joy;
- Teach coping strategies, with practical tools for dealing with emotions, such as deep breathing, counting to ten or talking to a trusted adult — and, in necessary cases, health professionals;
- Encourage emotional expression by encouraging the child or adolescent to talk about how they feel and express their feelings;
- Reinforce the child’s qualities and achievements, helping them develop self-esteem.
The booklet also provides guidance on how to adapt conversations according to the age of the children. For those between 4 and 7 years old, the guidance is to use simple terms and make analogies. For those between 8 and 12 years old, it is possible to provide more details and use concrete examples.
When to seek professional help?
The document also advises parents to be alert to signs of mental health disorders, such as sudden changes in behavior. Other warning signs may include persistent sadness, disinterest in activities that were previously enjoyable, changes in appetite and sleep, and persistent complaints at school.
In cases of persistent or serious mental health problems, the ABP recommends consulting a psychiatrist specializing in children and adolescents. “Monitor the child or adolescent’s reaction, maintain a routine and be aware of changes in behavior or mood that may indicate that they are having difficulty dealing with information. If necessary, seek specialized help,” it advises.
To encourage children and adolescents to undergo treatment, it is also important to explain that a professional can help them deal with their emotions, as well as medication and other activities, such as sports and leisure.
This content was originally published in the booklet on how to talk about mental health with children and adolescents on the CNN Brasil website.
Source: CNN Brasil
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