For Parents of Youth
Mental Illness and Your Child
Just the thought that your child is struggling with their mental health can seem like a crisis. Know that you are not alone, and there are people who can and want to help with support, information and resources.
It's important to know what to look for, when to worry and how to respond.
(For information on young children (up to age 13) and mental health, visit NAMI.org.)
Mental Illness Is No One's Fault
Having a mental illness is not a choice, a weakness, or a character flaw. It's not something that just “passes” or can be “snapped out of” with will power. It does not mean that a person is broken or that they, or their family, did something “wrong.”
Learn as much as you can about mental health conditions. Having a better understanding of what your child may be experiencing can help you better support them.
Learn about mental illness, causes, symptoms, treatment, and more >
NAMI Basics OnDemand
NAMI Basics OnDemand is a free, self-paced online class for parents, caregivers and other family who provide care for youth ages 22 or younger who are experiencing mental health symptoms.
Guided by parents and family members with lived experience, Basics OnDemand offers strategies for understanding emotional and behavioral difficulties, and the opportunity to connect with other parents and caregivers.
Learn more about Basics OnDemand >
Make Talking About Mental Health Part of Family Life
Begin having frequent emotional “check ins” early in your child's life. Making this a routine part of family life creates a safe space where your child will likely feel more comfortable coming to you and sharing openly when they experience challenges.
Additionally, if you notice that your child seems to be struggling and ask them about it, they may be more receptive to sharing with you, knowing that you will listen in a supportive, non-judgmental way.
- Try leading with these questions, and listen and validate your child's experiences:
- "Can you tell me more about what is happening? How are you feeling?"
- "Have you had feelings like this in the past?"
- "Sometimes you need to talk to an adult about your feelings. I'm here to listen. How can I help you feel better?"
- "Do you feel like you want to talk to someone else about how you're feeling?"
- "I'm worried about your safety. Can you tell me if you have thoughts about harming yourself or others?"
Talking Tips from Young People
Talking About Mental Health: Tips for Parents and Caregivers from Young People was created by young people who have experienced mental health challenges. They shared what has helped and what they wish parents and caregivers would say and do when talking about mental health.
Warning Signs that Your Child May Be Struggling
If your child shows one or more of the following behaviors, it may be time to take action.
- Feeling very sad or withdrawn or easily irritated for more than two weeks.
- Having intense worries or fears that get in the way of daily functioning and activities.
- Trying to harm or kill themselves, or making plans or expressing thoughts about doing so. (Learn about suicide prevention)
- Getting in fights or wanting to hurt others.
- Changes in sleep or appetite.
- Not eating, throwing up, or using laxatives to make themselves lose weight.
- Using drugs or alcohol. (Learn about substance use disorders)
- Experiencing sudden overwhelming fear, impending doom or physical symptoms, such as rapid heart rate, hyperventilation, dizziness or nausea.
- Believing they must repeat certain thoughts (obsessions) or behaviors (compulsions) to prevent something bad from happening.
- Experiencing extreme difficulty controlling behavior, putting themselves in physical danger or causing problems in school.
- Having severe mood swings that cause problems in relationships.
- Showing drastic changes in behavior or personality.
- Changes in school performance.
If your child reports seeing or hearing things that are not there, without the influence of drugs or alcohol, it may be an episode of psychosis. Such episodes might also include: spontaneous violent behavior, denial of reality, nonsensical and paranoid claims, removal of clothing, reckless and dangerous behavior, or claims of invincibility and other special powers. Seek medical help immediately.
Be Especially Aware During Difficult Situations
Pay particular attention to your child’s reactions if they are experiencing difficult events or situations, like:
- Grief and loss, such as the death of a loved one.
- Divorce or separation of their parents.
- Military deployment of a parent.
- Any major transition — new home, new school, etc.
- Traumatic life experiences, like living through a natural disaster.
- Domestic violence, teasing, bullying or harassment. (Learn more at stopbullying.gov)
- Difficulties in school or with classmates.
Actions You Can Take to Help Your Child
- Learn all you can about mental illness. Education about mental health and mental health conditions can give you a better understanding of what your child may be experiencing. Learn more about mental illness here.
NAMI's Basics OnDemand class teaches parents and caregivers how to cope with their child’s condition and manage their recovery. - Get feedback from others. Consider talking with siblings, other family members, teachers, coaches, clergy — or anyone in your community who knows your child — to see if they have noticed changes in behavior. Hearing others’ perspectives may help to determine how severe the problem may be and to decide what the next steps should be.
- Get a professional opinion. If you are concerned about your child's mental health, talk to your pediatrician, primary care physician or health care provider about whether they think your child could benefit from seeing a mental health professional. They can also be helpful in providing resources or referrals in your community.
- Gather as much detailed information as you can about:
- - Past mental health evaluations and other medical records.
- - Descriptions of symptoms, when they began, and whether they have changed over time.
- - Any medications or other medical treatments that your child is receiving.
- - Anything else that you think might be helpful.
Mental Health Care and Your Child
- Different types of mental health care professionals provide different kinds of help. Some prescribe and monitor medication, and others provide therapy and counseling. They also may work in different settings.
Learn more about types of mental health care professionals and their areas of training and expertise. - Treatment for mental illness varies by diagnosis and by person. Even people with the same diagnosis will have different needs, goals and objectives for treatment. It’s important to be informed, and to work with your child's mental health care provider to determine which approach will work best for your child.
Learn more about treatment options for mental health conditions.
Mental Health Care Resources
- Contact the NAMI Jacksonville Helpline (call 904-323-4723 or email helpline@namijax.org) for non-emergency information on how to find mental health professionals and treatment resources in Northeast Florida. (Please note that we are unable to provide specific recommendations to individual providers.)
- See the NAMI Jacksonville Resource Directory for available resources in the Northeast Florida area.
- Find national directories of mental health professionals and treatment facilities on PsychologyToday.com, SAMHSA's FindTreatment.gov website, or the CDC's Mental Health Resources page.
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