JeffCo Health Department Update: 5/26/2021

Children have played an important role in my personal and professional life. Children bring joy and energy to life. As a child, I wanted to grow up to be a mother or a nurse. I have had the fortune of becoming both. As an adult, I recognize the best blessing was becoming a grandmother. Much of my adult life has been spent promoting children’s health.

The basics for keeping children physically healthy include safety, nutritious food, exercise and immunizations. Caring for our children’s mental health is just as important as caring for their physical health however, the basics for children’s mental health are not always as clear. Mental health matters, therefore, we need to treat children’s mental health like we treat their physical health by giving it thought and attention. At times we may need to consider professional help.

Promoting a child’s mental health includes creating feelings of security, fostering growth and encouraging healthy relationships. Building a child’s confidence and competence creates the foundations for a strong self-esteem. Building up a child’s strengths works to help protect them from genetic, biological or environmental “risks” to their mental health. These strengths can be the tools that help them succeed.

Preventing or treating illness or broken bones can require professional help. If you have concerns that a child may be experiencing mental health issues, it is important to seek help from a health care provider. As parents, we know our children best. Trust your instincts. As educators, think about mental health as an important component of readiness to learn. As health care providers it is important to recognize mental health as part of a child’s overall health and provide appropriate care. Caring for a child’s mental health matters. Be informed and know the warning signs. Consider consulting a professional if your child:

• Feels very sad, hopeless or irritable

• Feels overly anxious or worried

• Is excessively angry

• Uses alcohol or drugs

• Feels scared and fearful; experiences frequent nightmares

• Avoids people; wants to be alone all of the time

• Can’t concentrate, sit still or focus attention

• Talks of suicide

• Has major changes in eating or sleeping habits

• Hurts other people or animals; or damages property

• Loses interest in friend or activities usually enjoyed

• Falls behind in school

Talking about mental health is important. It increases awareness. It makes topics around stress, anxiety, fear and feelings common. As adults, we can show our children it is okay to talk about and care for our mental health. Reach out and connect with others who can offer support. You are not alone.

• Center for Parent Information and Resources http://www.parentcenterhub.org

• American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry http://www.aacap.org

• Kids Mental Health Information Portal http://www.kidsmentalhealth.org

• Mental Health America http://www.mentalhealthamerica.net

• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-TALK