This week I want to give some guidance to parents whose children are dealing with mental health problems, how to approach them and help them cope. I think it is interesting to talk about it from my point of view, because the depression and eating disorders that I’ve had my family isn’t really aware of even now, since I never managed to tell them the truth. I was always too … [Read more...]
Parenting a Teen with Mental Illness: A Parent’s Grief
What is the hardest thing about parenting children with mental illness? Some things are harder in the moment, while other things are harder to bear over time. For parents like myself whose struggling children do not respond to treatment and/or accommodations relatively quickly, ambiguous grief can be especially devastating. Precious childhoods are lost forever to endless … [Read more...]
The Hardest Part About Parenting a Teen with Anxiety
I’m not writing to evoke your sympathy. I know that virtually all the contributors in this amazing community are teens. So what do I hope to get from this post? I would love for some parents to step up and start writing about the experiences with the anxiety in their teen’s life. Let’s talk about how to help her/him. Let’s ask the questions where the answers are not so obvious. … [Read more...]
Should I See A Therapist?
Some of you reading this have gone to therapy and have seen the benefits it can provide. Others reading this might be dealing with a mental health issue but haven’t tried going to therapy and this post is for you. I've been there I get it because I have been in your place. There is a stigma of going to a therapist and having a mental health issue. Another reason it took me … [Read more...]
10 Ways to Get Through to Your Teen: Advice for Parents with Teens Struggling with a Mental Health Disorder
Having a child who deals with mental illness can be a difficult path to maneuver. You obviously love your child and would do anything to help them, but what exactly do they need from you? As someone who lives with anxiety, here are ten things that I would advise parents to keep in mind in warranted situations. Avoid snooping into their private business. While it may be … [Read more...]