Parenting can often be isolating, especially when raising a child who struggles with their mental health. However, you don't have to be in this alone. Our Family Support Partners (FSPs) are here, and they want to help.
To better show how working with an FSP can be an asset to you and your family check out our new segment - Ask an FSP! You will get a sneak peak into the real life challenges that families are facing across the state and how an FSP can help these families address, understand, and navigate them.
"My son and I were driving the other day and he asked me if I ever had depression. I was caught totally off guard - I never would have guessed that he was going to ask me that. I let him know that I had a hard couple of months in college after my mom passed away.
He told me he thinks he feels depressed but he doesn't know why. He said he has no energy to do anything and he just feels like he "doesn't care."
I assured him that his mother and I are always here for him and that I was grateful for him talking to me. I told him that his mother and I would get him help so he doesn't have to keep feeling like this. However, I don't really know exactly how to do that. What should my first step be?"
"You have already taken your first step and you did it beautifully. The best thing you can do when your child is coming to you about their mental health is listen. You listened and validated his feelings - great job dad. I know that that can be a scary feeling to hear that your child is struggling in anyway so I applaud your composure.
I also loved how you were honest about times when you struggled and shared those with your son. This connection between you two can really help your son feel less alone in his own struggle.
I want to remind you that you are not a mental health professional. It is not your job in this situation to "fix things". Despite wanting to, you will not have all the perfect answers and terms.
This is not like a broken bone with a clear path to healing and then it's done and over with. It is important that you continue to talk to your son and regularly check in on how he's doing and feeling. Struggles with depression will not go away overnight.
Your job in this moment is to connect your child with someone who can help him. A professional who can help him navigate and understand the way he is feeling right now. Many parents don't know that their child's pediatrician can be a great place to start this process.
Make an appointment for your son to see his doctor. Tell your son you made this appointment with the purpose of addressing his mental health. This will help him feel like you're being proactive and doing what you said you'd do.
Before the appointment sit down with your son and chat about it. Ask him if he wants you to go back with him or if he's comfortable talking to the doctor on his own.
Once the appointment arrives you and your son, or just your son, can chat with the doctor about the best next step. The doctor can discuss whether or not a medication could be helpful, or give you a referral for a behavioral health specialist.
Another quick thing I would mention to this dad and any parent who's child is struggling is to read up on PA's Mental Health Consent Law now and thank yourself later. If your child is in the age range of 14-17, or even nearing the age of 14 I highly recommend reading up on it and making sure you know what you and your families rights are regarding mental health treatment for your child."
This dad who wrote in to our FSPs needed validation that he handled that intimidating conversation correctly, and help figuring out the best next step to help his son thrive.
Does that sound like something you could use right now too? Would you like to talk to someone who understands what it's like to raise a child who struggles with their mental health and won't judge anything about your situation?
Do you need to vent in a safe place that can help you figure out your next step?
You're in luck! Any Pennsylvania parent can call our FSPs and get a real live person on the other end who is ready to listen and support.
Book a time today or give us a call at 570-664-8615 and we will get back to you within 48 business hours!