Parent Mentoring: Support for the Parents of Children with Mental Illness

Mental illness was once believed to affect mostly adults and not children, but now we know that’s not the case. According to a 2016 study, 1 in 6 children between the ages of 6 and 17 have a mental health disorder such as depression, anxiety or attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). And by age 14, 50 percent of mental illness begins. 

If your child has a mental health disorder, this might be new territory for you. Even if you’ve struggled with mental illness in the past, children have a different set of needs than adults. Additionally, not all antidepressant medications are safe for children, which means you may have no choice but to treat the symptoms with therapy and lifestyle adjustments. 

Thankfully, you are not alone in this journey. Parent mentoring services are available to help you work through the challenges of raising a child with mental illness. Unfortunately, kids who come from poverty, single-parent families or marital difficulties are more likely to have a mental health disorder, which means you might be facing many problems at once. 

Bridge the Gap offers both in-person and virtual parent mentoring services. We are committed to our clients and their families - and we are here for YOU! 

How Parent Mentoring Services Can Support Your Journey 

Parenting is difficult no matter what, but raising a child with mental illness presents unique challenges. Because there is no manual to succeeding in this role, it’s important to utilize the support services you have available such as parent mentoring. These services can help prevent parent burnout.

Here are some of the ways that therapeutic mentoring services can help you and your child. 

Grow your patience 

You can’t expect your child to just snap out of depression or overcome their anxiety. Mental health problems alter the brain and require professional treatment to improve their symptoms. Things like tough love and ultimatums don't work and can actually make your child’s symptoms worse. 

A parent mentor will help you develop more patience by teaching you ways to manage your anger and frustration. Some of the things that work well for parents are deep breathing, journaling, meditating, exercise and support groups. 

Educate yourself on your child’s condition 

Another way a parent mentor can help is by educating you on your child’s condition. Even if you’ve done a lot of reading, it can be productive to hear it from someone else’s mouth. Or your mentor can recommend some helpful resources you can read at home. 

As adults, we sometimes assume the symptoms of mental illness are the same in children, but they often aren’t. For example, some children are considered “out of control” when really, it’s their mental health disorder causing erratic behavior. Also, the symptoms of a disorder can change depending on the child’s age.

Get your child help at school 

The more you know about your child’s condition, the better you can inform others as well. Your child’s school, for example, may not be aware of your child’s disorder or how symptoms present themselves. A parent mentor can help you write a letter to the school or prepare for a meeting. This way, you can communicate your child’s needs effectively while knowing they are being properly cared for when you can’t be there. 

Also, if your child is not doing well in their classes, you can get them help with a therapeutic mentor. Bridge the Gap supports the family in many different ways, including setting goals, prioritizing a schedule, transitioning and making friends. 

Become a more effective parent 

Because mental illness often causes changes in behavior, it’s important that you know how to be an effective parent. Parent mentoring services provide support and guidance as you navigate this chapter in your life. Raising a child with mental illness comes with many feelings, and you’ll need effective and productive ways to deal with them. Otherwise, these feelings can come in between you and your child and cause more strife.

Bridge the Gap keeps parents connected by providing daily check-ins, bi-weekly support groups, family therapy, education and more. We want parents like you to know that they are not alone and that what they’re going through for their circumstances is normal. Fortunately, you’re not the first person to go through this (or the last), so you can learn from others who have been in your shoes. 

Take Advantage of Parent Mentoring Services Today 

Unfortunately, children are not exempt from developing a mental health disorder. It’s important to know that these disorders are not anyone’s fault. They occur because of changes in the brain and the symptoms can manifest as behavioral problems like missing school, acting out or being defiant. 

Thankfully, we know more about mental illness in children than ever before, so there are more options and solutions to treating these conditions with precision. But don’t forget to get help for yourself, as parents need education, support, guidance and breaks too. To learn more about the parent mentoring services available through Bridge the Gap, contact us today.