You Are Not Alone: Essential Strategies for Parents on Youth Mental Health

Youth mental health is a pressing concern today, as children face increasing challenges in managing their emotional well-being.

In this episode of the Where Parents Talk podcast, host Lianne Castelino speaks to Dr. Christine Crawford, a child and adult psychiatrist.

She highlights the alarming reality that mental health symptoms can manifest as early as three years old, with significant issues like depression and suicidal thoughts emerging in very young children.

The shortage of mental health providers exacerbates this crisis, leaving many kids without the support they desperately need. Dr. Crawford's new book, "You Are Not Alone for Parents and Caregivers," serves as a comprehensive resource for caregivers navigating the complexities of their child's mental health journey.

Throughout the discussion, key topics such as communication, device usage, bullying, and the impact of social media are explored, emphasizing the importance of understanding and connecting with children to foster their emotional and physical health.

Takeaways:

• Youth mental health challenges can manifest as early as three years old, which is alarming.
• Communication about emotions is crucial; parents should encourage children to express their feelings.
• Significant delays in accessing mental health treatment can worsen children's emotional health struggles.
• The book 'You Are Not Alone' serves as a comprehensive guide for parents navigating mental health.
• Parents must recognize red flags such as withdrawal or changes in behavior to seek help promptly.
• Children’s mental health can be affected by bullying and social media, requiring vigilant parental oversight.

Companies mentioned in this episode:

• NAMI
• Boston University School of Medicine

This podcast is for parents, guardians, teachers and caregivers to learn proven strategies and trusted tips on raising kids, teens and young adults based on science, evidenced and lived experience.

In this podcast, we explore the impact of hormonal changes, device usage, and social media on discipline, communication, and independence.

You’ll learn the latest on topics like managing bullying, consent, fostering healthy relationships, and the interconnectedness of mental, emotional and physical health.

Links referenced in this episode:

• whereparentstalk.com