Learn
Step #2: Learn About Potential Problems
Parents need to educate themselves about problems with the mind and emotions. Unfortunately, this information is not included in most material related to parenting even though a wealth of material is available. Below you will find some Basic Steps you can take to educate yourself quickly and some Extended Steps you can take when you are able to devote more time. The extended steps include links to some of the many websites that exist to inform parents about this important topic.
Basic Steps
Print and Post a Factsheet on Depression
The symptoms of depression, one of the most common mental disorders, are many and vary by individual. Download this printable list of symptoms to post on your refrigerator, in your office, or to carry with you.
Watch Short Videos on Teen Depression
Day for Night: Recognizing Teenage Depression--Symptoms of Depression in Teens: During a one-minute segment, teens and a health professional speak about the signs and symptoms of depression.
Interview produced by Akron's Children's Hospital: Watch or listen to this 30-minute dialogue packed with insightful information. Child and adolescent psychiatrists Stephen Cosby, MD, and Laura Rocker, MD, share their thoughts on the emotional and psychological difficulties facing many teens today. They answer questions that were emailed by parents of teens. If you are a parent of preteens or teens, this discussion will be helpful and well worth your time.
Depression: Out of the Shadows: This is a excellent documentary from PBS about depression. If you are short on time, watch chapters 2 and 3, which will take 15 minutes.
Read an Article on Teen Depression
Take ten minutes to read this short article by Rebecca Hagelin, author of 30 Ways in 30 Days to Save Your Family. Inform yourself about the prevalence and symptoms of teen depression and what you should do about it.
Extended Steps
Read a Book on the Mental Health of Children
For an in-depth understanding of how to care for your child's mind and emotions, you may want to read the book, Straight Talk about Your Child's Mental Health: What to Do When Something Seems Wrong. In this book, prominent Harvard researcher Dr. Stephen V. Faraone gives parents the tools they need to look clearly at how a child is feeling, thinking, and behaving and make wise decisions about when to call for professional help.
To see the table of contents and read the first chapter, use this link to see the book at Google Books. Read First Chapter
Take Online Training
Alive to Thrive: A free online resource from Focus on the Family that helps you learn about issues that can lead to suicide, and we’ll teach you how to address them long before your child might ever entertain thoughts of ending his or her life.
Additional Resources for Learning
See a List of Emotional Disorders From A to Z
The Child Mind Institute provides helpful information about a variety of disorders that affect children in their Children's Mental Health Guide. You can gain an understanding of what the disorders are, their symptoms, and treatments.
Links to Sites with More Information
The JED Foundation Parents Page
SAVE: Suicide Awareness Voices of Education
ParentsAware.org, 4750 Beechnut Drive, Saint Joseph, MI 49085-9321, mail@parentsaware.org
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