Youth Mental Health

 With the school year off in full gear, kids are experiencing many exciting activities with peers. However, the change of the school year can also bring about multiple transitions which can normally increase stress. Transitions including: new environments, new peers, new staff, new homework and more. Research tells us that children look to parents and caregivers for advice and help on tough decisions. Sometimes spending 15 minutes a day talking can reassure kids that they can talk to their parents if they have a problem. Start conversations about daily life and feelings with questions like these:

•What was one good thing that happened today? Any bad things?

•What is lunch time like at your school? Who do you sit with? What do you talk about?

•What is it like to ride the school bus?

•What are you good at? What do you like best about yourself?

 Some degree of stress is normal. These questions can support building open lines of communication with parents which is a natural stress reliever. It also supports children in processing their feelings associated with situations, identifying strengths and positives and practicing gratitude. These are all healthy skills to support children in managing feelings.

 Sometimes, the stress can get to a point where you are wondering if seeking support for your child could be of help. Possible signs could include (but are not limited to) avoiding specific situations and people, having difficulty with sleep, having worries or fears that interfere with daily activities, losing interest in activities they typically enjoy or experiencing any type of extreme distress. Brookings has a lot of different resources in place to support families and youth in dealing with stress. 

You can access the Brookings County Mental Health Resource Guide here: http://www.helplinecenter.org/wp-content/uploads/HLCRD-Brookings-Area-Mental-Health-Guide.pdf

You can access Lake County Basic Needs Guide here: http://www.helplinecenter.org/wp-content/uploads/HLCRD-Lake-County-Basic-Needs-Guide.pdf

You can access Yankton County Basic Needs Guide here: http://www.helplinecenter.org/wp-content/uploads/HLCRD-Yankton-County-Basic-Needs-Guide.pdf

 Reaching out for support is normal and okay. It does not mean that as a parent you have done anything wrong or that you are a failure. It simply means you are wondering about what could support your child and your family through the difficulties you are experiencing. All of us benefit from expert’s knowledge in practicing new skills and habits to support a healthy lifestyle. Those experts can include a Primary Care Physician, an Athletic Trainer, a Dietician and even a Mental Health Therapist.

You can help the Brookings County and City Mental Health Taskforce learn about current strengths and needed supports to help     Boys & Girls Club youth and families.