You’ve taken the first big step into understanding your child’s mental health. With a diagnosis of depression by a mental health professional, it may not feel like a “congratulatory” moment, but it’s an action you and your child should be proud of – asking for help is the first step in any healing journey. Having an actual diagnosis is essential in helping your child and gives you a better understanding of what is going on in your child’s brain.
After the diagnosis, it’s key to create a safe, consistent, and supportive home that fosters healing and growth. Here are some actions you can take to start the process.
- Follow through with the treatment plan.
Once your child is diagnosed, you and your family should have received resources from your mental health professional on how to proceed, as well as the steps to create safety and care plans for you and your child. Always have a copy of the treatment plan in your home so you have easy access to making sure the care plan is being followed. Make sure to ask the professional any questions you may have, get their contact information, check if you need to pick up any prescriptions, and take time to read through your child’s resources and understand their services.
As your child adjusts to their new routines, medications, therapy, and other aspects of their treatment plan, continue to make time to connect with your child to see how they are feeling, and how they feel their therapy and other services are going. Ask if they need support, emotional or otherwise. Make time for weekly or daily check-ins and take note of any warning signs that may pop up.
Make sure to stay in touch with your child’s service providers. Through them, you can learn what coping skills are being taught to your child so you can ensure your child is practicing them. If your child has been recommended a certain type of therapy, like talk therapy, look for a therapist who will work for your child and set up appointments.
- Create a safe home environment.
It’s important for your child to have a safe and supportive environment where they feel comfortable and can practice coping skills. Make sure your child has a “comfort zone,” which can be anywhere, say their bedroom or a game room, where they can go to manage their emotions and have access to coping mechanisms like pillows, fidget toys, journals, or written reminders and posters to support them through a challenge.
Another important part of healing is creating established and predictable routines for your child. Consistency and stability can play a huge role in your child’s mental health as it encourages feelings of safety and security.
- Address the stigma.
Mental health and mental health care can carry a stigma of shame or embarrassment, especially for children and young people. When checking in with your child, take a curious approach to talking with them. If they are feeling embarrassed or ashamed, take the time to understand why they are feeling that way. Validate those emotions, while at the same time, try your best to help them understand that their mental health does not define them. It is not WHO they are, it’s something they experience. The purpose of a diagnosis is not to “label” or “identify” someone, it’s a way to guide treatment and support someone who is struggling. There is no shame in taking care of yourself.
Remember to be patient. Healing is not linear, there will be good days and there will be bad days. Your child will need time to adjust to their new treatment plan. Give them the love and support they need, and best of luck to you and your child on this healing journey.
This blog article was contributed by Sophie Lucas, Clinical Supervisor at the Southeast Regional Crisis Center.
Nexus Family Healing is a national nonprofit mental health organization that restores hope for thousands of children and families who come to us for community mental health services, foster care and adoption, and residential treatment. For over 50 years, our network of agencies has used innovative, personalized approaches to heal trauma, break cycles of harm, and reshape futures. We believe every child is worth it — and every family matters. Access more resources at nexusfamilyhealing.org/resources.