Mental Health Resources for Parents
You want your child to feel their happiest every day. However, chronic or sudden stressors can take a toll on their mental health. While these situations can be challenging to navigate, your children and family aren’t alone. As you’ll see, there are many free mental health resources for teens and parents alike.
Learn More About Supporting Your Children
As a parent or caregiver, you’re one of your child’s most dependable sources of guidance and support. Let them know you’re there for them by recognizing when they’re struggling and offering practical assistance.
Advice for Parents
Depression
LGBTQ+
Mental Health
Suicidal Thoughts
Racism
Talking to Each Other
Self Harm
Back-To-School
Interviews
BPD
Anxiety
DMDD
Advice for Parents
How to Manage Holiday Stress
We can often feel pressure to make the holiday season perfect. Finding the perfect gift, throwing the perfect party, making the perfect meal. All of this can leave us feeling stressed and anxious. So, with the holidays...
Talking to Your Kids About Feelings
Many families have experienced some sort of disruption these past few months. Having conversations about social isolation, ways to stay safe in public spaces, or global and national news can bring up feelings like confusion, stress, or uncertainty. In preparation for...
Top Reasons Children Act Out
Kids have rough days. Children can display less-than-perfect behaviors for a variety of reasons. Maybe they're tired, disappointed, or frustrated. Perhaps they've eaten too much sugar or are exhausted from a particularly grueling day at school. But what if the rough...
Mental Health
What Does Self-Care Really Mean?
Self-care has become a hot topic in recent years and rightfully so! Taking the time to care for ourselves is so crucial to not only our mental health but our overall wellness. But what is self-care really? A bubble bath or vacation may come to mind; however, self-care...
Debunking Myths About Mental Health
May is Mental Health Awareness Month. It’s a month to provide support, educate the public and advocate for policies that support people with mental illness. Part of advocating for mental health is fighting the stigmas and debunking myths that surround mental health....
Building Resilience
For my entire twenty-seven-year career of working as a clinical social worker, I have been trying to figure out what resilience is and how to give it to more people. I have seen resilience in individuals who suffer horrendous abuse, illness, and life circumstances and...
Communication
How to Talk to Friends and Family About Your Mental Illness
It can be difficult to talk about mental illness with family and friends. There is a negative stigma in our society attached to people with mental health issues. You may want to discuss mental illness with friends, for instance, but fear harsh judgments. When a mental illness becomes part of your life, either through personal experience or from one of your children, it is helpful to know how to talk to your friends and family about it. Learn how here!
Gaan Akers Discusses the Increases in Teen Suicide Attempts on CNN
New Day Weekend with Amara Walker & Gaan Akers of Hillside, Inc. - CNN Interview, Sun 6/13/21 Amara Walker from CNN's New Day Weekend interviews Gaan Akers, Clinical Education Manager at Hillside, Inc. in Atlanta, Georgia. Amara and Gaan talk about the increases...
Emily Acker and Gaan Akers of Hillside on The Weekly Checkup
Speaker 0:00 Welcome to the weekly checkup brought to you by Georgia neurology. I'm your host, Dr. Bruce Feinberg. And there are a few areas of healthcare that have had so few advancements that get so little attention, as does mental health, it's been talked...
Anxiety
February Newsletter
Love is in the air and the shops are full of cards and candy. Valentine’s Day can be fun, but it can also be a difficult time for people who might be struggling with personal relationships. The most important relationship we have, is with ourselves. Let’s look at how...
Ways to Help Reduce Your Child’s Holiday Stress
We can often feel pressurized to make the holiday season perfect. Finding the perfect gift, throwing the perfect party, making the perfect meal. All of this can leave us feeling stressed and anxious. So, with the holidays approaching, how do we make sure that we enjoy...
The Link Between Physical and Mental Health
Staying healthy is a central goal in many people's lives, and parents want to promote good health for their children in any way they can. Health advice is everywhere, but much of it focuses only on the body. As researchers continue to investigate what influences our...
Depression
Generalized Anxiety Disorder vs. Major Depressive Disorder: How to Tell Them Apart
Understanding your diagnosis is an important part of getting the right treatment. Anxiety and depression are two common mental illnesses that often co-occur, meaning that many people may suffer from both disorders! Continue Reading
Suicidal Thoughts & Self Harm
Why Do Individuals Self-Harm?
Self-harm is a common behavior, particularly among young people. It's estimated that approximately 18% of adolescents overall have harmed themselves intentionally. Females are at greatest risk of engaging in self-injury, with nearly 24% of female adolescents having...
Warning Signs of Suicidal Thinking in Youth — How to Reduce the Chances
The threat of suicide is often one of the main concerns for families with loved ones struggling with depression. If your child has suicidal thoughts without active plans, an outpatient mental health facility & professional should be contacted right away. Hillside’s Day Treatment and Intensive Outpatient has clinicians who are skilled in working with children and adolescents who struggle with suicidal ideations. Read More
Top 10 Alternatives to Self-Harming Behavior That Actually Work
Self-harm is also an outward expression of a dangerous thought pattern. Inflicting pain on oneself demonstrates a lack of coping skills and can be a sign of a serious mental illness. Self-harming behaviors can develop out of a lack of effective coping skills and may spiral into depression. Read more information on healthy alternatives to self-harming behavior!!
Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD)
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Mood Dysregulation (DMDD)
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- FAQ’s
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- Hillside
- Hillside Training Institute
- Outpatient Therapy Services
- Patient Outcomes & Statistics
- Privacy Policy
- Resources for Parents
- Support Hillside
- Treatment Services
- Anxiety
- Bipolar Disorder
- Community Intervention Program
- Conant School
- Day Treatment and Intensive Outpatient
- Depression
- Impulsivity
- In-Home Mental Health Therapy Services in Atlanta, GA
- Mental Health Day Treatment Program
- Mood Dysregulation
- Residential Program
- Self-Harming Behavior
- Virtual Intensive Outpatient Program for Teens
- Unique Therapies
- Who We Are
- Benefits Of Outpatient DBT
LGBTQ+
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The page you requested could not be found. Try refining your search, or use the navigation above to locate the post.
Pages
- 2017 Summer Workshops
- Admissions
- Admissions Inquiry
- Annual Report
- Blog
- Client Testimonials
- Community Intervention Team
- FAQ’s
- Future Training Course Sign Up
- Get Involved
- Health Insurance Coverage for Mental Health Services
- Hillside
- Hillside Training Institute
- Outpatient Therapy Services
- Patient Outcomes & Statistics
- Privacy Policy
- Resources for Parents
- Support Hillside
- Treatment Services
- Anxiety
- Bipolar Disorder
- Community Intervention Program
- Conant School
- Day Treatment and Intensive Outpatient
- Depression
- Impulsivity
- In-Home Mental Health Therapy Services in Atlanta, GA
- Mental Health Day Treatment Program
- Mood Dysregulation
- Residential Program
- Self-Harming Behavior
- Virtual Intensive Outpatient Program for Teens
- Unique Therapies
- Who We Are
- Benefits Of Outpatient DBT
Racism
No Results Found
The page you requested could not be found. Try refining your search, or use the navigation above to locate the post.
Pages
- 2017 Summer Workshops
- Admissions
- Admissions Inquiry
- Annual Report
- Blog
- Client Testimonials
- Community Intervention Team
- FAQ’s
- Future Training Course Sign Up
- Get Involved
- Health Insurance Coverage for Mental Health Services
- Hillside
- Hillside Training Institute
- Outpatient Therapy Services
- Patient Outcomes & Statistics
- Privacy Policy
- Resources for Parents
- Support Hillside
- Treatment Services
- Anxiety
- Bipolar Disorder
- Community Intervention Program
- Conant School
- Day Treatment and Intensive Outpatient
- Depression
- Impulsivity
- In-Home Mental Health Therapy Services in Atlanta, GA
- Mental Health Day Treatment Program
- Mood Dysregulation
- Residential Program
- Self-Harming Behavior
- Virtual Intensive Outpatient Program for Teens
- Unique Therapies
- Who We Are
- Benefits Of Outpatient DBT
Back-To-School
How to Work Through College Application Anxiety
Do you have a child who excessively worries about the college application process, so much to the point where they lose sleep or experience headaches? Applying to college can be a stressful experience for teens, especially when they must balance homework and...
Additional Resources
Signs of Mental Health Challenges
Children and adolescents may have difficulty expressing their emotions, so it’s essential to recognize when they need help.
Look for the following signs:
- Sadness or isolation for more than two weeks
- Life-threatening behaviors, which may include having suicidal thoughts and gestures
- Engaging in activities that can harm themselves or others
- Intense anxiety that impacts their daily activities
- Mood swings
- Sudden behavioral or personality changes
Certain situations can be difficult for children to understand and cope with. Pay close attention to your child’s behavior if they’ve recently experienced life-changing events such as parent separation or moving to a new location or school.
What to Do Next
If you notice concerning behaviors, you should consult your child’s health care providers. They have the expertise and resources to give your child the care they need. These professionals include doctors, school nurses, primary care physicians and specialists.
Depending on the situation, your next step may be:
- Getting more information: Mental health is rarely straightforward, and it’s okay to have questions and concerns. Your child’s healthcare provider can offer more insight into their behaviors and symptoms.
- Seeking further evaluation: Ask their primary care physician if an evaluation is necessary and how to get in touch with a child behavior specialist.
- Consulting your child’s specialist: Your child’s specialist may have prior experience with their symptoms and can assist you directly or connect you with other professionals.
- Exploring treatment plans: Discuss possible treatments with your medical provider, such as therapy or medication.
How to Check In With Your Child
Discussing mental health regularly encourages children to be open and seek help when they need it. Try incorporating a quick check-in into your daily routine:
- Dedicate at least 15 minutes for a discussion in a safe, distraction-free environment.
- Ask open-ended questions and make sure your child is comfortable with and understands the topic.
- Listen openly and reserve feedback until after they’ve expressed their thoughts. You can also paraphrase what they said to ensure you’ve interpreted their words correctly.
- Validate their feelings and brainstorm solutions together, which can involve professional resources.
Common Mental Health Conditions
Children can experience a range of mental health conditions. While it’s best to consult a qualified health professional, educating yourself helps you recognize symptoms that you can bring up to your child’s doctor or psychologist.
Common conditions include:
- Anxiety: Persistent and intense worry that may affect your child’s home, school and social life. Anxiety disorders include phobias, social anxiety and obsessive-compulsive disorder.
- Depression: A mental health condition that involves feelings of sadness, hopelessness and loss of interest in previously enjoyable activities.
- Borderline personality disorder: Characterized by difficulty regulating thoughts and emotions. Children with borderline personality disorder (BPD) often have unstable personal relationships and exhibit symptoms like impulsivity and mood swings.
- Mood dysregulation: Marked by chronic irritability and constant tantrums. Children who experience mood dysregulation (DMDD) will express these symptoms consistently over time and in multiple settings.
- Self-harm and suicidal thoughts: Life-threatening behaviors that children may engage in to cope. A professional can help you pinpoint the cause and develop healthy coping mechanisms.
Other Adolescent Challenges
Adolescents might face other challenges just for being themselves. Stigmas surrounding race and identity can impact your child’s happiness, relationships and health:
- Racism: A study by the American Academy of Pediatrics states that racism impacts children’s mental health. As a parent or guardian, you can help your child develop more awareness and teach them how to respond appropriately.
- Being in the LGBTQ+ community: LGBTQ+ youth are especially vulnerable to mental health conditions, being twice as likely to experience depressive symptoms. Since they’re unsure of how their loved ones will react, LGBTQ+ children may also have anxiety about coming out. It’s crucial to provide these adolescents with a safe and accepting environment.
Free Mental Health Resources for Families
We’ve compiled a list of free mental health resources for families below. If you have one you’d like us to add, please let us know!
These online resources offer information for parents of teenagers and adolescents. They cover numerous mental health conditions through videos, brochures, guides and other mediums:
- Teen Mental Health
- National Institute of Mental Health
- Healthychildren.org
- National Alliance on Mental Illness
- American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP)
- The Jason Foundation
- Anxiety & Depression Association of America (ADAA)
Explore Our Resources for Teens and Parents
Seeing your child happy and healthy is all a parent could ask for. At Hillside®, our mission is to provide you with the tools and knowledge you need to support them. We help your child or teen heal through treatments like dialectical behavioral therapy, horticulture therapy and others. To learn more about our services, reach out to us today.
