OBCS Cares!!!

From Axios

Data: Reproduced from Pew Research Center ; Chart: Axios Visuals

Kids' mental health is now parents' biggest concern, according to a new study from the Pew Research Center.

The big picture: Gone are the days of parents sitting up worrying about their kids getting into fights, or trouble with drugs and alcohol. Social media and the pandemic have ushered in a new dimension to parents' already challenging jobs.

By the numbers: 40% of parents said they are extremely or very worried that their kids will struggle with anxiety or depression.

• 35% felt the same about their kids being bullied.
• Concerns over their kid getting shot were further down the list at 22%.

What they're saying: Layla Sarquis, affiliate faculty at the Chicago School of Professional Psychology, said kids were already struggling with the way social media has changed our interactions.

• Pandemic lockdowns, which cut many kids off from a lot of their normal socialization, exacerbated some of those pressures.
• "I think it was a situation that was building momentum," she said.

From KidsHealth

It's normal for kids to feel sad, act grouchy, or be in a bad mood at times. But when a sad or bad mood lasts for weeks or longer, and when there are other changes in a child's behavior, it might be depression.

Therapy can help children who are going through sadness or depression. And there are things parents can do, too. Getting the right care can prevent things from getting worse and help a child feel better.

If sadness has lasted for weeks or longer, talk about it with your child's doctor.

How Can I Tell if My Child Is Depressed?

If a child is depressed, parents may notice some of these signs:

• Sad or bad mood. A child may seem sad, lonely, unhappy, or grouchy. It can last weeks or months. A child may cry more easily. They may have more tantrums than before.
• Being self-critical. Kids going through depression may complain a lot. They may say self-critical things like, "I can't do anything right." "I don't have any friends." "I can't do this." "It's too hard for me."
• Lack of energy and effort. Depression can drain a child's energy. They might put less effort into school than before. Even doing little tasks can feel like too much effort. Kids may seem tired, give up easily, or not try.
• Not enjoying things. Kids don't have as much fun with friends or enjoy playing like before. They may not feel like doing things they used to enjoy.
• Sleep and eating changes. Kids may not sleep well or seem tired even if they get enough sleep. Some may not feel like eating. Others may overeat.
• Aches and pains. Some children may have stomach aches or other pains. Some miss school days because of not feeling well, even though they aren't sick.

What Causes Child Depression?

Different things can lead to depression. There is no single cause. Some children have genes that make them more sensitive to depression. They may have other family members who have been depressed.

Some children go through stressful things. Some have faced loss, trauma, or hardships. Some go through serious health conditions. These things can lead to sadness or grief — and sometimes to depression.

Having extra support during and after hard times helps protect children from depression or lessen the effects. But even when they have good support, some children get depressed. Therapy can help them heal, feel better, and get back to enjoying things.

What Is the Therapy for Child Depression?

The therapy for child depression is cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). Therapists help kids feel welcome and supported. They have kids talk about what they think and feel. They may use stories, play, lessons, or workbooks. These tools can help children feel at ease and get the most from CBT. When possible, a child's therapy includes their parent.

If a child has gone through a loss, trauma, or other difficult events, the therapy will include things that help a child heal from that, too. And if a parent is dealing with their own loss or depression, the child's therapist can help them get the care and support they need.

What Should I Do if I Think My Child Is Depressed?

If you think your child is depressed:

Talk with your child about sadness and depression. Kids might not know why they are so sad and why things seem so hard. Let them know you see that they're going through a hard time and that you're there to help. Listen, comfort, offer your support, and show love.

Set up a visit with your child's doctor. Let your child's doctor know if sad or bad moods seem to go on for a few weeks. By itself, this doesn't always mean a child is depressed. Tell your child's doctor if you have also noticed changes in your child's sleep, eating, energy, or effort. Tell them if your child is dealing with a loss, a big stress, or hardship.

The doctor will do a physical exam. A full exam lets the doctor check for health issues that could cause your child's symptoms. They can also check for depression. Your child's doctor may refer you to a child therapist. The doctor's office might have a child therapist on staff.

Set up a visit with a child therapist. A child therapist (mental health doctor) will spend time talking with you and your child. They will do an in-depth check for depression by asking questions and listening. The therapist can explain how therapy can help your child.

Take your child to therapy visits. The therapist may suggest a few visits, or more. Therapy can take time, but you will see progress along the way.

Be patient and kind. When your child acts moody or difficult, try to stay patient. Talk with your child's therapist about the best ways to respond when your child acts this way. Often, it helps to connect with your child in a calm way, then guide them to better behavior. Instead of feeling bad, this lets kids feel proud of doing better. It lets them see that you're proud of them, too.

Enjoy time together. Spend time with your child doing things you both can enjoy. Go for a walk, play a game, cook, read stories, make a craft, watch a funny movie. Spend time outdoors if you can. These things gently encourage positive moods. They help you and your child feel close.

From Healthline

You feel like your world is closing in and all you want to do is retreat into your room. However, your children don’t realize that you have a mental illness and need time away. All they see is a parent who acts differently, snaps at them more than usual, and no longer wants to play with them.

Depression is sometimes difficult for children to understand. Discussing it with your kids can be a tricky endeavor. But getting your condition out in the open — in a thoughtful, sensitive, age-appropriate way — can make it easier for your kids to cope the next time an episode hits.

Here are 10 tips for talking to your children about depression.

1. Get yourself situated first

Only once you’ve taken steps to understand and treat your condition can you explain it to your children. If you haven’t already seen a psychologist, psychiatrist, or therapist, consider doing so. Speaking with a therapist can help you find out what may be contributing to your depression. Also speak with your doctor about starting a comprehensive treatment plan. Then you can tell your kids you’re already taking steps to help yourself feel better.

2. Make the conversation age-appropriate

Explaining what depression is to a young child may be difficult, but it’s not impossible. How you approach the topic should be based on your child’s developmental stage.

With very young children, speak in simple language and use examples to describe how you feel. For example, you might say, “Do you know how you got really sad when your friend didn’t invite you to her party? Well, sometimes mommy feels sad like that, and the feeling lasts for a few days. That’s why I may not smile a lot or want to play.”

By the time kids reach middle school you can start to introduce concepts like depression and anxiety, without going into too much detail about your daily battles or the medication you take. However, encourage your children to ask questions about anything they don’t fully understand.

When talking to high school-aged kids, you can be more straightforward. Say that you sometimes get depressed or anxious, and describe how it makes you feel. You can also go into more detail about your treatment plan.

3. Know your audience

How kids absorb information varies. Some children learn more effectively while playing. Some learn best with visual aids or enactments. Others are more comfortable having a straightforward discussion without any distractions. Tailor the approach you use to what best suits your child’s learning capacity and preference. This can make a big difference in their ability to understand your depression.

4. Be honest

It isn’t always easy to talk about your own mental health — especially with your children. Yet covering up the truth can backfire on you. When kids don’t know your full story, they sometimes fill in the holes themselves. Their version of your situation could be much more frightening than the reality.

It’s all right to tell your kids when you don’t know the answer to their questions. It’s also acceptable to say that you won’t get better overnight. You may have some ups and downs as you try to become healthy. Try to be as open with them as you can.

5. Keep up the family routine

During depressive episodes, you might find it impossible to stick with your normal schedule. But do your best to keep the family in a routine. Young children can sense when something is wrong. Having a routine in place may help offset imbalance and prevent your children from sensing your unease. Plan regular mealtimes where you all gather around the table to talk and set aside time for family activities like watching movies or playing board games.

6. Calm their fears

Whenever kids are confronted with an illness — physical or mental — it’s normal for them to be frightened. They might ask, ‘Will you get better?’ or ‘Are you going to die?’ Reassure them that depression isn’t fatal, and with the right treatment you should start to feel better. Also, make it clear to your kids that they are in no way to blame for how you feel.

7. Let them absorb the news

When kids get unexpected and upsetting news, they need time to process it. Give them time to think about what you’ve told them.

Once they’ve had a few hours or days with the information, they’ll probably come back to you with questions. If they don’t have much to say at first and you haven’t heard back from them in a few days, check in with them to make sure they’re OK.

8. Share your treatment strategy

A disease as open-ended as depression can be hard for kids to understand. Let your children know that you’re seeing a doctor and getting treatment. If you don’t yet have a treatment plan, assure them that you’re going to create one with the help of your doctor. Knowing that you’re taking concrete steps to address your depression will reassure them.

9. Have a backup plan

There may be times when you don’t feel up to parenting. Tell your kids how you’ll let them know when an episode has arrived. Have someone on deck to provide coverage — like your spouse, a grandparent, or a neighbor.

10. Ask for help

Not sure how to talk to your kids about your depression? Ask your psychologist or a family therapist to help you start the conversation.

If your kids are having trouble dealing with your depression, make an appointment for them see a child psychologist. Or, get advice from a trusted teacher or their pediatrician.

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The Benjamin Thomas Werner Foundation was birthed from the greatest tragedy that my family had ever faced. On September 11, 2022, I lost my brother to accidental drug overdose. He was just 35 years young. In the days that followed, I couldn't help but think about how I never wanted another family to experience this kind of loss. In honor of his memory, our mission is to Love Like Ben.

BTW is a non-profit organization dedicated to raising addiction awareness. Our mission is to make access to recovery more accessible for everyone. With community support, we've built a network of treatment facilities designed to help those struggling with addiction get treatment. Additionally, we provide job placement and other resources needed to ensure long term success after the completion of their program.

BTW has partnered with multiple out of state long term residential treatment centers that will offer placement to your loved one in need. Everyone receiving treatment will be sent to a facility out of their home state. The BTW Foundation will provide transport to the facility and help with any items (supplies, clothing, etc.) needed during their stay. Upon completion of their program, we will assist with job placement and aftercare to cultivate a successful life in recovery.

What BTW does:

Recovery: A healthy environment is the first step to recovery. Our many out of state facilities will help get you on a path to success.

Job Opportunities :Need assistance with job placement? Let us help find the right employment opportunity for you!

Rebuild : Volunteer with us, share your testimonials, become a sponsor, or partner with us to provide rehabilitation and job opportunities!

Raise Awareness: Help us raise awareness and offer support to those in need. Host a presentation at your school, church, or business.

The Benjamin Thomas Werner Foundation

(251) 504-1607

thebtwfoundation@gmail.com

My mission is to provide and assist families in finding mental health and community resources in our area. I work closely with our guidance counselors and administrators at both Orange Beach Elementary School and Orange Beach Middle & High School to ensure our students have the support necessary to be successful.

Email: lrogula@orangebeachboe.org
Website: https://www.orangebeachboe.org/families/mental-health
Location: 23908 Canal Road, Orange Beach, AL, USA
Phone: 251-201-9975