| Brain disorders and mental health: Overview | Brain disorders and mental health: Overview | Brain disorders and mental health: Overview | B | English | Psychiatry | Child (0-12 years);Teen (13-18 years) | Brain | Brain | Conditions and diseases | Caregivers
Adult (19+) | NA | | 2017-07-12T04:00:00Z | | | | | | 9.20000000000000 | 49.9000000000000 | 867.000000000000 | | Health (A-Z) - Conditions | Health A-Z | <p>Find out how brain disorders can affect a child's mental health and overall functioning.</p> | <h2>What are brain disorders?</h2><p>Brain disorders include underlying genetic and medical conditions, brain injuries and illnesses that affect the brain and how it develops both before birth and throughout childhood development. The brain can also be affected by certain medical treatments and exposure to certain toxins.</p><p>Common brain disorders include:</p><ul><li>a brain injury from a trauma to the head, stroke, lack of oxygen or an infection</li><li>neurological conditions such as
<a href="/Article?contentid=848&language=English">spina bifida</a>,
<a href="/Article?contentid=858&language=English">hydrocephalus</a>,
<a href="/Article?contentid=847&language=English">cerebral palsy</a>,
<a href="/Article?contentid=845&language=English">epilepsy</a>, <a href="/Article?contentid=864&language=English">neurofibromatosis</a>, tuberous sclerosis or a
<a href="/Article?contentid=1306&language=English">brain tumour</a></li><li>other medical conditions such as
<a href="/prematurebabies">prematurity</a>, <a href="/Article?contentid=2483&language=English">diabetes</a>, chronic (long-term) heart or breathing problems, certain genetic disorders</li><li>negative effects of treatments for
<a href="/leukemia">leukemia</a>, a brain tumour or other childhood cancers</li><li>exposure to alcohol, smoking or certain drugs before birth</li><li>exposure to
<a href="/Article?contentid=1917&language=English">lead</a>, street drugs or poisonous gases, such as
<a href="/Article?contentid=1117&language=English">carbon monoxide</a></li></ul>
<br> | <h2>How are mental health conditions related to brain disorders?</h2>
<p>The brain manages the most complex of human functions such as thinking, problem solving, emotions, consciousness and social behaviour.</p>
<p>A brain disorder can alter a child's typical development. This can contribute to certain mental health issues related to their learning or behaviour depending on their age and the type and severity of the brain disorder.</p>
<p>Generally, mental health issues can arise from one, or both, of the following:</p>
<ul>
<li>difficulties with thinking, communication, emotional control and social skills</li>
<li>difficulties adjusting to the stress associated with living with a brain disorder.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Difficulties with cognitive abilities — how the brain thinks</h3>
<p>Mental health issues can be directly related to the way the brain is affected by a condition or injury. The changes in brain structure and connections as a result of a brain disorder can cause a child to have difficulties thinking, controlling behaviour, and dealing with emotions and stress. This is illustrated by the following examples.</p>
<ul>
<li><a href="/Article?contentid=1922&language=English">Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)</a> is one of the most common diagnoses following an illness or injury that affects the brain.</li>
<li>Learning and intellectual disabilities are also frequent in children who have a brain disorder.</li>
<li>Symptoms of <a href="/Article?contentid=284&language=English">depression</a> and <a href="/Article?contentid=271&language=English">anxiety</a> are also common outcomes. Sometimes these relate to the pattern of the brain injury, which may lead a child or teen to get stuck on persistent negative thoughts.</li>
<li>Children with different types of brain injury may also struggle socially because of their difficulties communicating and knowing how to act with other kids.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Difficulties adjusting to and coping with a brain disorder</h3>
<p>Adjusting to or coping with the effects of a childhood brain injury or a related condition can be stressful and can increase mental health issues for children and their families. Common experiences may include: </p>
<ul>
<li>child frustration and sadness about their perceived differences at school or with peers (which may become more apparent in their teen years) </li>
<li>child and parent stress about frequent doctor and hospital visits</li>
<li>parental worry about a child’s current and future education and independence</li>
<li>changes in parent-child relationships related to increased parental monitoring, attention or worry. This can become especially challenging when a teen wants more independence but needs parental monitoring and reminders for their health.</li>
</ul> | <h2>Key points</h2>
<ul>
<li>Brain disorder is an all-inclusive term for disruption to the brain because of an underlying medical condition, illness or injury.</li>
<li>A child with a brain disorder should have a thorough assessment to check for any related mental health conditions.</li>
<li>ADHD, learning disability, social challenges, depression and anxiety are commonly linked with brain disorders.</li>
<li>If you suspect that a mental health issue is connected to your child’s brain disorder, talk to your family doctor or your child’s neurologist, ask for input from your child’s teachers and consider a neuropsychological assessment.</li>
</ul> | | | | | | | | <h2>What to do if you think your child has a mental health issue related to their brain disorder</h2>
<p>There are a number of things you can do if you are concerned about a mental health issue in your child. </p>
<ul>
<li>You can raise your concerns with your child’s neurologist or neurology team.</li>
<li>You can talk to your family doctor.</li>
<li>You can ask your child’s doctor or neurology team for a <a href="/Article?contentid=2002&language=English">neuropsychological assessment</a>.</li>
<li>You can share your concerns with your child’s teachers or school principal. </li>
</ul> | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | <h2>Further information</h2>
<p>For more information on brain disorders and related mental health challenges, please see the following pages:</p>
<p><a href="/Article?contentid=2002&language=English">Brain disorders and mental health: Assessing your child for neuropsychological difficulties</a></p>
<p><a href="/Article?contentid=2003&language=English">Brain disorders and mental health: How to help your child cope</a></p>
<p><a href="/Article?contentid=2004&language=English">Brain disorders and mental health: Common treatments</a></p>
<h2>Resources</h2>
<p>The following books offer useful information about brain disorders and related mental health issues.</p>
<p>Dawson, P. & Guare, R. (2009). <em>Smart but Scattered. </em>New York, NY: The
Guildford Press.</p>
<p>Dawson, P. & Guare, R. (2010). <em>Executive Skills in Children and Adolescents</em>. New York, NY: The Guildford Press.</p>
<p>Greene, R. W. (2014). <em>The Explosive Child.</em> New York, NY: HarperCollins.</p>
<p>Guare, R. & Dawson, P. (2013). <em>Smart but Scattered TEENS. </em>New York, NY: The
Guildford Press.</p>
<p>Huebner, D. (2005). <em>What to Do When You Worry Too Much: A Kid's Guide to Overcoming Anxiety</em>. Magination Press.</p>
<p>Siegel, D. J. (2013). <em>Brainstorm. </em>New York, NY: Penguin Group.</p>
<p>Siegal, D. J. & Bryson, T. P. (2011). <em>The Whole Brain Child</em>. New York, NY:
Random House.</p> | | | | | | | | | | https://assets.aboutkidshealth.ca/AKHAssets/brain_disorders_and_mental_health.jpg | Brain disorders and mental health | Brain disorders can be caused by medical conditions, illness or injury. Find out how they can affect a child's mental health and overall functioning. | Main | | |
| Diaper rash | Diaper rash | Diaper rash | D | English | Dermatology | Newborn (0-28 days);Baby (1-12 months);Toddler (13-24 months) | Skin | Skin | Conditions and diseases | Caregivers
Adult (19+) | Rash | | 2019-10-30T04:00:00Z | | | | | | 6.80000000000000 | 66.7000000000000 | 536.000000000000 | | Health (A-Z) - Conditions | Health A-Z | <p>Diaper rash is usually caused by the skin coming into contact with urine and stool. Learn how to treat it and the best way to prevent your baby from getting it.</p> | <h2>What is diaper rash? </h2>
<p>Diaper rash is a skin irritation that affects babies or toddlers in the diaper area. Most often, it is due to contact between urine and stool with your baby's sensitive skin. Most babies will have at least one diaper rash before being toilet trained. </p>
| | <h2>Key points</h2>
<ul>
<li>Diaper rashes are common in infants and toddlers.</li>
<li>Irritant diaper dermatitis is most common.</li>
<li>Keeping the area clean and dry will help prevent rashes.</li>
</ul> | | <h2>Signs and symptoms of diaper rash</h2>
<p>A baby with diaper rash may show these signs or symptoms:</p>
<ul>
<li>pink or red patches on the skin<br></li>
<li>irritated or painful skin </li>
<li>spots or blisters in the diaper area </li>
<li>bright red patches and sometimes open sores (these are often very painful)</li>
</ul>
| <h2>Causes</h2><p>The most common cause of diaper rash is contact with urine and stool. This is called "irritant diaper dermatitis." It often occurs when the baby has
<a href="/Article?contentid=7&language=English">diarrhea</a>. It most commonly affects the buttocks and thighs. Snug-fitting, plastic pants or diapers that prevent wetness from drying can make the rash worse.</p><p>Diaper rash can also be caused by yeast infection (Candida). This fungal infection thrives in warm, moist area such as skin creases. Yeast diaper dermatitis looks red, and often has small red spots around the edges. It is usually not painful. It can be caused or becomes worse when the baby is on antibiotics.</p><p>Other rashes can occur in the diaper area. These include
<a href="/Article?contentid=773&language=English">eczema</a>, bacterial, viral and allergic rashes. They may also be seen on other parts of the body as well.<br></p><div class="asset-video">
<iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/OSoG_VR2oYw" frameborder="0"></iframe> </div> | | | <h2>Treatment</h2><p>Leave the diaper off. Expose your baby's skin to warm, dry air as much as you can.</p><p>When changing the diaper, wash your baby's bottom with mild soap and warm water, rinse and pat dry. It may be less painful for your baby if you wash the area in a warm bath. Avoid wipes with alcohol; this may cause more pain.</p><p>Use an unscented barrier ointment, such as zinc oxide, to protect the area after each diaper change. If the diaper rash is more severe, use an ointment with a higher percentage of zinc oxide (up to 40%). Put a thick layer of the ointment on the affected area after each diaper change. Try not to scrub it off with diaper changes. Do not share creams with other children. Do not contaminate the cream. Wash your hands before putting them into the jar.</p><p>Candida (yeast) diaper dermatitis should be treated with a topical antifungal cream such as mycostatin or clotrimazole. </p> | | | <h2>Prevention</h2>
<p>The best way to prevent diaper rash is to change your baby's diaper often. If your baby has diarrhea, change the diaper even more often. Applying a thin layer of unscented barrier cream can also protect the skin. It is not known whether cloth or disposable diapers are better in preventing diaper rashes.</p>
| <h2>When to see a doctor</h2>
<p>Make an appointment with your child's doctor if the rash does not get better within a few days or if the baby seems unwell or has a fever. </p>
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | <img alt="" src="https://assets.aboutkidshealth.ca/AKHAssets/diaper_rash.jpg" style="BORDER:0px solid;" /> | | | | | | diaperrash | diaperrash | https://assets.aboutkidshealth.ca/AKHAssets/diaper_rash.jpg | | Learn about what causes your baby’s diaper rash, how to treat it and the best way to prevent your baby from getting it. | Main | | |
| Kidney disease and diabetes | Kidney disease and diabetes | Kidney disease and diabetes | K | English | Endocrinology | Child (0-12 years);Teen (13-18 years) | Pancreas;Kidneys | Endocrine system;Renal system/Urinary system | Conditions and diseases | Adult (19+) | NA | https://assets.aboutkidshealth.ca/akhassets/kidney_location_front_side_EN.png | 2017-11-20T05:00:00Z | | | | | | 9.30000000000000 | 49.7000000000000 | 387.000000000000 | | Flat Content | Health A-Z | <p>Kidney disease may occur later in life as a result of diabetes. Learn about diabetic nephropathy, diagnosis and treatment.</p> | <p>The <a href="https://pie.med.utoronto.ca/htbw/module.html?module=kidney-child">kidneys</a> are the body’s filtering system. Blood flows through the blood vessels of the kidneys, where toxins and waste go from the blood to the urine. People with <a href="/Article?contentid=1717&language=English">diabetes</a> are at a higher risk for kidney disease as high blood glucose (sugar) levels and high blood pressure can damage the kidneys over time. This damage results in the kidneys being unable to properly filter the blood. Kidney damage due to diabetes is called diabetic nephropathy.</p> | | <h2>Key points</h2>
<ul><li>High blood pressure and high blood glucose (sugar) can cause damage to the kidneys, which results in them being unable to properly filter the blood.</li>
<li>Nephropathy is diagnosed through a urine test.</li>
<li>Excellent blood-sugar control, medication and good blood pressure control can help prevent kidney damage or slow progression.</li></ul> | <figure class="asset-c-80"><span class="asset-image-title">Location of the kidneys</span><img src="https://assets.aboutkidshealth.ca/akhassets/kidney_location_front_side_EN.png" alt="Side by side comparison of the location of the kidneys in the body from a front view versus side view" /> </figure>
<h2>What is diabetic nephropathy</h2><p>Not every person with diabetes will develop diabetic nephropathy. Diabetic nephropathy rarely occurs before puberty, if it happens at all. Poor
<a href="/Article?contentid=1724&language=English">blood (glucose) sugar control</a>, high blood pressure and smoking increase the risk of developing kidney damage.</p><p>Diabetic nephropathy develops slowly and quietly. No signs or symptoms will show until serious kidney damage has happened. Signs and symptoms may include:</p><ul><li>higher blood pressure than usual</li><li>puffy/swollen ankles due to water retention (edema)</li><li>too much protein in the urine (proteinuria).</li></ul><p>Diabetic nephropathy does not increase risk of kidney or bladder infection.</p>
<h2>Diagnosis of diabetes-related kidney damage</h2><p>At first, very small amounts of protein are present in the urine. A urine sample can be checked for protein. Your doctor may also want to collect urine over a 24-hour period. The protein that your
<a href="/Article?contentid=2511&language=English">diabetes team</a> looks for is called albumin. A very small amount of albumin in the urine is called microalbuminuria. If kidney disease worsens, the amount of albumin in the urine increases.</p><h2>Treatment of diabetes-related kidney damage </h2><p>The following can help prevent kidney damage or slow its progression significantly:</p><ul><li>Excellent
<a href="/Article?contentid=1724&language=English">blood sugar control</a> </li><li>Medication (ask your diabetes team for details)</li><li>Good blood pressure control</li></ul><p>It is very important to screen for kidney damage and treat when present. If diabetic nephropathy is left untreated, they may develop
<a href="/Article?contentid=936&language=English">kidney failure</a>. In this condition, the person needs dialysis or a kidney transplant.</p> | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Main | | |
| Sleep tips: How to help your teen get a good night's sleep | Sleep tips: How to help your teen get a good night's sleep | Sleep tips: How to help your teen get a good night's sleep | S | English | Adolescent | Teen (13-18 years) | NA | NA | Healthy living and prevention | Caregivers
Adult (19+) | NA | https://assets.aboutkidshealth.ca/AKHAssets/Sleep_vid.jpg | 2020-04-13T04:00:00Z | | | | | | 7.90000000000000 | 71.3000000000000 | 1132.00000000000 | | Flat Content | Health A-Z | <p>Find out how to encourage your teen to maintain their own healthy sleep routine and help them develop healthy habits.<br></p> | <p>As your child gets older, they may not want you to be as involved in their bedtime routine. However, it is still important to make sure your teen is
<a href="/Article?contentid=645&language=English">getting enough sleep each night</a>. The National Sleep Foundation recommends teenagers aged 14-18 years get between 8-10 hours of sleep every night.</p> | | <h2>Key points</h2><ul><li>Your teen's body clock will likely make them fall asleep later at night and wake up later during the day. Help your teen keep a regular routine by reminding them that they need between 8-10 hours of sleep every night and what time they should be in bed.</li><li>Remind your teen to eat a balanced diet and get some physical activity instead of turning to sugar, caffeine or energy drinks to cope with tiredness during the day.</li><li>Teens should avoid caffeine and screens before bed as this can interfere with their sleep patterns.</li><li>Before your teen goes to bed, encourage them to prepare their own breakfast, lay out their clothes and make a to-do list so they do not wake up feeling worried or stressed. </li><li> See a doctor if your teen is very sleepy during the day, you suspect a mental health condition that could interfere with their sleep or your child's poor sleep is interfering with their school performance. </li></ul> | <h2>Support your teen in sticking to a sleep schedule</h2><p>Most young people experience changes in their sleep schedules as they get older. Let your teen take charge of their own bedtime but provide guidance if necessary. For instance, be clear about how many hours of sleep your teen should have each night and when you expect them to be in bed, especially during stressful situations.</p><p>In addition, encourage your teen to keep to regular bedtimes and wake up times on weekdays and weekends, even during stressful times or when there is no structured school. Some teens may see the lack of formal school or routine as a reason to allow later bedtimes and as a result, later wake up times, but try to encourage them to keep to a regular sleep and wake schedule.</p><h2>Help your teen develop healthy habits</h2><p>Advise your teen to avoid eating a large meal or drinking a lot right before bedtime. It is especially important for your teen to avoid coffee, tea, soda or pop, energy drinks and chocolate a few hours before bed. Caffeine and sugar tell your teen’s brain to stay up even later than usual. Smoking cigarettes and drinking alcohol will also interfere with their sleep.</p><p>Your teen's internal body clock can make them fall asleep later at night and wake up later in the day. You cannot change this, but you can encourage your teen to take part in
<a href="/Article?contentid=641&language=English">physical activities</a> to help overcome sleepiness during the day.<br></p><p>Discourage them from resorting to supplements or energy drinks to get them through any energy dips during the day. No pills, vitamins or drinks can replace good sleep.</p><p>If your teen hears their friends talking about their "all-nighters", remind them how good they feel after they get enough sleep. Staying up late to study does not usually help much. In fact, it will usually leave your teen too tired to concentrate properly the next day.</p><p>A drowsy driver is as dangerous as a drunk driver, causing many accidents each year. Advise your teen to call someone else for a ride if they ever feel sleepy before or during a journey.</p><h2>Create a relaxing bedtime routine</h2><p>If your teen is having trouble sleeping at night, encourage them to take some deep relaxing breaths, focusing on their breath as it goes in and out. Deep breathing for five to 10 minutes may help your teen become more relaxed and sleepy.</p><p>If your teen feels wide awake at bedtime, make sure their activities are relaxing to help make them sleepier. Encourage your teen to go for a short walk before bed, practise yoga, do some light stretching, read a book or write in a journal.</p><p>You can also have your teen watch this animation, which will remind them how they can get ready for a good night’s sleep.</p><div class="asset-video">
<iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/2fbaoqkY0Qk?rel=0" frameborder="0"></iframe> </div><p>
<strong>Caption: </strong>This is a bedtime ritual your teen may follow every night, if they wish. It walks your teen through preparing for sleep. It’s best to view this on a tablet or cellphone that they can put aside easily. They may stop and start the video at any time. In case they fall asleep, keep the volume low and turn autoplay to off.</p><h2>Create a comfortable sleep environment</h2><p>Make sure your teen’s mattress and pillow offer good support to their spine and that their room is cool and dark enough.</p><p>Encourage your teen to have a glass of water nearby so they do not need to get out of bed if they are thirsty during the night.</p><p>Keep the bed for sleeping only. Discourage your teen from doing their homework or using a computer in bed. These activities can cause your child to link bedtime with stress or active thinking when they are trying to sleep.</p><p>Avoid having a television, computer, tablet or cell phone in the bedroom. Watching television or using a
<a href="/Article?contentid=643&language=English">computer, tablet or phone</a> before going to sleep can stimulate the brain rather than relax it. In addition, your teen may get into the habit of turning on the television or checking their phone if they cannot stay asleep during the night.</p><p>Similarly, keep noise to a minimum after bedtime so your teen can get a good night’s sleep (although your teen may stay up later than you).</p><h2>Tips for a happier morning</h2><p>Get your teen in the habit of planning their breakfast for the next morning before bed. This could be as simple as cutting up some fruit or making a breakfast wrap that they can quickly grab in the morning.</p><p>Encourage your teen to take a shower before bed if they have trouble waking up early to bathe. Warm water can make your teen sleepy at night. Getting their shower out of the way also lets them hit the snooze button for a bit longer in the morning.</p><p>Remind your teen to pack their backpack and lay out their clothes the night before. At night, there is more time to look for missing homework or that favourite t-shirt that might still be in the washing machine.</p><p>Suggest that your teen keep a diary or a to-do list for the next day. If they jot notes down before they go to sleep, they will be less likely to wake up feeling worried or stressed.</p><p>Let your teen choose an alarm clock that wakes them up in the morning. Ask them when is the absolute latest time they need to wake up in the morning and calmly wake them if they are still asleep then.</p><h2>When to see a doctor about your teen’s sleep</h2><p>Take your teenager to a doctor if:</p><ul><li>they are excessively sleepy during the day</li><li>you suspect they might have
<a href="/Article?contentid=271&language=English">anxiety</a>,
<a href="/Article?contentid=19&language=English">depression</a> or any other mental health concern</li><li>you or your teen have any other concerns about sleep or daytime performance, especially if you think it is affecting their grades at school.<br></li></ul> | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | <h2>Further information</h2><p>For more tips on maintaining your child's mental health, please see the following pages:</p><p><a href="https://meant2prevent.ca/">Meant2Prevent</a></p>
<p>
<a href="/Article?contentid=639&language=English">Nutrition: How a balanced diet and healthy eating habits can support your child's mental health</a></p><p>
<a href="/Article?contentid=642&language=English">Physical activity: Guidelines for children and teens</a></p><p>
<a href="/Article?contentid=641&language=English">Physical activity: Benefits of exercise for health and wellbeing</a></p><p>
<a href="/Article?contentid=645&language=English">Sleep: Benefits and recommended amounts</a></p><p>
<a href="/Article?contentid=646&language=English">Sleep tips: How to help your child get a good night's sleep</a></p><p>
<a href="/Article?contentid=643&language=English">Screen time: Overview</a></p><p>
<a href="/Article?contentid=644&language=English">Screen time: How to help your child set healthy limits</a></p> | <h2>Resources</h2><p>National Sleep Foundation (2016).
<em>
<a target="_blank" href="https://www.sleepfoundation.org/articles/teens-and-sleep">Teens and sleep</a></em>.</p> | <img alt="" src="https://assets.aboutkidshealth.ca/AKHAssets/sleep_tips_how_to_help_your_teen.jpg" style="BORDER:0px solid;" /> | | | | | | | | https://assets.aboutkidshealth.ca/AKHAssets/sleep_tips_how_to_help_your_teen.jpg | Video – Sleep: A bedtime story | Use this video to help your child or teen learn about and develop a bedtime ritual so they can fall asleep more easily. | Main | https://youtu.be/2fbaoqkY0Qk | |
| Suicide and self-harm: Helping your child understand difficult emotions | Suicide and self-harm: Helping your child understand difficult emotions | Suicide and self-harm: Helping your child understand difficult emotions | S | English | Psychiatry | School age child (5-8 years);Pre-teen (9-12 years);Teen (13-18 years) | Body | NA | Conditions and diseases | Caregivers
Adult (19+) | NA | | 2016-02-10T05:00:00Z | | | | | | 9.40000000000000 | 62.1000000000000 | 931.000000000000 | | Health (A-Z) - Conditions | Health A-Z | <p>Find out how to reduce the risk of suicide and self-harm by helping your child cope with difficult emotions.</p> | <p>Thoughts of <a href="/Article?contentid=291&language=English">suicide</a> and <a href="/Article?contentid=289&language=English"> self-harm </a> can emerge when a child or teen feels overwhelmed by difficult emotions and can no longer endure them.</p><p>Everyday difficult emotions can include:</p><ul><li>sadness about not being invited to a friend's birthday party</li><li>fear or worry about starting at a new school or camp</li><li>anger and frustration when limits are set, for example screen time</li><li>shame when caught doing something wrong</li></ul><p>These, and similar, issues may not seem overwhelming to an adult but might be incredibly stressful for a child or teen. This is because they have less life experience and their brains are still developing, usually until their early 20s.</p><p>This makes it important for you as a parent or caregiver to acknowledge your child's emotions and encourage them to openly share their thoughts and feelings. Helping your child understand and talk about the emotions they experience in everyday life can help prepare them to better cope with more severe distress.</p> | <h2>How children express their emotions</h2>
<p>You may not always receive a clear message from your child about the emotions they are experiencing. Children often express emotions differently, depending on their developmental level.</p>
<p>Very young children may show their emotions through their behaviour or play. Older children may sometimes 'bottle up' or keep negative emotions inside. For instance, they may complain of aches and pains during times of stress but withdraw or respond with "I don't know" when asked how they feel. Other children might be outwardly irritable, aggressive or angry as a way to express their sadness or worry.</p> | <h2>Key points</h2>
<ul>
<li>It is important to talk to your child about how they feel about everyday ups and downs, even if they do not seem stressful to you, so that they are better prepared to deal with more severe distress. </li>
<li>Be aware of how your child expresses their emotions. Younger children may change their behaviour or play routine. Older children might bottle things up or 'act out' when really they are sad or worried.</li>
<li>When talking to your child, stay calm, remind them that all emotions are valid, ask direct questions about any thoughts of suicide or self-harm and offer help.</li>
<li>Talk to your child's doctor or another mental health professional if your child has ongoing difficulties with their emotions or you learn that your child's schoolwork or friendships are suffering.</li>
</ul> | | | | | | | | <h2>How to talk to your child about their emotions and any suicidal thoughts</h2>
<h3>Remember that feelings are not right or wrong</h3>
<p>You can help your child come to terms with difficult emotions they experience by reminding them that all emotions are normal. Emotions such as sadness, anger, anxiety, depression and shame are just as valid, and important, as joy, excitement and happiness. All these emotions – both positive and negative – communicate information.</p>
<h3>Be calm and supportive</h3>
<p>If you want to sit down and talk with your child, make sure it is at a time when neither you nor your child feels rushed or pressured.</p>
<p>Talk to your child in a calm and supportive manner. Always let them know that you are there for them, accept them and what they are going through and try to listen to how they are feeling without interrupting, arguing or correcting.</p>
<h3>Be specific and direct</h3>
<p>If you have noticed some behaviour that concerns you, be specific about it. For instance, you might say, "I notice you are spending more time in your room and aren't going out with your friends as much. I just want to check in on how you're doing."</p>
<p>If you have noticed some of the <a href="/Article?contentid=290&language=English">possible warning signs of suicidal thoughts</a>, ask your child directly about them. This tells them that it is ok to talk with you about their emotions. You might ask, for example, "Do you ever have feelings that you don't want to be here anymore?", "Do you ever wish you were dead?" or "Do you ever think about hurting yourself?"</p>
<h3>Offer help</h3>
<p>Ask your child what you can do to help them. For instance, do they want to spend more time talking with you or do they want to talk to a healthcare professional or counsellor? You can also ask if you can help them get more involved in the activities that they enjoy.</p>
<h3>Remind your child of the positives</h3>
<p>While it is important to give your child time to express their negative emotions, don't forget about the positives. Ask your child about what is going well in their life, and remind them of their strengths and of those who love them and are there for support.</p> | | <h2>When to seek medical help for your child's emotional difficulties</h2>
<p>If your child experiences strong emotions and they last longer, or are more intense, than what would generally be expected, it may be cause for concern.</p>
<p>It may be helpful to talk to a doctor or other mental health professional if:</p>
<ul>
<li>you are concerned that your child is having trouble with their emotions</li>
<li>other people in your child's life (teachers, friends, relatives) notice that stress is interfering with your child's schoolwork, friendships or involvement in activities</li>
</ul> | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | <h2>Further information</h2><p>For more information on protecting your child or teen from suicide or self-harm, please see the following pages:</p><p><a href="/Article?contentid=291&language=English">Suicide in children and teens: Overview</a></p><p><a href="/Article?contentid=289&language=English">Self-harm in children and teens: Overview</a></p><p><a href="/Article?contentid=290&language=English">Suicide risk: Signs and symptoms</a></p><p><a href="/Article?contentid=292&language=English">Suicide and self-harm: How to protect your child</a></p><h2>Resources</h2><p>In Canada, children and teens in distress can contact KidsHelpPhone on <a href="http://www.kidshelpphone.ca/" target="_blank">KidsHelpPhone.ca</a> or call 1-800-688-6868.</p> | | <img alt="" src="https://assets.aboutkidshealth.ca/AKHAssets/suicide_self_harm_helping_your_child.jpg" style="BORDER:0px solid;" /> | | | | | | | | https://assets.aboutkidshealth.ca/AKHAssets/suicide_self_harm_helping_your_child.jpg | Coping with suicide and self-harm | Find out how to reduce the risk of suicide and self-harm by helping your child cope with difficult and overwhelming emotions. | Main | | |
