VICTORIA BARRON 

We all want what is best for our kids. If our child has a broken bone, we go right to the hospital, but if the same child is experiencing intense emotions, having difficulty in relationships, or has limited coping skills, many caregivers are not sure what to do. Just like adults, children go through difficult periods where they need help, guidance, or just someone to listen.

 

Our kids have many stressors in their life, now more than ever. Navigating feelings, social stress, peer relationships, trauma, grief, and transitions can be overwhelming. When our kids do not have the tools or an adaptive way to communicate how they are feeling, they will often communicate through behaviour. It is important that caregivers not feel alone when it comes to children's mental health. The following list, although not exhaustive, are signs that it may be time to reach out for help: 

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• Changes in eating or sleeping habits

• Changes in behaviours

• Challenges regulating emotions 

• Overwhelming feelings of worry or sadness

• Regression of skills

• Social withdrawal

• Somatic complaints

• Grief

• Family/life changes

• Challenges with self-esteem and self-image

• Challenges with healthy peer relationships

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Reaching out for supports will support healthy development and adaptive functioning across environments. Counselling offers a safe space for you, your child, or adolescent to:

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• Build connection and attachment 

• Explore thoughts, feelings, and worries without judgment

• Develop and practice coping strategies

• Practice self-reflection and awareness

• Process life events.

• Improve, understand, and communicate about relationships

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If this is a mental health emergency and you need help now, you can access the following:

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• Capital Health Adult Crisis Response Team: 780.482.4733

• Capital Health Children’s Community Response Team: 780.413.4733

• Royal Alexander Hospital Emergency Ward; University of Alberta Hospital Walk in Clinic; nearest emergency ward

• Distress Line: 780.482.4357

• Alberta’s Mental Health Hotline: 1.877.303.2642