[BoxOfRainMama]

I have always avoided this area of mdc, out of fear of judgment I guess.... but boy do I belong here.....

My 9 year old daughter is starting to show that she is picking up on some mental health issues within our family. Saying things like "I know you are just feeling overwhelmed" when witnessing a panic attack or "I'm sorry you are always sad" when observing depression. I feel she is at an age where we can talk to her about these issues but I want to go about it with great care and caution as to not create fear in her. If anyone has experience with this in their family please PM me. I'm really not the best at keeping up with my PM box but I will do my best. I'm really hopefully to find some guidance and hope.

 

[transformed]

Mental illness is SO serious and GENETIC. My kids know that I am depressed-I havent gotten treatment yet-but I have been depressed since I was at least 10.

I think it is SOOOOO important to talk to our kids about mental illness, the warning signs, coping mechanisms, not being too good to get help, etc.

I have absolutley no advice on HOW to do that

but I am sure there are resources out there. I am actually planning on looking for them myself soon! My 4 year old knows mommy feels yucky all the time.

 

[transformed]

PS-I dont think its anything to be afraid of....like other diseases-is she afraid of cancer? Its really no different than any other illness.

 

[shantimama]

Sometimes a family therapist can be helpful in talking with a family - especially teh children - about what mental illness and means for a particular family. It doesn't mean going a whole bunch of times, just as a resource a couple of times if necessary.

A family physican might know of some community resources that would have books appropriate for children at different ages.

 

[BoxOfRainMama]

That for the input. I think the family therapist is a good idea. I also really like her school social worker. She had some adjustment issues in our move and I asked she meet with the school social worker and the school was very accommodating. Also they included the social worker at every parent/teacher conference, which I thought was wonderful. It is summer now, but something for me to keep in mind come fall.

I do think I need to worry about not creating fear in her. I do not want her to fear her family member/members struggling with mental illness, and I also do not want her to fear becoming mentally ill herself.....although with family history that is also a very real fear but not something I want for a 9 year old to focus on.