May is Mental Health Month

In any given year, one in four Americans is diagnosed with a mental health condition and most conditions are treatable so individuals can live productive lives. Good mental health is needed for all ages, including children.

In observance of Mental Health Month in May, the Lake County Health Department/Community Health Center is emphasizing the importance of good parenting.

“Good parenting goes hand in hand with good mental health,” said Irene Pierce, the Health Department's Executive Director.

Some basics for a child's good mental health are the following:

•Give appropriate guidance and discipline when necessary. Be firm, but kind and realistic with your expectations.

•Make time each day to listen to your children and talk with them about what is happening in their lives.

•Encourage children to play. Play helps children be creative, learn problem- solving skills as well as how to get along with others.

•Give children unconditional love. They need to know your love does not depend on their accomplishments.

•Nurture a child's self-esteem, offer praise and realistic goals to them, avoid sarcasm, and be honest about your own mistakes. Make them feel special and important.

•Enroll your child in an after-school activity so they stay productive or check in with them after school if they are home alone. Children need to know that even if you are not there physically, you are thinking about them.

•Giving children a choice is a very powerful tool that can be used with toddlers through teenagers. Offer choices based on your child's age and your intent.

•Avoid labeling or comparing one child to the other. Treat each child as an individual.

•Respect a child's space and time when they want to be alone.

•Positively reinforce your children and help them solve their own conflicts.

Parenting presents many challenges, particularly during difficult economic times. Here are some suggestions to help:

•Limit a child's exposure to hearing about your worries or financial problems.

•Economize in ways that are fair to a child and you. Don't forget to demonstrate how you are cutting back on some of your own extras while they are giving up some of theirs.

•Keep predictability high. Children want routines such as soothing nighttime activities; otherwise they may crave attention and act out.

•If stress is affecting your ability to be kind and gentle, give yourself a break and take a breather for yourself to regain your composure away from the children. Set aside some time strictly for yourself to rest or connect with friends.

•Problems such as marital tension or unemployment can add to family tension. If you think your stressors may be affecting your parenting or you feel you need extra support you can try talking to a friend or healthcare provider, contacting a counseling service, exploring the possibility of parenting classes.

•Most importantly accept help. You don't have to do it all.

The Health Department provides behavioral health services throughout Lake County for people of all ages. Services include outpatient mental health clinics, community support case management, housing programs, substance abuse disorder services and crisis care services. For additional information, please call the Health Department at: (847) 377-8180 or visit: http://www.lakecountyil.gov/Health/BHS.htm. A 24-hour crisis care line is also available at: (847) 377-8088.