Parent Magazine St. Johns June 2019 | Page 30

TIPS FOR Parents By Amy L. Hall, Ph.D. – Volusia County Coordinator of Student and Government Relations 1. Keep the lines of communication open. Ask questions and be willing to listen. 2. Monitor your student’s social media and know who their friends are. 3. If you have a concern, don’t be afraid to ask for help or guidance. 4. Be supportive, listen and offer guidance. 5. Don’t judge. 6. Educate yourself on the resources that are available in your school district and in your community. 7. Stay Involved in your child’s life, regardless of their age. Do I have to put my child on medication? Medication is not always prescribed to treat the child’s symptoms. However, if the doctor recommends a medication for your child, you have the right to refuse. It is best though to discuss your concerns with the doctor. Often, parents have pre-conceived ideas about psychotropic medications that are untrue. Will medication sedate my child or make my child act like a different person? Parents are often concerned that medication will make their child “zombie-like.” The goal of medication is not to sedate or alter your child’s personality but to treat their symptoms so they can attain a higher level of function. I am divorced. What if I think my child needs services but my ex disagrees? If you decide to seek treatment for your child, it is a good idea to involve the other parent as much as possible. Parents do not like to feel helpless or left out in the decisions that affect their children’s health. Also, it is helpful to have professionals who are available to answer questions and concerns. Sometimes when we are arguing, my child will make suicidal statements. How do I know if the threat is serious? When children, especially teenagers, are emotionally overwhelmed, they may make threats to harm him/herself or others. It can be tough to discern a real threat from blowing off steam. If you find yourself questioning the seriousness of the statements that is a good indicator your child may need help. It does not hurt to have a mental health screening performed. They are free and can provide peace of mind to a parent who is afraid the child may act upon the threats. I think my child needs help, but I am afraid of what my family and friends will say. Who all has to know? It is up to you if you want to share that information with friends and family. Some children are fine with their friends and family knowing they receive services. Others would like that information to remain private. What is the Florida Baker Act*? The Baker Act protects the rights of all individuals examined or treated for mental illness in Florida. Criteria for involuntary exam are that the individual: » » Appears to have a mental illness; » » Presents a danger to self or others; » » Refuses voluntary exam or is unable to understand need for exam is an indicator that your child may need help. It does not hurt to have a mental health screening performed. They are free, and can provide peace of mind to a parent who is afraid the child may act upon the threats. Information for this article was provided by Halifax Health. 30 | S T. J O H N S H E A LT H A N D W E L L N E S S M A G A Z I N E