Seeing Beneath the Surface — Addressing Anxiety, Depression & Addiction in Our Children

Fostering Youth Health as Parents

Photo by Brett Jordan on Unsplash

As parents, we tenderly kiss our children’s skinned knees. But what about the invisible wounds inside their hearts and minds? Mental and emotional health issues touch so many young lives, yet often go unaddressed. As parents, how can we truly “see” our children’s inner struggles? And how can we provide the compassionate support they need?

Understanding Common Health Challenges in Children

Mental and emotional health challenges affect many children and can undermine their wellbeing. Some common conditions include:

Anxiety: Feeling constantly tense, worried or fearful about various situations. Physical signs may include rapid heartbeat, stomachaches or trouble sleeping.

Depression: Persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, low self-worth. Can cause emotional numbness, loss of interest in normal activities, trouble concentrating.

ADHD: Difficulty paying attention, sitting still or controlling impulsive behavior. Can significantly impact school performance and relationships.

Addiction: Using substances like alcohol, nicotine or other drugs to dangerously…