Support For Parents of Young Adults With Mental Health Issues: Signs, Steps, & More
There’s a vast number of young adults who suffer from mental health issues. Because of this, it’s important that parents or guardians understand how to help young adults with mental health issues. Learning how to properly support each other can go a long way in recovery for both parties. In this blog, we’ll discuss the signs of mental illness as well as support for parents of young adults with mental health issues.
Signs of Mental Health Issues in Young Adults
Signs of mental illness or mental health issues can come in a variety of symptoms. As a parent or guardian, it’s critical to watch for any warning signs that may suggest your child is struggling.
Below, we’ve listed some of the most common symptoms connected to mental health disorders.
- Confused thinking
- Prolonged depression (sadness or irritability)
- Feelings of extreme highs and lows
- Excessive fears, worries, and anxieties
- Social withdrawal
- Dramatic changes in eating or sleeping habits
- Strong feelings of anger
- Strange thoughts (delusions)
- Seeing or hearing things that aren’t there (hallucinations)
- Growing inability to cope with daily problems and activities
- Suicidal thoughts
- Numerous unexplained physical ailments
- Substance abuse or addiction
Note: If you or someone you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts, call the suicide prevention and crisis hotline or seek medical help immediately.
How to Help Young Adults With Mental Health Issues
It’s no secret that the highs and lows of transitioning into adulthood often come with high stressors, overwhelming emotions, and a lot of confusion. However, if a young adult is already struggling with a mental illness or mental health issue, these common obstacles can become inhibiting and unbearable.
Understanding how to help young adults with mental health issues can be a difficult process to navigate, especially for parents and guardians, which is why we’ve provided some guidelines that can act as the first line of support for parents of young adults with mental health issues.
1. Offer Non-Judgemental Support
Oftentimes, an individual struggling with a mental health disorder feels hesitant to speak about how they are feeling. This could be for a number of reasons including shame and/or fear of judgment.
It’s critical that parents or guardians don’t simply offer support to their young adult children, but that they make it clear their concern is coming from a place without judgment. This can be done by focusing on asking questions, listening, and not being dismissive or minimizing the feelings their son or daughter is experiencing.
When a parent listens, they shouldn’t immediately offer up advice, unless the child asks for it. Doing this will show the children that they are there for them and won’t be critical of their feelings, thoughts, or decisions.
2. Encourage Them to Get Help
Unfortunately, due to the stigma that often surrounds mental health issues, young adults may feel hesitant to ask for or get help when they need it. One of the most beneficial things a parent can do for their young adult is to create an environment where getting help is encouraged and supported.
Sometimes, individuals believe that once they are diagnosed with a mental illness, that confirmation becomes their identity. If a parent begins to see signs of mental health issues in young adults, they should remind them that they are not their diagnosis, and it’s not a weakness.
In addition, it’s important to realize that someone with a mental health issue may have needs that go beyond what a parent or guardian can offer. As much as the support of a parent is necessary, seeking guidance from a qualified mental health professional is often the best course of action.
3. Show Empathy
This one may seem obvious, however, it needs to be listed because it may also be the most important. Showing someone empathy can be immensely powerful and therefore go a long way. Young adults are at a time when they want to be independent, but taking control of one’s life doesn’t go as planned.
While a parent or guardian may have previous life experience with some of the mistakes young adults can make, they should still approach any mistakes or regrets with compassion. On the other hand, if a parent hasn’t personally experienced struggling with a mental health issue, they may not fully understand what’s going on inside their child’s head.
Staying educated about what your child is going through will shed some light on the situation and the emotions the child is feeling. It may come as a surprise, but sometimes, all young adult needs are to know that their parents are on their side. Learning how to help a young adult with mental health issues could be as simple as asking them what they need to feel safe rather than just assuming.
4. Set Boundaries
Support for parents of young adults with mental health issues includes establishing boundaries for both parties. We’ve already stressed the importance of creating a safe environment for young people, but the parents’ safety and well-being are just as vital. No parent should need to tolerate physical or verbal abuse.
We understand that this can be a difficult concept because the line between supporting and enabling can often be blurred. However, there are ways parents can practice setting boundaries while also showing they care. For example, if there’s an argument, parents can use phrases such as, “I love you. I’m here to help, but I will not allow you to berate me (yell at me, swear at me, threaten me, etc.)”.
Asking for space is also a viable option, sometimes people need time to cool off or clear their minds. If this is the case, it should be noted that the parent should ensure their child is not at risk of attempting suicide, hurting themselves, or hurting someone else. If there is a risk of any of these things, taking them to the emergency room or calling 911 may be necessary.
5. Find Support for Yourself
Dealing with a mental illness is something that affects more than one person. This is why there are many groups and resources available that offer support for parents of young adults with mental health issues. It’s important for parents or guardians are finding the help they need to navigate their relationship with their children.
In these support groups, parents can listen to the experiences of families who have or are experiencing the same obstacles. Everyone’s mental health and well-being matter, whether they have a mental illness or not. Finding ways to practice self-care and well-being can go a long way in everyone’s life.
Learning how to help a young adult with mental health issues can be a difficult journey, but with the right guidance and support, parents can find treatment programs that will benefit both their children and themselves.