More than Just a Phase: Helping Kids Cope

An estimated 1 in 5 children experiences a mental health issue each year, and with dramatic changes to school, social activities and routines caused by the pandemic, more kids are suffering from mental health struggles than ever. If you are a parent who is worried about your child’s emotional well-being, there is help and there is hope. Please contact a mental health professional you can talk with to get support and help you help your child.

What to Look For

Many kids aren’t comfortable talking about their feelings—especially with their parents—so most symptoms of mental health struggles show up as new or changed behaviors. Some common red flags:

Excessive worry or anxiety

Changes in school performance

Frequent nightmares

Breaking rules and aggressive behavior

Disinterest in friends and social activities

Extreme mood change

Did you know?

Mental health isn’t all in your head. Studies show that stress, anxiety and depression can impact your immune system and strain your long-term heart health. Untreated stress can increase your risk for hypertension, heart attack or stroke.

If you are a parent who is worried about your child’s emotional well-being, there is help and there is hope.

How to Get Help for Your Child

Make an appointment with your primary care physician or mental health professional as soon as possible. They can help you navigate next steps, which could include therapy sessions or medication. If your child is a danger to him- or herself or to others, get emergency treatment right away. You can connect with one of our

Wellness Member Assistance Program’s social workers for additional assistance at (646) 473-6900.

Additional Resources

• National Alliance on Mental Illness: www.nami.org • National Institute of Mental Health: www.nimh.nih.gov • Mental Health for All: mentalhealthforall.nyc.gov • National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: suicidepreventionlifeline.org; (800) 273-TALK (8255) • National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities: www.NIMHD.NIH.gov • The Steve Fund: www.SteveFund.org • Society for Adolescent Health and Medicine: www.AdolescentHealth.org • The Jed Foundation: www.JedFoundation.org