Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor and University lecturer Mona Martinez answers questions parents might have on their children’s #mentalhealth
Adults tend to veer away from conversations about #mentalhealth and #suicide because the conversations are uncomfortable. Nobody wants to think about #suicide or kids completing #suicide, but many teens don’t talk to anyone about how they feel for a long time and are scared of how their parents will react. Have an open conversation with your child as soon as you have concerns, rather than waiting.
What signs exist that an adolescent might have #mentalhealthissues?
The biggest thing to look for when it comes to #teens and #mentalhealth is a shift in behavior. Let’s say they typically wake up early, and they’re super productive in the morning. If they’re sleeping later and not wanting to do anything, that’s a shift in behavior. Shifts in behavior are good indicators the teen could be dealing with #mentalhealthissues.
#JamesDonaldson notes:
Welcome to the “next chapter” of my life… being a voice and an advocate for #mentalhealthawarenessandsuicideprevention, especially pertaining to our younger generation of students and student-athletes.
Getting men to speak up and reach out for help and assistance is one of my passions. Us men need to not suffer in silence or drown our sorrows in alcohol, hang out at bars and strip joints, or get involved with drug use.
Having gone through a recent bout of #depression and #suicidalthoughts myself, I realize now, that I can make a huge difference in the lives of so many by sharing my story, and by sharing various resources I come across as I work in this space. #http://bit.ly/JamesMentalHealthArticle
What are some ways for parents to communicate with their #children about #mentalhealth?
A mistake many adults make is trying to engage teens on a logical level. The brain doesn’t finish developing until around 25, and the last part of our brain to develop is the front part, which is responsible for logic and reasoning. Parents have that part of their brain developed, so they try to approach teens using logic. Teens don’t have that part; they typically run on emotions. One of the biggest pieces of advice I give parents is to validate their emotions. Listen to them instead of problem-solving.
What are some of the biggest common misconceptions parents have when it comes to #mentalhealth?
#Mentalhealth isn’t easily fixable, and it’s not a problem to be solved. Parents oftentimes think that if they tweak a couple of things, then everything should be fixed for their kid. It doesn’t work that way.
What can parents do to help their #children with #mentalhealthissues?
Have a conversation without trying to solve their problems, just listen to them, care for them and validate their emotions. Even if the kid isn’t at the point of needing #mentalhealthcounseling yet, or they’re starting to get there, reach out ahead of time. Some parents wait until they absolutely need it, and it’s an emergency. They try to call and get in, and they’re put on a waitlist. If the adolescent is starting to struggle, get them into counseling sooner rather than later.
How can parents try their best to ensure that their children suffer as little serious consequences as possible from their #mentalhealthissues?
Taking a hands-off approach means that it’s harder to recognize signs. Don’t helicopter parent them, but understand what their routine is. If things start to seem off or weird, it’s possible to have a conversation with them or look into getting them into counseling services. It’s much harder to get kids, when they’re already having significant #mentalhealthissues, to back down to a baseline and get them to process, work through issues and learn skills.
Mona Martinez is a lecturer in the Counseling and Educational Psychology program. She received her M.S. degree in Clinical #MentalHealthCounseling from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas and a Counselor Education and Supervision, Ph.D. from the University of Nevada, Reno. Mona is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (CPC) and she specializes in working with adolescents, while using non-traditional therapeutic approaches, including Canine-Assisted Psychotherapy. Currently, she oversees the Downing Counseling Clinic in the College of Education.
James Donaldson is a Washington State University graduate (’79). After an outstanding basketball career with WSU, he went on to play professional basketball in the NBA with the Seattle Supersonics, San Diego/L.A. Clippers, Dallas Mavericks, New York Knicks, and Utah Jazz. He also played for several teams in the European Leagues in Spain, Italy, and Greece, and he toured with The Harlem Globetrotters to wrap up his career. James was an NBA All-Star in 1988 while playing center for the Dallas Mavericks. In 2006, James was inducted into the Pac-10 Sports Hall of Fame and also the Washington State University Athletic Hall of Fame. In 2010, James was elected as a board member for the NBA Retired Players Association.
James frequently conducts speaking engagements (motivational, inspirational, educational) for organizations, schools, and youth groups.
In 2010, James was the recipient of the NBA Legends of Basketball ABC Award, awarded for outstanding contributions in Athletics–Business–Community.
He believes in being a role model for success and professionalism to the scores of young people to whom he devotes so much of his time. He currently serves on several boards and committees and is a member of many organizations.
James believes in developing relationships that create a “Win-Win” environment for everyone involved, and in being the best he can be!
For more information about James Donaldson or to request he speak at your event, contact him at:
www.StandingAboveTheCrowd.com
JamesD@StandingAboveTheCrowd.com
1-800-745-3161 (voicemail & fax)
James Donaldson is the author of “Standing Above The Crowd” and “Celebrating Your Gift of Life” and founder of the Your Gift of Life Foundation which focuses on mental health awareness and suicide prevention, especially pertaining to our school aged children and men.
If you’re interested in having James come and speak to your group of young adults, business entrepreneurs, aspiring political and community leaders, and athletic teams, please contact him at jamesd@yourgiftoflife.org and or leave a personal message for him at 1-800-745-3161. Keep up with him and read about how he is reaching out and making a difference in the lives of so many around the world at www.yourgiftoflife.org
