SALT LAKE CITY (KUTV) — A recent CDC study found that 1 in 14 children in the U.S. have a parent with poor mental health, which is often associated with poor mental health in children.
Clint Trujillo fell into depression after losing his brother to suicide.
“Honestly, it was hell for me,” Trujillo said. “I didn’t want to get up in the morning. There were times when I was really depressed. [my wife] I wanted her and everyone to leave me alone because I didn’t want my misery to infect them.”
Trujillo knew that to be a better father and husband, he needed to work on his own mental health.
“I know what it takes to get out of that dark place and how hard it is, but I did it and I came out the other side,” he said.
COVID-19 has made many aspects of daily life uncertain, said Dr. Laura White, a licensed clinical psychologist at the University of Utah’s Huntsman Mental Health Institute, who works with children and teens with serious mental health issues.
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“We’re hearing from a lot of children and young people that they’re feeling really anxious and nervous,” White said. “Recent research suggests that this is going to have some very long-term effects on children and young people, this younger generation.”
This uncertainty impacts parents who have to deal with these emotions at home.
White advises parents to give themselves a little pampering and recognize the challenges of parenting in today’s world.
“Children of millennial parents are facing issues that didn’t exist when they were growing up, such as cyberbullying and peer pressure through social media,” she said.
White suggests parents prioritize their children’s mental health by eating well, sleeping well, talking to a professional about stress, and setting a good example.
“All of this gives you the space to feel secure as a parent and be the best version of yourself,” she said.
Non-verbal cues are also important.
“How loud is their voice? What’s their tone? Parents who are so angry they’re about to explode are really scary for kids and teens,” White said.
Regulating their emotions helps children respond better.
“If you yell, your kids will get angry and will join you in that. So if you stay calm, your kids will stay calm with you,” she said.
White stressed the importance of balancing mental health while also setting boundaries.
“Parents often say, ‘Don’t do that,’ but don’t teach their children what to do instead or why it’s a problem,” she said.
It’s okay that parents don’t always have an immediate answer for their children’s stress.
“It’s saying I care about this issue and I want to solve it, but I don’t want to say the wrong thing or overreact,” White said.
There are resources available for Utah parents.
If the self-harm is severe, call 988. The Huntsman Mental Health Institute offers resources through its intake line at (801)-585-1212, where experts can evaluate and direct you to appropriate care.
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