If you know of a family with a child who has mental health issues (which if you are reading my blog you do)- these are great ideas
Families raising children with these disorders are just like any other family; all families strive to find the tools that best work for their situation. Some families have members who wear glasses to see better or are in a wheelchair to assist with mobility. Some need tools that are more visible than others. Those children with mood and anxiety issues often need those around them to be armed with the tools of more patience, understanding and flexibility. Sometimes their families feel alienated from those with whom they are close because they are worried of how their child or their parenting is perceived.
What you can do to help
Share your concern about their situation and let them know you would like to get more information about their situation.
Ask if there are any books or other resources that would be helpful to read. There are many websites such as ours that contain information which gives better insight into what these disorders are and how they affect the children and their families.
Check out the links we list - there is a wealth of information!
The next time you have the family over for a visit, maybe you can ask ahead of time if there is something you can do to make sure the child is more comfortable...this may simply be a quiet place for the child to go rest for a few minutes. Visit this article in our "Gallery of Sharing" section to see how a friend helped us at her party.
Make a phone call or even send an email to the parents asking how things are going (sometimes parents feel hesitant about bringing up a bad day or time because they don't want to wear out their friend's ear...let them know you can be a sounding board). Honestly, just knowing you can "vent" to a loving friend or family member, without worrying you are bothering them, is a HUGE help!
If you are able to do so, offer to entertain or watch the child, even if it is an hour at your or their home. I promise you even one hour (to take a bath, a nap, catch up on phone calls, read a book, etc.) will be a very welcome and appreciated gift. It is often hard to find a babysitter, and it is easy to relax when you know your child is safely playing with a trusted, loving adult. Maybe the parent will feel so rested they can reciprocate soon for you and your child!
If the child's illness causes times of very strong feelings, such as rages with bipolar disorder, offer to be "on call" to come over. Sometimes a change in who is in the home can help divert the child's emotions. If the possibility exists of having to go to a hospital or treatement facility during these episodes (for lack of a better word), offer to drive. This can make the difference of a parent having to call local authorities for transportation.
Support can be given in many, many ways and as we all know, sometimes it is the little things that make all the difference!
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