Supporting your child’s mental health starts with listening, says psychiatrist Dr. Gili Adler Nevo. It’s important to spend time with your child and create a channel of communication. When you know overall what’s happening in your child’s life, you’ll notice when something is bothering them.
Dr. Adler Nevo heads the child and teen anxiety clinic at Michael Garron Hospital. She says parents may wish to seek expert advice if there are significant changes in behavior. For instance:
- Your child is quieter and more withdrawn than usual.
- Your child isn’t communicating with their friends.
- Your child has trouble concentrating or can’t focus on their schoolwork.
- Your child’s behaviour regresses (e.g. wetting the bed or wanting to sleep with you).
Youth mental health services in East Toronto
A good starting point is with your family doctor or paediatrician. If necessary, they can refer you to specialized care.
Also, the following local resources are available in East Toronto:
- Help Ahead connects families and children under age 18 in Toronto with mental health support services.
- Youth Wellness Hubs give youth aged 12 to 25 resources for mental health, substance use, physical and sexual health, education, employment, housing and more:
- Danforth East Youth Wellness Hub
- Thorncliffe Park Youth Wellness Hub
- The Child & Youth Anxiety Clinic at Michael Garron Hospital helps young people manage anxiety disorders, which are among the most common and most treatable mental health conditions for children and teens.
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