Extracts taken from the resource workbook by Paul M Critchlow © 2024,
“Nurturing Resilience and Well-being in Adolescence”,
released 29 April 2024
Seeking help is a crucial step in supporting children and adolescents who may be facing challenges with their mental health, academics, or personal well-being. As parents and teachers, it's essential to recognize the signs that a young person may need support and to provide guidance and resources to help them access the help they need. In this blog, we'll explore the importance of seeking help, common barriers to accessing support, and practical strategies for parents and teachers to facilitate the process.
The Importance of Seeking Help
Seeking help is essential for several reasons:
- Early Intervention: Getting help early can prevent issues from escalating and improve outcomes for children and adolescents.
- Validation and Support: Seeking help validates young people's experiences and provides them with the support and resources they need to cope and thrive.
- Building Resilience: Learning to seek help teaches young people resilience and problem-solving skills, empowering them to overcome challenges in the future.
Common Barriers to Seeking Help
Despite the importance of seeking help, several barriers may prevent young people from accessing support:
- Stigma and Shame: Social stigma and fear of judgment may prevent young people from seeking help due to concerns about being perceived as weak or different.
- Lack of Awareness: Some young people may not be aware of the available resources or may not recognize the signs that they need help.
- Limited Access: Structural barriers such as financial constraints, lack of transportation, or geographical isolation may hinder access to support services.
- Cultural and Language Barriers: Cultural beliefs and language barriers may create additional challenges in accessing culturally sensitive and appropriate support.
Strategies for Facilitating Help-Seeking
As parents and teachers, there are several strategies we can use to facilitate help-seeking behavior among young people:
1. Normalize Help-Seeking
Normalize help-seeking behavior by openly discussing mental health and well-being, sharing personal experiences of seeking help, and promoting a culture of openness and support.
2. Educate About Resources
Educate young people about the available support services, such as school counselors, mental health professionals, helplines, and online resources. Provide information about how to access these services and encourage them to reach out when needed.
3. Foster Trust and Communication
Build trusting relationships with young people based on empathy, respect, and active listening. Create a safe and supportive environment where young people feel comfortable expressing their concerns and seeking guidance.
4. Address Barriers to Access
Address structural barriers to access by advocating for increased funding for mental health services, promoting policies that improve access to care, and connecting young people with community resources and support networks.
5. Collaborate with Families and Communities
Collaborate with families, community organizations, and other stakeholders to create a coordinated system of support that addresses the diverse needs of young people and ensures access to culturally responsive and equitable services.
Conclusion: Empowering Young People to Seek Help
In conclusion, seeking help is a critical step in supporting the well-being and resilience of children and adolescents. By normalizing help-seeking behavior, educating about available resources, fostering trust and communication, addressing barriers to access, and collaborating with families and communities, parents and teachers can empower young people to seek help when they need it most.
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