Manning Regional Healthcare Center (MRHC) encourages adults to not only take care of their own mental health, but to also be on the lookout for their children’s mental well being too. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) 2023 Youth Risk Behavior Survey, around 40 percent of U.S high school students reported persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness in the past year, with MRHC reporting anxiety as the most common health challenges seen among youth. MRHC Mental Health Therapist Tiffany Johnson, T-LMHC says “That anxiety often presents in different ways depending on the child’s age and can lead to serious concerns if not addressed early.” Warning signs to keep an eye on include behavioral changes including aggression in younger children, while teens may withdraw more from parents and peers and a decline in academic performance. Common stressors that affect youth include expectations for athletics and academic performance, bullying and cyberbullying, as social media affects the development of the brain, self-image and how youth see the world. MRHC Mental Health staff encourage parents to create safe, and consistent opportunities for conversations with their child, validating feelings and to listen without judgement, as well as supporting daily routines that include adequate sleep, a structured schedule, physical activity and healthy screen time boundaries. If additional resources are needed, parents should seek professional support as early intervention can make a significant difference. Counseling sessions at MRHC typically last around an hour, and incorporates play therapy techniques for younger children and will adjust as the child gets older. For more information on youth mental health services, visit MRHC’s website or call 712-655-8100 to schedule an appointment.
