How to Support Your Adult Child Through Mental Health Challenges

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So, you just found out that your adult child has a mental health diagnosis. Maybe you are feeling scared, confused, and don’t want to screw up the lines of communication between the two of you.

Truthfully, it’s normal to be a little worried about keeping your relationship safe and loving.

The good news is that some simple actions can help you respond to your adult child with love and support.

However, please be aware that there are also things you could do or say that could damage your relationship with your child.

Your response can positively affect how your child feels about their diagnosis.

Mental Health Issues Can Be Challenging

Discover supportive ways to respond when your adult child opens up about their mental health issues. Learn how to offer understanding and guidance effectively.

It is not easy to be the parents of adult children. It’s a delicate balance of respect and love; frankly, most of us are learning as we go.

We get plenty of information and advice on parenting little kids, but we can feel a little lost once they become adults.

It’s so important that your adult child has chosen to share their mental health issues with you.

You might be relieved, knowing that there is an answer to some of the challenges that your child has been facing.

Or you might find yourself questioning the credibility of the mental health diagnosis, possibly feeling skeptical about the information you are hearing from your child.

When your adult child shares their mental health diagnosis, it can be challenging and confusing for the entire family.

As a parent, you know it’s essential to be understanding and supportive, but it can be hard to know how to react.

Mental Illness vs. Mental Health Disorder

Mental illness is a broad term that covers a wide range of experiences, from feeling overwhelmed and anxious to having difficulty managing emotions. On the other hand, a mental disorder is a specific diagnosis that requires treatment and should be discussed with a mental health professional.

Mental Health Diagnoses Can Be Isolating

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Each person has a unique experience navigating their mental health. It is crucial to choose your words carefully to show respect and acceptance around mental health issues.

Frankly, much of our language around mental health is outdated and offensive. To support your adult child, take some time to learn how to talk about mental health issues without being ignorant or offensive.

Be prepared to apologize if you realize that you are using terms or phrases that feel disrespectful to your child.

A mental health diagnosis can be overwhelming, but it shouldn’t be a negative experience.

With support and understanding, you can help your child feel empowered and in control of their diagnosis.

An important reminder: a mental health diagnosis does not reflect your parenting or your child’s character.

Even though they are adults, they still need your love, understanding, and acceptance. It’s essential to have an open and curious space to talk about mental health issues, no matter how old your child might be.

Talking About Mental Health With Your Adult Child.

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Go Ahead, Do These Things

Listen carefully and respectfully. This is the number one thing you must do; your response will set the tone for the future relationship.

Being an open and curious listener will help your adult child feel connected and safe with you. If you respond with teasing or disrespect, you will likely lose the privilege of supporting your grown child.

Reassure them of your love and acceptance. All people want to be loved and accepted.

We are designed to be in a community, first for our safety and then for our development.

Respond with genuine love and warm acceptance when your grown kid realizes that they have a mental health diagnosis.

Positive affirmation will help reduce the stigma around mental illness and create a space for open dialogue.

Encourage them to discuss their diagnosis and any treatment they may receive, including their feelings and experiences with their mental health assessment.

It’s also important to remember that everyone’s experience with mental health is different, so be sure to remain open-minded and non-judgmental.

Ask them to share information that helped them understand their diagnosis. Most people have spent hours searching online to find information to help them understand their behaviors and feelings.

Ask questions, listen, and be open to learning more about their experience.

Stop! Don’t Do These Things

Please don’t send them information that contradicts their diagnosis. Your adult child has likely spent hours researching and trying to understand their mental health issues.

It doesn’t matter how you feel about the process; this is not the time to criticize or try to control your child’s acceptance of their diagnosis.

Don’t downplay the impact their diagnosis has on their life. Please don’t tell your adult child that they need to “buck up,” “walk it off,” or “just don’t think about it” when talking about their mental health issues.

Don’t tell them that Aunt Betty had “dark days, too,” and she was happy. This type of response can be very hurtful.

You are telling your child they are weaker than others because they got help for their diagnosis.

Supporting your adult child through mental health challenges requires patience, empathy, and a willingness to learn.

By creating a safe and supportive environment, you can help your child feel understood and accepted as they navigate their journey towards mental wellness.

Remember, it's okay to seek additional support for yourself and your family if needed.

Organizations like Anxiety and Depression of America (ADAA), the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), The Trevor Project, and the Black Emotional and Mental Health Collective (BEAM) offer valuable resources and support for families dealing with mental health issues.

Take the time to educate yourself and be there for your adult child every step of the way.

This article was produced and syndicated by BLENDtw.