How to Support a Loved One Struggling With Mental Health
Is your child struggling with anxiety or other mental health concerns?
If you’re a parent of an anxious child or teen, you already know:
Worry doesn’t come with an off switch.
You’ve seen the signs—maybe they cry more easily, shut down when they’re overwhelmed, or seem constantly on edge. You want to help, but you’re not sure how. And maybe a small part of you wonders… Is this just a phase? Will they grow out of it?
You’re not alone. And more importantly—you’re not doing anything wrong.
This post will walk you through how to recognize when your child needs support, how to show up in ways that truly help, and why professional therapy for families is often a key part of long-term healing.
Signs Your Child May Need Mental Health Support
Anxiety can be quiet—and it can also be loud. It doesn’t always look like panic attacks or tears. In fact, many kids mask their anxiety so well that it gets overlooked.
Here are some common signs your child may be struggling emotionally:
Constant worry or overthinking
Avoiding social situations or school
Stomachaches or headaches with no clear cause
Perfectionism or fear of making mistakes
Trouble sleeping or frequent nightmares
Angry outbursts or emotional shutdowns
Saying “I’m fine” when they’re clearly not
If your gut is telling you something’s off, it’s okay to listen. Seeking out mental health resources early can make a huge difference in how your child learns to cope—and in how your family heals together.
What Helps (and What Doesn’t) When Your Child Is Struggling
It’s hard to know what to say when your child is hurting. You want to fix it. You want to protect them. But sometimes the things we think will help can make them feel more misunderstood or isolated.
Here are a few simple dos and don’ts for supporting your child through emotional challenges:
✅ DO:
Validate their experience. Try: “That sounds really hard.”
Be curious, not critical. Ask: “What’s been feeling heavy lately?”
Normalize therapy. Say: “We all need help sometimes—and that’s okay.”
Give them tools. Support them in learning how to cope, not just feel better in the moment.
Stay calm. Your nervous system helps regulate theirs.
❌ DON’T:
Minimize their emotions. Avoid: “You’re overreacting” or “It’s not that bad.”
Rush to fix it. Sometimes they need to be heard, not rescued.
Wait until it gets worse. Early intervention is powerful.
Blame yourself. Anxiety isn’t caused by “bad parenting”—it’s a signal that support is needed.
Why Therapy Is a Powerful Step Forward
While love and support at home are essential, they’re often not enough on their own.
Professional therapy offers a safe, structured space for your child to work through difficult emotions, build coping skills, and feel truly heard by someone outside the family dynamic. For teens especially, talking with a therapist can be more comfortable than opening up to a parent.
At my practice, I offer specialized therapy for families, including individual therapy for teens struggling with anxiety, low self-esteem, and emotional overwhelm. I also provide guidance for parents—so you don’t have to navigate this alone.
Whether your child needs weekly sessions or is better suited for a focused therapy intensive, we’ll create a plan that fits their needs and helps your whole family feel more supported.
Why Therapy Is So Valuable—For Both of You
Even with the best parenting in the world, your child may still need more support—and that’s okay.
Therapy for families can provide a space where your child learns real tools to manage anxiety, regulate emotions, and build confidence. And for you as a parent, it’s a space to breathe, regroup, and get clear on how to show up in a way that feels good (and actually works).
I specialize in helping anxious, overwhelmed kids and teens who seem “stuck”—especially those who’ve tried coping skills but still feel like they’re spiraling. I also offer EMDR therapy in New Jersey, which helps address the root causes of anxiety, not just the symptoms.
Whether your child needs weekly sessions or a short-term therapy intensive, there is a path forward. And you don’t have to figure it out alone.
Ready to Take the First Step?
You don’t need to wait for a meltdown or crisis to reach out. If your child is struggling—and you’re tired of wondering what to do next—let’s talk.
Together, we’ll create a plan to support your child’s mental health and help your family feel more grounded, connected, and calm.
📍 Offering therapy for anxious kids and teens in New Jersey, Florida, and Vermont
💻 Virtual and in-person sessions available
🔗 Schedule a free consultation today and take the first step toward lasting support.
