Ask the Expert: Feeling Worried or Sad is a Natural Part of Growing Up. But How Can You Help a Child or Youth at a Vulnerable Moment? 

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In every issue of the ‘hood Magazine, we ask local experts questions that are helpful for our community! This Ask the Expert was printed in the January/February Issue of ‘hood. Check out the full digital issue at the link! 

Question: Feeling worried or sad is a natural part of growing up. But how can you help a child or youth at a vulnerable moment?

You may realize there’s a problem with depression or anxiety when you see a change in functioning, like slipping grades or disinterest in playing with friends.

Here are some tips:  

• Rather than asking a child to “calm down,” model calmness.  
• Try deep breathing and stretching exercises.  If you stay steady, it can steady them. 
• Acknowledge their feelings. 
• Ask calm questions and express empathy. 
• Practice ways to be flexible.

Say supportive things: 

• “I care about you.” 
• “How can I help you problem-solve? What do you need right now?” 

Feeling worried and sad is a natural part of growing up. But sometimes these feelings can overwhelm a child or youth, keeping them from functioning well at home or school.

“As a society, we’ve gained better acceptance of mental health conditions like anxiety and depression. But sometimes it’s hard to recognize, or to know what to do or say when it involves a child who’s close to us,” said Thomas Otten, Vice President for Avera Behavioral Health Services.

Avera has numerous resources to help children and families, from outpatient counseling and psychiatric clinic visits to partial hospitalization to inpatient care on specialized units for children and adolescents. Avera also offers a residential addiction care program for teens. In Sioux Falls, you can go to 24/7 behavioral health urgent care when you are in a crisis moment, need help or don’t know where else to turn. For example, you feel the child may be at risk of harming themselves or others. A trained team will ensure your situation is stable and direct you to the next best level of care. You can call 605-322-4065 for immediate assistance. Learn more at Avera.org/behavioralhealth or Avera.org/askthequestion