Parent and Child

Supporting Our Young People During Mental Health Month

October 27, 20242 min read

Supporting Our Young People During Mental Health Month

October is Mental Health Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness about mental health issues and promoting well-being. For neurodivergent young people, this month is particularly significant as they often face unique challenges. At JumpStart Therapy, we are committed to providing support and resources to help families navigate these complexities. Here’s some of my favourite practical strategies to support your neurodivergent teenager.

Understanding the Challenges

Did you know that 50-70% of autistic individuals experience mental health challenges such as anxiety and depression? Recognising the signs that a neurodivergent young person might be struggling is crucial. Spending more time than usual alone, being more irritable or aggressive, complete shutdown, or talking about death in a sombre tone are some indicators that they may need help. By acting as ‘eyes and ears’ and reaching out, we can show support and start a conversation around getting help.

 

Tip 1: Stay Connected

Finding ways to stay connected with your young person is an important protective factor. Regularly checking in and asking if they're okay can make a significant difference. Listen without judgment and encourage them to express their feelings. This connection helps you notice changes in their mood and provides them with a sense of security, that’s it’s ok to talk about difficult subjects.

 

Tip 2: Create a Supportive Environment

Creating a supportive environment involves being emotionally ready to listen and setting aside enough time for meaningful conversations. Choose a safe and comfortable place for these discussions, such as the car or when gaming together, where you’re not looking directly at each other. This setting can make it easier for them to open up. Regularly check in and if you’re worried, offer to take action with them, whether it's going for a walk, taking them to an appointment, or joining them in a favourite activity.

 

Tip 3: Prioritise Sleep

Sleep is crucial for mental health. Stress from juggling school, study, financial stress, and relationship issues can affect a teenager’s sleep. Good sleep hygiene can improve mental health. Tips for getting a good night's sleep include:

  • keeping devices out of the bedroom,

  • doing quiet non-device activities for 1-2 hours before bed,

  • finishing the main meal 2 hours prior to sleep, and

  • exercising in the morning or late afternoon instead of the evening.

 

At JumpStart Therapy, we are dedicated to supporting families in navigating the complexities of emotional and behavioural challenges. We are developing online courses with comprehensive strategies and tools to help you and your child thrive. Sign up today to make sure you hear about the launch.

Mental Health MonthNeurodivergent young peopleSign up
blog author image

Karen Forrest

With over 30 years experience of working with children and families, Karen is passionate about supporting children’s social emotional development as well as building parents’ confidence so they and their family thrive.

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JumpStart's Lending Library

We've launched our very own library offering books & resources forParents/Carers and children connected with us. Books that promote children's strengths and abilities and celebrate diversity.


If there is a book you would like to borrow please email us. We will let you know when it is ready for pick up from Ochre Medical Centre Bathurst.


If you have recommendations for upcoming books to review, we'd love to hear from you!

Parent and Child

Supporting Our Young People During Mental Health Month

October 27, 20242 min read

Supporting Our Young People During Mental Health Month

October is Mental Health Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness about mental health issues and promoting well-being. For neurodivergent young people, this month is particularly significant as they often face unique challenges. At JumpStart Therapy, we are committed to providing support and resources to help families navigate these complexities. Here’s some of my favourite practical strategies to support your neurodivergent teenager.

Understanding the Challenges

Did you know that 50-70% of autistic individuals experience mental health challenges such as anxiety and depression? Recognising the signs that a neurodivergent young person might be struggling is crucial. Spending more time than usual alone, being more irritable or aggressive, complete shutdown, or talking about death in a sombre tone are some indicators that they may need help. By acting as ‘eyes and ears’ and reaching out, we can show support and start a conversation around getting help.

 

Tip 1: Stay Connected

Finding ways to stay connected with your young person is an important protective factor. Regularly checking in and asking if they're okay can make a significant difference. Listen without judgment and encourage them to express their feelings. This connection helps you notice changes in their mood and provides them with a sense of security, that’s it’s ok to talk about difficult subjects.

 

Tip 2: Create a Supportive Environment

Creating a supportive environment involves being emotionally ready to listen and setting aside enough time for meaningful conversations. Choose a safe and comfortable place for these discussions, such as the car or when gaming together, where you’re not looking directly at each other. This setting can make it easier for them to open up. Regularly check in and if you’re worried, offer to take action with them, whether it's going for a walk, taking them to an appointment, or joining them in a favourite activity.

 

Tip 3: Prioritise Sleep

Sleep is crucial for mental health. Stress from juggling school, study, financial stress, and relationship issues can affect a teenager’s sleep. Good sleep hygiene can improve mental health. Tips for getting a good night's sleep include:

  • keeping devices out of the bedroom,

  • doing quiet non-device activities for 1-2 hours before bed,

  • finishing the main meal 2 hours prior to sleep, and

  • exercising in the morning or late afternoon instead of the evening.

 

At JumpStart Therapy, we are dedicated to supporting families in navigating the complexities of emotional and behavioural challenges. We are developing online courses with comprehensive strategies and tools to help you and your child thrive. Sign up today to make sure you hear about the launch.

Mental Health MonthNeurodivergent young peopleSign up
blog author image

Karen Forrest

With over 30 years experience of working with children and families, Karen is passionate about supporting children’s social emotional development as well as building parents’ confidence so they and their family thrive.

Back to Blog
Parent and Child

Supporting Our Young People During Mental Health Month

October 27, 20242 min read

Supporting Our Young People During Mental Health Month

October is Mental Health Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness about mental health issues and promoting well-being. For neurodivergent young people, this month is particularly significant as they often face unique challenges. At JumpStart Therapy, we are committed to providing support and resources to help families navigate these complexities. Here’s some of my favourite practical strategies to support your neurodivergent teenager.

Understanding the Challenges

Did you know that 50-70% of autistic individuals experience mental health challenges such as anxiety and depression? Recognising the signs that a neurodivergent young person might be struggling is crucial. Spending more time than usual alone, being more irritable or aggressive, complete shutdown, or talking about death in a sombre tone are some indicators that they may need help. By acting as ‘eyes and ears’ and reaching out, we can show support and start a conversation around getting help.

 

Tip 1: Stay Connected

Finding ways to stay connected with your young person is an important protective factor. Regularly checking in and asking if they're okay can make a significant difference. Listen without judgment and encourage them to express their feelings. This connection helps you notice changes in their mood and provides them with a sense of security, that’s it’s ok to talk about difficult subjects.

 

Tip 2: Create a Supportive Environment

Creating a supportive environment involves being emotionally ready to listen and setting aside enough time for meaningful conversations. Choose a safe and comfortable place for these discussions, such as the car or when gaming together, where you’re not looking directly at each other. This setting can make it easier for them to open up. Regularly check in and if you’re worried, offer to take action with them, whether it's going for a walk, taking them to an appointment, or joining them in a favourite activity.

 

Tip 3: Prioritise Sleep

Sleep is crucial for mental health. Stress from juggling school, study, financial stress, and relationship issues can affect a teenager’s sleep. Good sleep hygiene can improve mental health. Tips for getting a good night's sleep include:

  • keeping devices out of the bedroom,

  • doing quiet non-device activities for 1-2 hours before bed,

  • finishing the main meal 2 hours prior to sleep, and

  • exercising in the morning or late afternoon instead of the evening.

 

At JumpStart Therapy, we are dedicated to supporting families in navigating the complexities of emotional and behavioural challenges. We are developing online courses with comprehensive strategies and tools to help you and your child thrive. Sign up today to make sure you hear about the launch.

Mental Health MonthNeurodivergent young peopleSign up
blog author image

Karen Forrest

With over 30 years experience of working with children and families, Karen is passionate about supporting children’s social emotional development as well as building parents’ confidence so they and their family thrive.

Back to Blog

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Bathurst NSW 2795

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