Depression Symptoms In Teens Rising: Resources For Oklahoma Parents

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and the Center for Children and Families joined to talk about mental health in children.

Kathryn Morris-Scott and Melissa Simpson Klink say helping your child can be simple.

“Starting with some simple routines and rhythms in your household is a good way to start for young children,” Morris-Scott said. “Making sure they have a consistent bedtime, making sure you're having some family time together, such as a family meal. Spending 10 minutes of special time with your child, no matter what the age, just 10 minutes to listen to them talk every day is really important to start that mental health journey with your child.”

There are many resources available to support families and individuals, like 988 and Oklahoma Heartline.

The Center for Children and Families is also a great resource.

“We start at the very beginning, when someone walks through our door, they're able to get diapers to help with that first connection attachment and that they don't have to worry about the basic needs,” Morris-Scott said. “And we have programs such as bringing up babies that go into the home and again, help build attachment and then we go into our boys and girls club, which offers a safe place for children to go after school, and complex trauma treatment and mental health counseling for children and families who've experienced those those complex traumas.”

Klink says over 80 percent of Oklahoma’s middle and high school students have experienced depression symptoms.

For more information on the Center for Children and Families, click here.