BRYAN, Texas — Through the pandemic, we’ve learned just how important mental health really is for adults and our youth.
Sanity still matters and since it’s still summer, we see what resources are available here in the Brazos Valley.
“Kids…that’s really important too,” said “Kathryn “Nin” Emery, LPC-A at Thriveworks. “We see it at a very young age, whether it’s an increase in anxiety or other symptoms. With teenagers, absolutely, they definitely feel the stress.
Emery said adults were showing up for the children, supporting them.
“We’re seeing adults creating spaces for kids to take care of their minds as well, whether that’s body and mind, groups, activities, yoga, sports, but they’re not necessarily just pushing kids. mental health stuff towards the plus side,” Emery said.
Julia Rios said after her daughter told her she wanted to see a counselor, she immediately sought out local resources.
“She came to me and she was open about it like, ‘Mom, I feel like I need someone to talk to,'” said Julia Rios, a local mum from Bryan. “I want a therapist. I want an advisor.
Emery says that due to the high demand for child counseling services, she is full of appointments, leaving people on a waiting list.
Rios said finding reasonable health care for her 14-year-old daughter, Alina, was difficult and turned to an online resource.
“It’s hard to find affordable counseling or therapists or anything that takes Medicaid for low-income families,” Rios said.
Rios said her daughter would suffer from panic attacks at school.
Emery said one of the best anxiety-regulating strategies is getting a change in temperature.
“If it’s not splashing cold water on your face, it’s going outside listening to the birdsong, feeling the sun on your skin, feeling the breeze on your skin,” Emery said. “These things are very ingrained. It helps you separate yourself from all the beings in your head and all the anxieties and worries and just bring you back.
Rios said her daughter has improved significantly since beginning counseling in April.
“Learning that she doesn’t have to hold it back and bottle it up,” Rios said. “She’s been through a lot and I’m proud of her.”
Emery said the children show their stress through their actions.
“Children show their stress, anxieties and worries or just general mental health issues through their behavior,” Emery said. “I think what parents need is a lot more confidence. They do it well. They love their children and they do it well. They might just need a little more guidance.
She says that sometimes your child may need a quick consultation to sort everything out.
“If you feel like you’re struggling and you can tell, tell your adult, whoever they are,” Emery said. “Your trusted adult, parent, teacher at school and let them know you’re having trouble and would like someone to talk to.”
If you are looking for local counseling services here in the Brazos Valley, Thriveworks offers online services through Telehealth to help you with the high demand counseling offices seen in the area.
Twin City Mission also offers free counseling through its Youth and Family Services program.
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