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The Importance of Mental Health for the Whole Family

Date: 05/07/25

Mental health is just as important as physical health — for adults and for kids. One in five kids in the U.S. experiences a mental health issue, such as anxiety, ADHD and depression. And mental health problems can run in families.

Take some time to attend to your mental health, and your kids’ too.


Mental health tips for you:

 

  • Treat yourself kindly. Take time to do things you enjoy.
  • Take care of your body. Good nutrition and exercise can help mental health.
  • Stay connected. Make plans with others, and be open to new friendships doing things you enjoy.
  • Go after goals. Set small, simple goals, and enjoy the feeling of achieving them.
  • Try something new. Even something simple like a new walking route is good for the brain.
  • Volunteer. Research shows people who volunteer feel a boost in their mental health.
     


Mental health tips to help your kids:

 

  • Pay attention. Notice what they say and how they act. Provide a safe space, and teach them how to talk about how they’re feeling.
  • Show the way. Find age-appropriate ways to let your kids see how you deal with mistakes, setbacks or disappointment. It will help them do the same and make it easier for them to admit mistakes and bounce back.
  • Build independence. As long as it’s safe, let children figure things out and build a sense of independence. Resist the urge to swoop in when things go wrong.
  • Boredom is OK. You don’t have to schedule every free moment with playdates or activities. Boredom can lead to creativity.
  • Provide structure. Set regular mealtimes and bedtimes, limits on electronics, and rules for play and how to treat others. Always show kids you care about them. Create boundaries, and be flexible when you need to.
     

Some warning signs your child might need help:

  • Being unusually anxious about simple things like meeting new people
  • Having a mood change that lasts more than two weeks
  • Having trouble concentrating or sitting still


Only about 21% of children with a mental health problem get treatment. If you notice any of these signs, start with a call to your child’s doctor.

We’ve got you covered

As a Louisiana Healthcare Connections member, you have mental health coverage and access to resources to help you and your child. If you need help with these benefits, call Member Services at 1-866-595-8133 (TTY: 711), Monday – Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Need to find a mental health care provider? Search for one in our network with our Find A Provider tool.

You can also get help right away if you are having a mental health problem or a crisis. Call our 24/7 Mental Health and Addiction Crisis Hotline at 1-844-677-7553 (TTY: 711) to speak with a licensed mental health counselor.

In a life-threatening mental health emergency, call 988. The Suicide and Crisis Lifeline offers 24/7 call, text and chat access to trained counselors. They can help people experiencing a mental health crisis or emotional distress. You can also go to a crisis center or the nearest emergency room.