Irwin Therapist: How Parents Spot Kid Stress

Pittsburgh Parent on May 20 published advice from two Westmoreland County therapists on how parents can tell when a child’s stress or anxiety may need more than routine reassurance. The article cited Rachael Ananian, an Irwin-based licensed marriage and family therapist and certified eating disorder specialist, and Laura Manko, a therapist in Jeannette who works with adolescents and adults. Both said ordinary stress is expected, but they urged parents to watch for changes that begin to disrupt school, friendships and daily routines. ### When does ordinary stress become a warning sign? Rachael Ananian told Pittsburgh Parent that parents should start with one question: whether the stress is in proportion to the situation. “Anything that’s impacting your child’s day-to-day functions may be a concern,” Ananian said in the article. She is identified there as the owner of the private practice Nurtured Resilience in Irwin. (pittsburghparent.com) Laura Manko said stress and anxiety are normal, but become more concerning when they interfere with “friends, school and everyday life.” Pittsburgh Parent said Manko has 19 years of experience as a school counselor and works at Seyler-Berkebile Marriage & Family Therapy in Jeannette. ### What changes should parents actually look for? Manko told Pittsburgh Parent to watch for emotional changes such as persistent sadness, outbursts and increased anxiety. (pittsburghparent.com) She also pointed to behavioral shifts, including slipping grades and withdrawing from activities, as signs that a child may need support. Physical symptoms also made the list. Pittsburgh Parent said headaches, stomachaches and changes in eating habits can be signs of strain, though Manko added that parents should also check with a pediatrician to rule out a medical cause. “One small change isn’t a concern, but several changes lasting weeks should be taken seriously,” she said. (pittsburghparent.com) ### What are therapists telling parents to do at home? (pittsburghparent.com) Two local therapists told Pittsburgh Parent that being actively present is a practical first step. The article said parents can make regular check-ins part of family routines so children have repeated chances to talk before problems deepen. The same piece said parents can also help by adjusting schedules and expectations when a child appears overloaded. (pittsburghparent.com) That can include time-management changes and simple coping tools that children and teenagers can use day to day, according to the article’s summary of the therapists’ advice. ### What if parents are not sure whether it is mental health or something else? (pittsburghparent.com) Pittsburgh Parent said Manko urged families to note patterns rather than react to a single bad day. Her guidance drew a distinction between isolated changes and several signs that persist for weeks. Medical follow-up is part of that process. The article said pediatricians can help rule out hormonal or other health issues when headaches, stomachaches or appetite changes are part of the picture. (pittsburghparent.com) ### Where can families turn in a crisis? The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline says people can call, text or chat 24 hours a day for free and confidential support, and its youth page says young people can reach out directly as well. (pittsburghparent.com) The service is operated as a national network of more than 200 local crisis centers, according to SAMHSA and the 988 Lifeline. SAMHSA says families looking for treatment can also use its national help and treatment resources, including its treatment locator. (pittsburghparent.com) Pittsburgh Parent directed readers to national hotlines and local resources for immediate help, and the 988 Lifeline says callers should use 911 if someone is in immediate danger. May is Mental Health Awareness Month, the Pittsburgh Parent article said, and the guidance from Ananian and Manko was published in that context on May 20. (988lifeline.org) Families seeking immediate crisis support can use 988 now, while parents looking for ongoing care can search SAMHSA’s treatment resources and local providers in the Pittsburgh region. (pittsburghparent.com) (samhsa.gov)