Tag: world mental health day

World Mental Health Day: Caring for the Whole Family’s Mind

On By justmymomsenseIn Mental HealthLeave a comment

Every year on October 10, the world pauses to recognize World Mental Health Day. A day to remember that our mental well-being matters just as much as our physical health.

The truth is, mental health starts at home, in our daily routines, our conversations, and the ways we care for one another. Whether you’re a parent, child, or caregiver, mental health is something we can nurture together.

Kids learn how to express emotions by watching us. Talking about feelings, the good and the hard ones, normalizes emotional ups and downs. Try asking your kids questions like:

  • “What made you smile today?”
  • “Was there anything that felt tricky or stressful?”
  • “How does your body feel when you’re upset?”

It doesn’t have to be heavy, just consistent. These conversations help children build emotional vocabulary and teach them it’s okay to ask for help.

As parents, we won’t always get it right. But showing your kids how you calm down through deep breathing, taking a short walk, or saying, “I need a minute to think,” teaches emotional regulation better than any lecture could. When we practice self-care openly, we give our kids permission to do the same.

Routines help everyone feel grounded, especially kids who thrive on predictability. Simple rituals like reading before bed, eating dinner together, or sharing highs and lows of the day create connection and stability which are two key ingredients for strong mental health.

It’s easy to put everyone else’s needs first, but your mental health deserves care, too. Check in with yourself:

  • Are you sleeping enough?
  • Are you eating regularly?
  • When was the last time you did something just for you?

Even a few minutes a day of quiet, journaling, or movement can make a difference.

Caring for our family’s mental health doesn’t have to mean grand gestures. It’s the small, everyday choices that build emotional strength: a hug, a walk, a laugh, or a moment of grace when things go wrong.

This World Mental Health Day, let’s remind ourselves and our kids that it’s okay not to be okay and that help, hope, and healing are always within reach.

World Mental Health Day

On By justmymomsenseIn Anxiety, Mental Health2 Comments

The overall objective of World Mental Health Day is to raise awareness of mental health issues around the world and to mobilize efforts in support of mental health. The Day provides an opportunity for all stakeholders working on mental health issues to talk about their work, and what more needs to be done to make mental health care a reality for people worldwide. – World Health Organization

There is no shame in taking care of your mental health. There is no shame in admitting you need help to take care of your mental health. There is no shame in talking to others about your mental health.

I recognize that in 2023 there is still a stigma when in comes to discussing mental health. I realize there is still a stigma when people talk about going to therapy. However, I am thankful that the stigma seems to be diminishing as each year passes. As it should, right?

It’s hard to talk about sensory difficulties without talking about anxiety. They go hand in hand and can feed off each other easily. Providing your children with the right tools to help them overcome any of their challenges as early as possible can make such a difference. Whether that is speech therapy, occupational therapy, talk therapy, play therapy, while also working with them at home, it can all change how you and your child communicate and get through the day to day.

As a mom, talking to another parent that may be reading this, please know that taking care of your mental health is so important. It’s great to have a support system around you and some are lucky to have that. Whether you do or you don’t, it’s ok to also ask for additional help. Talking to a therapist, meditation, and working on yourself can do wonders for your kids. If you are not regulated, they won’t be either. Being a parent is tough, add having a child with anxiety, sensory difficulties, health issues or any other challenges and being a parent just got tougher. Please take care of yourselves as well.

During World Mental Health Day, I wish for kindness and compassion for all of us. I wish for everyone to feel peace and happiness. For those that aren’t feeling that way, please know it’s ok to ask for help.

Helpful Links:

MentalHealth.org

MentalHealth.org.uk

Star Institute

Psychology Today

World Mental Health Day

On By justmymomsenseIn UncategorizedLeave a comment

As parents, we all do so much to keep the household running. We’re responsible for tiny humans, jobs, bills, house, extended family, the list goes on. There’s not too much time for us and it’s easy to put ourselves on the back burner.

I spend a lot of time trying to talk through feelings with my kids. We work on identifying a feeling and how to navigate through it. Not an easy concept. Not even for adults. There are books, and great kids programming to help educate on feelings as well. I even wrote about the “Breathe, Think, Do” app in a recent post. All excellent items for a kids’ toolbox.

But it’s hard for us to remember to stop and breathe.

Like so many others, I’ve dealt with my own ups and downs when it comes to mental health. Even though for me, it’s been awhile since I went through it, I remember being there.

If you’re struggling in any way, there’s no shame in getting help and it’s not too late. Talk to a friend, a family member or a therapist. Like our kids, we need tools in our toolbox. The only way we get them is to keep learning and working on ourselves. It’s not easy and might be one of the hardest things you have to do. But if there was ever a time to take a big leap, it should be on yourself.