The state of emotional and psychological well-being is referred to as mental health. Your ability to cope in everyday life and handle stress is influenced by your emotional stability. If your psychological health isn’t in good shape, you’re more likely to have problems with your physical well-being, job, and most importantly, your relationships.
May is Mental Health Awareness Month, we encourage parents and all adults to increase their mindfulness to those who are struggling with mental and behavioral issues; whether it be themselves, their children, or their spouse/ significant other. As a family law firm, we emphasize the importance of nurturing mental health in the family. If there was one social problem that needs to be rectified, it would be mental health. In many households, there can be a lack of knowledge of mental health, which in turn can cause crucial issues.
The World Health Organization estimates that over 300 million individuals suffer from psychiatric or neurological illnesses, with depression being the most common cause. Anxiety is also a common emotion among adults and children, which can lead to an inability to interact with friends and family. Children who are experiencing high levels of stress, anxiety or depression can also find it difficult to navigate everyday problems that occur in school and with friends or family.
It is important for a family to maintain a positive relationship with one another and to respond quickly when a conflict arises. Mental health is the foundation of a healthy family and caring for children. If the parent has healthy relationships, then their children will more likely have positive mental health. Here’s a simple guide to foster mental health in your families and children.
Maintain an Open Channel Communication
Your children should know that you love them and appreciate how they make your life better. If you have a long-distance relationship, express your feelings and concerns regularly via email, text messages, or telephone/ video calls. Maintain an open channel of communication with your children so that they will know you care about them and will understand that you will come to their aid if needed.
Encourage Children to Share Their Problems/ Feelings
Encourage and support your children to share their feelings with you and other family members. Cultivating a home of open communication is one of the most valuable relationship foundations you can create as a parent. Only then can children begin to understand the importance of asking for assistance when they have the opportunity.
Encourage Children to Practice Positive Self-Talk
Encourage children to practice positive self-talk, teaching them that problems can be solved when they believe in themselves and have courage. Just as a parent encourages a child to play outside more, have your children talk about how they can make friends with people who are in similar situations as their own. With enough exposure to other people’s problems and aggravation, young minds will be prepared for any challenge life throws at them.
It’s a good time to begin reminding ourselves that we were born with a psychological armory built for survival and self-improvement. Across the board, nothing is more important than recognizing that mental training is an essential component of one’s overall health, well-being, and, most importantly, in maintaining connections with friends, neighbors, spouses, and children.
