Mental Health Tips for Parents and Students

Between buying new supplies, adjusting your schedule, and ensuring that your child gets back to the swing of things, it’s easy to get overwhelmed and feel like there’s no possible way you can do it all. Although this may all seem like a lot, there are ways to manage your stress and mental health.

Regardless of circumstance, being a parent requires a lot of patience. To avoid burning out, you should take some steps to protect your own physical and mental well-being. Here are a few mental health tips for parents and students:

• Exercise: Getting regular exercise can help you mitigate your stress and anxiety and reduce your risk of high blood pressure and Type 2 Diabetes.
• Pick Up A Hobby: To manage everything that’s going on, you may need a form of release that’s separate from your duties as a parent, partner, or employee. There are plenty of amusing hobbies you can pick up to distract you from the constant chaos. Try painting, sculpture, creative writing, or gardening. Whatever you choose, enjoy this time where you can tap into another side of yourself.
• Take Regular Walks: After you drop off your kids, take a walk at a local park or around the block to get some fresh air and clear your head. You can listen to a podcast or tune into a meditation app. Wherever you are, find a way to tap into your inner zen.
• Talk To Other Parents: Are you going through something intense and frustrating. Though it’s great to get away from it all, you should also try to talk to other people who are going through the same thing to get their perspective. Join a parent group where you can discuss your frustrations and come up with constructive strategies to tackle any challenges. If your child has a specific learning difference or challenge (such as autism or ADHD), join a group that can address it.
• Keep A Journal: When things get tough, it can be helpful to have an outlet to let out all your frustration. Write in your journal everyday and use it as a space to let go of your emotions.
• Seek Help: In addition to these resources and leaning in on your friends and family, you should try online psychiatry. Through speaking with a counselor, you can come up with strategies on how to mitigate stress and anxiety and manage your mental health.

Encourage Your Child to Discuss Their Emotions

Children can have trouble comprehending their own emotions. Especially when it comes to things like fear or anxiety, it can be difficult for them to realize what’s actually wrong. Though they shouldn’t dwell in negativity, they shouldn’t ignore these emotions either. Tell them that there aren’t good or bad emotions. All feelings are valid and the best way to work through them is to address it out in the open.

Here are a few ways to get them to open up:

• Regularly check in with your child and ask them how they feel about the changes at school. Don’t assume any emotions. Instead of asking if they feel anxious or sad, just ask them something general and see where that leads.
• If your child expresses discomfort, tell them that it’s ultimately going to be okay. Let them express themselves but also try to remind them that they have your care and support.
• Talk to other parents and exchange strategies on how to talk to children.

As a parent, it’s ultimately your responsibility to make sure that your kids are okay. Though you want what’s best for your child, remember to check in with yourself and do what you need to do to stay on top of your own mental health.