The 3B’s to Help Parents Handle Blue Monday – let’s take a look.
There is a lot going on for parents and carers at the moment, whether that is the pressure of the cost of living crisis, to helping their children navigate a life where social media, and the pressure to perform a presence online, permeates society. Lily-Jo says:
“It’s so important to be kind to your mind as a parent or carer. Just like in an aircraft, they suggest you place the oxygen mask on yourself before your child, it is so important that, as adults who care for children and young people, we are not only modelling good mental health practices in our lives but we are also taking care of ourselves.
This Blue Monday, remember the THREE B’S for BLUE MONDAY! Three tips to help parents take care of their own mental health needs.
The 3B’s to Help Parents Handle Blue Monday
Being – notice your own wellbeing. Ask yourself, how am I doing? Be honest with yourself. Sometimes just admitting that you’re going through a difficult time mentally can encourage you to put steps in place to manage your wellbeing, or reach out for help.
Breathing – take time and space to give yourself what you need – take a deep breath use tools designed to help you get through, such as simple meditation or mindfulness techniques, or some endorphin-boosting exercise. The practical tips suggested for children above, for example, journalling or using a worry box can work just as effectively for adults.
Believing – Believe that you are not alone and that you are capable. Although it can be tempting to isolate ourselves when we feel emotionally down or overwhelmed, reaching out to family or friends for emotional and practical support can give us a lift when we most need it.
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Thankyou to therapist Lily Jo for this great article Lily-Jo’s book Talking to Children About Mental Health can be pre-ordered now
Further reading
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