Parents: Your Mental Health Matters, Too

Over the last several years, we’ve seen an increase in the cause and concern for the mental health and well-being of our young people. It’s no surprise why: reports and studies show that the mental health and well-being of our nation’s adolescents are declining. As the trusted adult of a child or teen, you’re likely on high alert. You may be watching for signs of distress, implementing steps to better support your young person, and reading every book and article out there to stay on top of any possible solutions. 

It can be hard doing everything you can to prioritize the mental well-being of someone else. Oftentimes, this comes at the expense of your own, so I’m here to remind you that your mental health matters too. 

Here are some tips to better support yourself as you also care for the young people in your life.

Take time for yourself every day. This might be hard depending on all that’s on your plate; it doesn’t have to be hours.‍

Suggestions: Meditate for 2-5 minutes, take a walk around the block, jot down 2-3 things you’re grateful for at the start of or at the end of your day.

Perform check-ins with yourself. You’re likely checking in with your young person, but what about yourself? 

Ask yourself: How am I feeling today? What’s been feeling particularly difficult lately? What do I feel on top of? You can use the free app How We Feel to log your emotions throughout the day and look for trends. *How We Feel requires you must be 18+ to register and use the app.*

Communicate your feelings. As trusted adults, it might feel as though you always have to keep it together, but you don’t. It’s okay to express sadness, fear, or uncertainty. 

Seek out support. Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Reach out to a loved one, close friend, or even seek professional support if things are feeling overwhelming. How can you expect your young person to come to you for support if you’re not seeking it out yourself? 

Crisis support lines such as Crisis Text Line and 988 are just as much a resource for you as they are for your young person. You can also text DISCORD to 741741 to be connected with a volunteer Crisis Counselor.

Give yourself grace. You won’t always have all the answers nor will you get everything right. That’s okay; you’re human too. 

If these tips sound similar to the ones given to young people, it’s because they are. Leading by example is just as important as providing a list of things to do. While you might be experiencing different challenges than your young person, you know what it feels like to try to meet other people’s expectations, juggle many responsibilities, and engage in social comparison. Just as supporting their mental health is important, supporting your own is as well. You deserve it.

On Discord, we empower users to foster positive relationships in the digital world. We provide users with a sense of safety and support through partnerships with organizations like the Crisis Text Line. We believe users deserve to have a safe, welcoming online space to explore their interests and connect with others, and are deeply committed to helping to bridge the gap between our users and the mental health resources they deserve by meeting them where they already are.