How to cope during times of uncertainty
There is no doubt we are currently faced with an almost unprecedented amount of uncertainty in the world and for many of us, this is the first time that we have experienced this to such a degree.
The early years is a great time to instil in young children the strategies needed to look after their wellbeing. Healthy eating, exercise and education are core to children’s wellbeing, but mental health should also be a key focus. If caring for mental health is instilled at a young age, the stigma surrounding mental health will diminish. Children will prioritise mental wellbeing along with physical wellbeing if positive messaging around mental health starts early.
Having good mental health is vital for the healthy development of children and for children to cope with the challenges and changes that can impact them and their stress and anxiety levels. The Raising Children website explains that good mental health is an important part of healthy child development. It helps children build positive social, emotional, behaviour, thinking and communication skills. It also lays the foundation for better mental health and wellbeing later in life.
Children with good mental health are more likely to bounce back from difficult times and to be more resilient. Resilience in young children helps them to plan ahead, to have good problem-solving skills, to feel connected to others and to feel more confident in themselves.
Another reason to talk to children about mental health and wellbeing is to encourage a positive attitude and framework around mental health. Children will frequently see mental health depicted by others and through the media as not always favourable and it is important to have open and honest discussions with your children and to normalise mental health in the same way as physical health.
Open conversations around mental health will reduce stigma and encourage children to reach out for support if they feel anxious, stressed, or depressed. The best way to encourage the normalisation of mental health and reduce stigma is to start early and educate yourself and your children about mental health. Explain that mental health is part of our overall health and if you are sick or have an injury, you go and see a doctor and the same should be true with mental health. You can find more information, videos, and resources on the Connect Well website which is a local website that aims to reduce the stigma around mental health and to encourage help seeking behaviour.
Sources:
https://raisingchildren.net.au/
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