Put on the Oxygen Mask: Caring for Yourself While Supporting Your Child
It’s a phrase that almost all of us have heard before: put on your oxygen mask. Airlines always play the safety video prior to takeoff explaining that in case of emergency, we must put on our own oxygen mask and make sure we are okay before we can help others. Over time, this safety practice has been applied to other settings, including self-care or, taking care of our own mental health needs.
Parents, guardians, and caregivers of children with mental health challenges are at particular risk for burnout or overlooking self-care. No matter what a child’s diagnosis may be, the impact it has on the parent is life changing and results in decreased social opportunities, increased isolation, feelings of judgment, and lack of time for one’s own interests and personal time. Combined together, parents and caregivers face higher levels of anxiety, depression, isolation, and a sense of grief, or loss, for what they had hoped for their child and for their reality.
Parents and guardians must understand these feelings are shared by others in their position and it’s something that can be reduced through establishing a positive support system and reaching out for help when needed. Making time for yourself to enjoy your own interests, spend time with friends, and get support from a mental health professional is important. Trying to find time to do this can be a challenge, however it is not impossible! Carving 5 minutes into your day whenever or wherever you can to do something you enjoy is a great start. Calling or messaging an understanding friend or family member to keep your social connections going is essential.
Sometimes though, the feelings parents experience can be too overwhelming, and that is when therapy is helpful. In therapy, parents are able to focus on their own feelings and experiences with support for their stress, thoughts and feelings without judgment. Taking time for oneself can be a challenge, however in doing so parents are better able to care for themselves and provide support for their child.
If you are a parent and in need of support, grab the oxygen mask by reaching out today!
