James Donaldson on Mental Health - The Importance Of Routine For Mental Health

There are so many things you do each day – going to work, cooking, cleaning, taking care of your family and exercising – that it is understandably easy to become overwhelmed. You may feel that it’s not possible to get everything done that you need to finish. If you also struggle with mental health issues like depression or anxiety, it’s even harder to face the tasks of the day.

When you establish a routine for your day (or separate routines for morning and evening), take the time to make sure tasks are met without losing time to focus on your mental health.

Routines are crucial at every point in life, since they help you to create healthier habits, cope with setbacks and change, reduce stress and help improve your relationships. Routines can help your mental health by alleviating stress and allowing you to manage symptoms of mental health issues.

- Routines are helpful in promoting good mental health.

If you have a busy schedule, daily routines can help in promoting healthy habits for your life. Simple things like packing lunch the night before can aid you with a balanced diet. Going to bed the same time each night promotes consistent, restful sleep.

Set time aside each day to focus on your physical health, too. Exercise has many benefits for physical health that can also help with your mental health. Schedule a short period of exercise if you have the desire but not the time for a full workout. This can improve your mood, boost your self-esteem and provide support for good mental health.

- Routines can help you lessen feelings of anxiety.

In coping with anxiety, you need to identify your worries and then address your various concerns. When you create a daily routine including better sleeping patterns or exercising every day, your body can more easily adjust, and your mind will know what it can expect each day.

Mental routines are important, too. Developing habits that create predictable scenarios allow your mind time for adjusting, understanding expectations and alleviating any anxiety you may have.

Journaling can help your morning or evening routine, since it helps you in establishing a more consistent schedule. Daily journaling can aid you in starting a routine of mental health and wellness.

https://nyctherapy.com/therapists-nyc-blog/the-mental-health-benefits-of-having-a-daily-routine/
- Routines can lead to a happier you.

If you have a routine and schedule your time, you can include time for play or leisure. That will make you a happier person. Adults need this downtime as much as children do. Yours might include birdwatching, reading or playing video games. You want to have some pleasurable time every day.

- Routines will help you sleep better.

You will sleep better if you have a more consistent nightly sleep schedule. That means you’ll be better rested and more able to face your upcoming day. Restful sleep can offer a crucial psychological boost that will help your day flow more smoothly. Bedtime routines will help if you currently have difficulty in falling or staying asleep.

- Routines help you focus on things within your control.

Managing your behavior will leave you feeling more in control of your day. It’s important to focus on things you can control. Setting wake-up times and bedtimes, along with activity and mealtimes, is a good way to start a positive routine.

When you structure your day, it ensures your ability to accomplish the basic tasks that have to be done. This leaves you time for things you would like to do. A regular routine helps you feel more productive and organized. This makes you feel that you are more in control when faced with stressful situations.

#James Donaldson notes:
Welcome to the “next chapter” of my life… being a voice and an advocate for #mentalhealthawarenessandsuicideprevention, especially pertaining to our younger generation of students and student-athletes.
Getting men to speak up and reach out for help and assistance is one of my passions. Us men need to not suffer in silence or drown our sorrows in alcohol, hang out at bars and strip joints, or get involved with drug use.
Having gone through a recent bout of #depression and #suicidalthoughts myself, I realize now, that I can make a huge difference in the lives of so many by sharing my story, and by sharing various resources I come across as I work in this space.  #http://bit.ly/JamesMentalHealthArticle
Find out more about the work I do on my 501c3 non-profit foundation
website www.yourgiftoflife.org Order your copy of James Donaldson's latest book,
#CelebratingYourGiftofLife: From The Verge of Suicide to a Life of Purpose and Joy

www.celebrationgyourgiftoflife.com

Link for 40 Habits Signup
bit.ly/40HabitsofMentalHealth

If you'd like to follow and receive my daily blog in to your inbox, just click on it with Follow It. Here's the link https://follow.it/james-donaldson-s-standing-above-the-crowd-s-blog-a-view-from-above-on-things-that-make-the-world-go-round?action=followPub

Conclusion

Having routines is an important part of using time wisely but give yourself flexibility. Don’t feel down on yourself if some days you don’t stick to the schedule.

Everyone has their own ways to cope with stress. Having a basic routine helps you maintain normalcy and allows you to focus clearly even in tougher times. Be sure to include time for self-care in your routine, so it’s not all about “work.”

https://standingabovethecrowd.com/james-donaldson-on-mental-health-the-importance-of-routine-for-mental-health/

Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

More benefits to mental health from journaling are being discovered as research continues. Journaling is a simple practice that can truly improve aspects of quality of life and well-being.

Engaging in journaling on a regular basis is helpful for managing symptoms of depression and anxiety, along with reducing stress and strengthening resilience. This article explores many benefits of journaling on mental health, and gets you started on how to journal.

#James Donaldson notes:Welcome to the “next chapter” of my life… being a voice and an advocate for #mentalhealthawarenessandsuicideprevention, especially pertaining to our younger generation of students and student-athletes.Getting men to speak up and reach out for help and assistance is one of my passions. Us men need to not suffer in silence or drown our sorrows in alcohol, hang out at bars and strip joints, or get involved with drug use.Having gone through a recent bout of #depression and #suicidalthoughts myself, I realize now, that I can make a huge difference in the lives of so many by sharing my story, and by sharing various resources I come across as I work in this space.  #http://bit.ly/JamesMentalHealthArticleFind out more about the work I do on my 501c3 non-profit foundationwebsite www.yourgiftoflife.org Order your copy of James Donaldson's latest book,#CelebratingYourGiftofLife: From The Verge of Suicide to a Life of Purpose and Joy

www.celebratingyourgiftoflife.com

Link for 40 Habits Signupbit.ly/40HabitsofMentalHealth

If you'd like to follow and receive my daily blog in to your inbox, just click on it with Follow It. Here's the link https://follow.it/james-donaldson-s-standing-above-the-crowd-s-blog-a-view-from-above-on-things-that-make-the-world-go-round?action=followPub

How can you benefit from journaling?

Journaling is a vital practice that helps you in processing negative emotions in a way that is healthy for you. What benefits can you expect?

- It can help you develop or enhance self-awareness.

Self-awareness is a crucial tool for maintaining better mental health. Writing down feelings, thoughts and actions is an excellent way to foster your own self-awareness. When you reflect on experiences, you can identify triggers or patterns for your feelings and thoughts, both positive and negative.

- It can reduce the power of negative events.

Writing about negative events doesn’t mean hanging on to them or letting them drag you down. Journaling actually makes you much less likely to continue fixating on negative events. Acknowledge the feelings and then let them go.

Living through traumatic or stressful events can anchor those thoughts in your mind and reduce your innate ability to focus on the “now” instead. When you journal negative feelings, you can develop new coping skills and strategies for problems that hold you back from moving on.

- It can help control worry and anxiety.

When you list your worries through journaling, it actually can aid you in minimizing them, which benefits your mental health. You can leave those fears behind after you write them down.

Having a “worry time” designated, where you can focus on your concerns and fears, can bring you relief. You’ll likely notice that things that worry you the most are often more what might happen, rather than what is happening.

- It can help you manage depression.

Writing through your emotions can significantly decrease depression symptoms. If you turn to journaling to help in improving your mental health, focusing on deeper thoughts and feelings can bring you more benefits.

You can also keep a gratitude journal to track all the things and people you have for which you can be thankful. Practicing gratitude has positive effects on your mental health and is helpful in counteracting depression’s negative patterns of thought.

- How can you start journaling?

If you have never kept a journal before, you’ll want to start on a small scale. If you spend hours suddenly writing down feelings and thoughts, that may intimidate you. Remember, you don’t have to write everything down when you journal, in order to reap the benefits. You can even write down just one worry or thought per day while you develop the habit of journaling.

If you’d prefer to hand-write your thoughts in a book-type journal, you can go that route. Or perhaps you’d rather use Google docs or the notes app on your phone. You can journal in a stream of consciousness manner, meaning you write down all the thoughts that enter your head without any editing.

Or you can use bullet lists. Do whatever is easiest for you; the journaling type you use isn’t important, as long as you feel good after journaling.

Conclusion

There isn’t one right method of journaling, nor are there any wrong ones. Lists on your phone are fine, or pictures of favorite moments. Writing about your deepest thoughts is a good way to start.

Journaling is an easy habit to make your own. It’s not necessary to buy expensive books or apps. All you really need is a little time, a writing method and the willingness to give journaling a try.

Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com https://standingabovethecrowd.com/james-donaldson-on-mental-health-how-journaling-helps-your-mental-health/

James Donaldson on Mental Health - How Journaling Helps Your Mental Health

Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

More benefits to mental health from journaling are being discovered as research continues. Journaling is a simple practice that can truly improve aspects of quality of life and well-being.

Engaging in journaling on a regular basis is helpful for managing symptoms of depression and anxiety, along with reducing stress and strengthening resilience. This article explores many benefits of journaling on mental health, and gets you started on how to journal.

#James Donaldson notes:
Welcome to the “next chapter” of my life… being a voice and an advocate for #mentalhealthawarenessandsuicideprevention, especially pertaining to our younger generation of students and student-athletes.
Getting men to speak up and reach out for help and assistance is one of my passions. Us men need to not suffer in silence or drown our sorrows in alcohol, hang out at bars and strip joints, or get involved with drug use.
Having gone through a recent bout of #depression and #suicidalthoughts myself, I realize now, that I can make a huge difference in the lives of so many by sharing my story, and by sharing various resources I come across as I work in this space.  #http://bit.ly/JamesMentalHealthArticle
Find out more about the work I do on my 501c3 non-profit foundation
website www.yourgiftoflife.org Order your copy of James Donaldson's latest book,
#CelebratingYourGiftofLife: From The Verge of Suicide to a Life of Purpose and Joy

www.celebratingyourgiftoflife.com

Link for 40 Habits Signup
bit.ly/40HabitsofMentalHealth

If you'd like to follow and receive my daily blog in to your inbox, just click on it with Follow It. Here's the link https://follow.it/james-donaldson-s-standing-above-the-crowd-s-blog-a-view-from-above-on-things-that-make-the-world-go-round?action=followPub

How can you benefit from journaling?

Journaling is a vital practice that helps you in processing negative emotions in a way that is healthy for you. What benefits can you expect?

- It can help you develop or enhance self-awareness.

Self-awareness is a crucial tool for maintaining better mental health. Writing down feelings, thoughts and actions is an excellent way to foster your own self-awareness. When you reflect on experiences, you can identify triggers or patterns for your feelings and thoughts, both positive and negative.

- It can reduce the power of negative events.

Writing about negative events doesn’t mean hanging on to them or letting them drag you down. Journaling actually makes you much less likely to continue fixating on negative events. Acknowledge the feelings and then let them go.

Living through traumatic or stressful events can anchor those thoughts in your mind and reduce your innate ability to focus on the “now” instead. When you journal negative feelings, you can develop new coping skills and strategies for problems that hold you back from moving on.

- It can help control worry and anxiety.

When you list your worries through journaling, it actually can aid you in minimizing them, which benefits your mental health. You can leave those fears behind after you write them down.

Having a “worry time” designated, where you can focus on your concerns and fears, can bring you relief. You’ll likely notice that things that worry you the most are often more what might happen, rather than what is happening.

- It can help you manage depression.

Writing through your emotions can significantly decrease depression symptoms. If you turn to journaling to help in improving your mental health, focusing on deeper thoughts and feelings can bring you more benefits.

You can also keep a gratitude journal to track all the things and people you have for which you can be thankful. Practicing gratitude has positive effects on your mental health and is helpful in counteracting depression’s negative patterns of thought.

- How can you start journaling?

If you have never kept a journal before, you’ll want to start on a small scale. If you spend hours suddenly writing down feelings and thoughts, that may intimidate you. Remember, you don’t have to write everything down when you journal, in order to reap the benefits. You can even write down just one worry or thought per day while you develop the habit of journaling.

If you’d prefer to hand-write your thoughts in a book-type journal, you can go that route. Or perhaps you’d rather use Google docs or the notes app on your phone. You can journal in a stream of consciousness manner, meaning you write down all the thoughts that enter your head without any editing.

Or you can use bullet lists. Do whatever is easiest for you; the journaling type you use isn’t important, as long as you feel good after journaling.

Conclusion

There isn’t one right method of journaling, nor are there any wrong ones. Lists on your phone are fine, or pictures of favorite moments. Writing about your deepest thoughts is a good way to start.

Journaling is an easy habit to make your own. It’s not necessary to buy expensive books or apps. All you really need is a little time, a writing method and the willingness to give journaling a try.

Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com https://standingabovethecrowd.com/james-donaldson-on-mental-health-how-journaling-helps-your-mental-health/

The morning routine you set up can either make your day or break it. The more helpful your morning routine, the better you’ll feel during the ensuing day. It’s easy to make exceptional mornings when you have the right routine. It takes a bit of work, but it’s not as hard as you might think.

- Start your morning routine with exercise.

When you think about exercise as part of your morning routine, you might have self-defeating thoughts of pain and sweat. If you aren’t accustomed to exercising in the morning, take it easy.

Start with just 5 to 10 minutes, if you’re not used to morning exercise. Take it slowly and build exercise as a habit, and you may end up training for a half hour or longer, if it works for you. You only need a little morning exercise to truly get your blood moving.

- Wait a while to check your phone in the morning.

When you check your phone, especially after a night of sleep, you are inviting in a flood of unnecessary information and stimulation into the very beginning of your morning. Your smartphone holds many potential stressors, including texts that require replies, news notifications or other types of notifications.

Once you check your phone, you’re plugged in for the whole day ahead. Try delaying your phone checking in the morning. When you awaken, you’re usually fairly relaxed, and maintaining that calmness is easier if you don’t grab your phone right away.

- Include self-care in your morning routine.

Self-care is often overlooked, but is actually an important part of your morning, to support your well-being and mental wellness. Showers and skin care routines help, as does grooming time and a few minutes to read a book.

Self-care is defined by what is unique to you. Think of things that make your mind and body feel good.

Here are a few ideas to help you start your own self-care morning routine:

- Take a bath or hot shower to relax before the day starts.

- Relax with a skin care regimen to care for your face and body.

- Read a book you like to prepare your brain for the work ahead.

Take some time in your morning routine to use self-care to reduce the chance for burnout and support your healthy work-life balance.

- Make checking in with yourself a part of your morning routine.

Many people begin their days and never think about checking in with themselves first. Ask yourself how you are doing and how you are feeling. Are you trying to override some feelings you’d prefer not to address?

It’s important to recognize feelings like those you have when you’re irritable. Do that without thinking about the person you may be working with that day who brings the irritation to the forefront. Recognizing your emotions is helpful and will make facing your day easier.

- Use grateful journaling to start your day.

Journaling is an important practice to help start your day in a good frame of mind. You can reflect on what you are grateful for, fostering an appreciative mindset. Focusing on gratitude makes it more difficult to dwell on worries at the same time.

The effects include:

- Strengthened relationships

- Improved mood

- Better quality of sleep

Be specific when you journal and appreciate small and big joys alike. Be consistent, so that your morning routine works to help your mental wellness.

#James Donaldson notes:Welcome to the “next chapter” of my life… being a voice and an advocate for #mentalhealthawarenessandsuicideprevention, especially pertaining to our younger generation of students and student-athletes.Getting men to speak up and reach out for help and assistance is one of my passions. Us men need to not suffer in silence or drown our sorrows in alcohol, hang out at bars and strip joints, or get involved with drug use.Having gone through a recent bout of #depression and #suicidalthoughts myself, I realize now, that I can make a huge difference in the lives of so many by sharing my story, and by sharing various resources I come across as I work in this space.  #http://bit.ly/JamesMentalHealthArticleFind out more about the work I do on my 501c3 non-profit foundationwebsite www.yourgiftoflife.org Order your copy of James Donaldson's latest book,#CelebratingYourGiftofLife: From The Verge of Suicide to a Life of Purpose and Joy

www.celebratingyourgiftoflife.com

Link for 40 Habits Signupbit.ly/40HabitsofMentalHealth

If you'd like to follow and receive my daily blog in to your inbox, just click on it with Follow It. Here's the link https://follow.it/james-donaldson-s-standing-above-the-crowd-s-blog-a-view-from-above-on-things-that-make-the-world-go-round?action=followPub

Conclusion

When you introduce a new morning routine, it will take a bit of time to become accustomed to sticking to it. You can change up the routine if you need to start off feeling a higher sense of well-being. Start small and build up the routine gradually.

Choose morning routine items that you can look forward to. Your routine should start you off in a good mood. Whatever you include in your morning routine has to work for you. https://standingabovethecrowd.com/james-donaldson-on-mental-health-morning-routines-for-mental-wellness-5-self-care-habits-to-start-your-day-right/

James Donaldson on Mental Health - Morning Routines For Mental Wellness - 5 Self-Care Habits To Start Your Day Right

The morning routine you set up can either make your day or break it. The more helpful your morning routine, the better you’ll feel during the ensuing day. It’s easy to make exceptional mornings when you have the right routine. It takes a bit of work, but it’s not as hard as you might think.

- Start your morning routine with exercise.

When you think about exercise as part of your morning routine, you might have self-defeating thoughts of pain and sweat. If you aren’t accustomed to exercising in the morning, take it easy.

Start with just 5 to 10 minutes, if you’re not used to morning exercise. Take it slowly and build exercise as a habit, and you may end up training for a half hour or longer, if it works for you. You only need a little morning exercise to truly get your blood moving.

- Wait a while to check your phone in the morning.

When you check your phone, especially after a night of sleep, you are inviting in a flood of unnecessary information and stimulation into the very beginning of your morning. Your smartphone holds many potential stressors, including texts that require replies, news notifications or other types of notifications.

Once you check your phone, you’re plugged in for the whole day ahead. Try delaying your phone checking in the morning. When you awaken, you’re usually fairly relaxed, and maintaining that calmness is easier if you don’t grab your phone right away.

- Include self-care in your morning routine.

Self-care is often overlooked, but is actually an important part of your morning, to support your well-being and mental wellness. Showers and skin care routines help, as does grooming time and a few minutes to read a book.

Self-care is defined by what is unique to you. Think of things that make your mind and body feel good.

Here are a few ideas to help you start your own self-care morning routine:

- Take a bath or hot shower to relax before the day starts.
- Relax with a skin care regimen to care for your face and body.
- Read a book you like to prepare your brain for the work ahead.

Take some time in your morning routine to use self-care to reduce the chance for burnout and support your healthy work-life balance.

- Make checking in with yourself a part of your morning routine.

Many people begin their days and never think about checking in with themselves first. Ask yourself how you are doing and how you are feeling. Are you trying to override some feelings you’d prefer not to address?

It’s important to recognize feelings like those you have when you’re irritable. Do that without thinking about the person you may be working with that day who brings the irritation to the forefront. Recognizing your emotions is helpful and will make facing your day easier.

- Use grateful journaling to start your day.

Journaling is an important practice to help start your day in a good frame of mind. You can reflect on what you are grateful for, fostering an appreciative mindset. Focusing on gratitude makes it more difficult to dwell on worries at the same time.

The effects include:

- Strengthened relationships
- Improved mood
- Better quality of sleep

Be specific when you journal and appreciate small and big joys alike. Be consistent, so that your morning routine works to help your mental wellness.

#James Donaldson notes:
Welcome to the “next chapter” of my life… being a voice and an advocate for #mentalhealthawarenessandsuicideprevention, especially pertaining to our younger generation of students and student-athletes.
Getting men to speak up and reach out for help and assistance is one of my passions. Us men need to not suffer in silence or drown our sorrows in alcohol, hang out at bars and strip joints, or get involved with drug use.
Having gone through a recent bout of #depression and #suicidalthoughts myself, I realize now, that I can make a huge difference in the lives of so many by sharing my story, and by sharing various resources I come across as I work in this space.  #http://bit.ly/JamesMentalHealthArticle
Find out more about the work I do on my 501c3 non-profit foundation
website www.yourgiftoflife.org Order your copy of James Donaldson's latest book,
#CelebratingYourGiftofLife: From The Verge of Suicide to a Life of Purpose and Joy

www.celebratingyourgiftoflife.com

Link for 40 Habits Signup
bit.ly/40HabitsofMentalHealth

If you'd like to follow and receive my daily blog in to your inbox, just click on it with Follow It. Here's the link https://follow.it/james-donaldson-s-standing-above-the-crowd-s-blog-a-view-from-above-on-things-that-make-the-world-go-round?action=followPub

Conclusion

When you introduce a new morning routine, it will take a bit of time to become accustomed to sticking to it. You can change up the routine if you need to start off feeling a higher sense of well-being. Start small and build up the routine gradually.

Choose morning routine items that you can look forward to. Your routine should start you off in a good mood. Whatever you include in your morning routine has to work for you.

https://standingabovethecrowd.com/james-donaldson-on-mental-health-morning-routines-for-mental-wellness-5-self-care-habits-to-start-your-day-right/

Janie Slaven, The Times-Tribune, Corbin, Ky.

This story discusses suicide. Anyone who may be experiencing suicidal thoughts can call or text the National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988, 24 hours a day, seven days a week to speak to someone qualified to help.

Nationwide, suicide is the second leading cause of death for 10- to 24-year-olds, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics. And every year, millions of Americans seriously think about suicide, plan or attempt suicide, contributing to lasting impacts on individuals, families and communities. It is considered a global health crisis.

The challenge with children is that as they grow and become more independent, it can be challenging for parents to know the difference between the normal ups and downs of adolescence and when a child is really struggling.

Between 2007 and 2019, there was a significant increase in suicides among young people, and during the Covid-19 pandemic, emergency department visits for suicide attempts further increased among adolescents 12 to 17 years of age: 50.6% higher in girls and 3.7% higher in boys. Social media has exacerbated the problem, as online bullying and harassment can be difficult to track and prevent.

While health care providers are trained to identify the risk factors in at-risk age groups, parents and caregivers are on the front lines, well-positioned to help if their child is struggling. Here are some tips for families if they see their child is struggling:

— Know the difference between a bad mood and something more serious. It's normal for a child or adolescent's mood to go up and down, but pay attention to what they are — or aren't — saying and doing.

— Watch for major changes in your child's sleep patterns, appetite and social activities.

— Understand that the world has changed and times are different. The proliferation of the internet and social media has had an adverse effect on everyone's mental health, and children are facing threats that you may have never heard of or experienced. Social media may be the primary way some adolescents engage with their friends, but at the same time, social media can be a source of bullying and triggers. Encourage an open dialogue around social media use and ask how your adolescent feels after using social media, and if necessary, limit their use in favor of family and in-person activities.

#James Donaldson notes:Welcome to the “next chapter” of my life… being a voice and an advocate for #mentalhealthawarenessandsuicideprevention, especially pertaining to our younger generation of students and student-athletes.Getting men to speak up and reach out for help and assistance is one of my passions. Us men need to not suffer in silence or drown our sorrows in alcohol, hang out at bars and strip joints, or get involved with drug use.Having gone through a recent bout of #depression and #suicidalthoughts myself, I realize now, that I can make a huge difference in the lives of so many by sharing my story, and by sharing various resources I come across as I work in this space.  #http://bit.ly/JamesMentalHealthArticleFind out more about the work I do on my 501c3 non-profit foundationwebsite www.yourgiftoflife.org Order your copy of James Donaldson's latest book,#CelebratingYourGiftofLife: From The Verge of Suicide to a Life of Purpose and Joy

www.celebratingyourgiftoflife.com

Link for 40 Habits Signupbit.ly/40HabitsofMentalHealth

If you'd like to follow and receive my daily blog in to your inbox, just click on it with Follow It. Here's the link https://follow.it/james-donaldson-s-standing-above-the-crowd-s-blog-a-view-from-above-on-things-that-make-the-world-go-round?action=followPub

— Respond with empathy and patience. Dismissing what you see or hear as "teenage drama" or responding with anger or impatience invalidates their feelings and experiences. Using statements such as "I'm sorry you are feeling this way. Can you share a bit more?" and "It sounds like you're in tremendous pain, and you can't see a way out" lets them know that you are listening and want to help.

— Get help right away. If you are concerned about depression, self-harm or vague references to suicidal thoughts, seek care from your primary care provider as soon as possible. You can consider reaching out to a school therapist, local mental health provider or even a national suicide hotline for guidance. If you have any concern that your teen is at more immediate risk for attempting suicide, take them to the emergency department of your local hospital or call 911.

— If your child is considering suicide, call or text 988 or chat on 988lifeline.org right away. The Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones. https://standingabovethecrowd.com/james-donaldson-on-mental-health-what-parents-caregivers-can-do-if-their-child-is-struggling-with-mental-health/

James Donaldson on Mental Health - What parents, caregivers can do if their child is struggling with mental health

Janie Slaven, The Times-Tribune, Corbin, Ky.

This story discusses suicide. Anyone who may be experiencing suicidal thoughts can call or text the National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988, 24 hours a day, seven days a week to speak to someone qualified to help.

Nationwide, suicide is the second leading cause of death for 10- to 24-year-olds, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics. And every year, millions of Americans seriously think about suicide, plan or attempt suicide, contributing to lasting impacts on individuals, families and communities. It is considered a global health crisis.

The challenge with children is that as they grow and become more independent, it can be challenging for parents to know the difference between the normal ups and downs of adolescence and when a child is really struggling.

Between 2007 and 2019, there was a significant increase in suicides among young people, and during the Covid-19 pandemic, emergency department visits for suicide attempts further increased among adolescents 12 to 17 years of age: 50.6% higher in girls and 3.7% higher in boys. Social media has exacerbated the problem, as online bullying and harassment can be difficult to track and prevent.

While health care providers are trained to identify the risk factors in at-risk age groups, parents and caregivers are on the front lines, well-positioned to help if their child is struggling. Here are some tips for families if they see their child is struggling:

— Know the difference between a bad mood and something more serious. It's normal for a child or adolescent's mood to go up and down, but pay attention to what they are — or aren't — saying and doing.

— Watch for major changes in your child's sleep patterns, appetite and social activities.

— Understand that the world has changed and times are different. The proliferation of the internet and social media has had an adverse effect on everyone's mental health, and children are facing threats that you may have never heard of or experienced. Social media may be the primary way some adolescents engage with their friends, but at the same time, social media can be a source of bullying and triggers. Encourage an open dialogue around social media use and ask how your adolescent feels after using social media, and if necessary, limit their use in favor of family and in-person activities.

#James Donaldson notes:
Welcome to the “next chapter” of my life… being a voice and an advocate for #mentalhealthawarenessandsuicideprevention, especially pertaining to our younger generation of students and student-athletes.
Getting men to speak up and reach out for help and assistance is one of my passions. Us men need to not suffer in silence or drown our sorrows in alcohol, hang out at bars and strip joints, or get involved with drug use.
Having gone through a recent bout of #depression and #suicidalthoughts myself, I realize now, that I can make a huge difference in the lives of so many by sharing my story, and by sharing various resources I come across as I work in this space.  #http://bit.ly/JamesMentalHealthArticle
Find out more about the work I do on my 501c3 non-profit foundation
website www.yourgiftoflife.org Order your copy of James Donaldson's latest book,
#CelebratingYourGiftofLife: From The Verge of Suicide to a Life of Purpose and Joy

www.celebratingyourgiftoflife.com

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bit.ly/40HabitsofMentalHealth

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— Respond with empathy and patience. Dismissing what you see or hear as "teenage drama" or responding with anger or impatience invalidates their feelings and experiences. Using statements such as "I'm sorry you are feeling this way. Can you share a bit more?" and "It sounds like you're in tremendous pain, and you can't see a way out" lets them know that you are listening and want to help.

— Get help right away. If you are concerned about depression, self-harm or vague references to suicidal thoughts, seek care from your primary care provider as soon as possible. You can consider reaching out to a school therapist, local mental health provider or even a national suicide hotline for guidance. If you have any concern that your teen is at more immediate risk for attempting suicide, take them to the emergency department of your local hospital or call 911.

— If your child is considering suicide, call or text 988 or chat on 988lifeline.org right away. The Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones.

https://standingabovethecrowd.com/james-donaldson-on-mental-health-what-parents-caregivers-can-do-if-their-child-is-struggling-with-mental-health/