For this edition of Parent’s Playbook, we’re talking #mentalhealth and ways to stay balanced during a chaotic time in our nation’s history.
The pandemic could cause #stress in students, so how can parents and their kids keep their #mentalhealth in check? 16 News Now spoke with a therapist on Friday to learn more. A good and healthy avenue of communication is key for working through #stress, and with a strange start to the school year parents and students need to stay mentally well.
“Its not what happens to our #children, its how we help them deal with it,” Dr. Erin Leonard says. She is a psychotherapist, author, and blogger at Psychology Today.
Students looking to be back with friends, but now in the new normal, dealing with time away from friends, #socialdistancing, and masking up at school.
“The older kids, a lot of them are probably are probably really looking forward to getting back to school, to having more time with their friends because developmentally those peer relationships are essential,” Dr. Leonard says.
Essential for younger students as well, but grade-school kids could be more self-conscious about all the new rules in school.
“They might have greater concerns about doing something wrong like, ‘what if I forget to put on my mask or what if I forget my mask at home, or what if the teacher gets mad at me because I don’t have my mask on correctly?‘” Dr. Leonard adds.
#JamesDonaldson 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
Different worries in a different time for opening up schools. So how can parents keep on top of their student’s #mentalhealth? Dr. Leonard says look for these signs:
Loss of appetite and changes in eating.
Issues falling asleep or staying asleep.
Loss of interest in activities they once enjoyed.
And look out for increased irritability.
“A lot of parents think, ‘oh my number one job is to make sure they’re safe and that their biological needs are met’,” Dr. Leonard says. “One really important parental responsibility is making sure the child is emotionally feeling secure.”
So how can parents help?
“The best way they can cope with it is by talking about it, and expressing how they feel,” Dr. Leonard says. Parents and students can also use these coping
Get outside more to relax, enjoy the outdoors.
Have fun with your family and remember to laugh.
Getting a new pet or spending time with the one you have.
Mindfulness techniques like breathing exercises, yoga, or meditation.
“Things are going to happen, life is going to happen. We’re not able to protect them from everything, but the one thing a parent can do is to help them through a difficult time,” Dr. Leonard says. “And the best way to do that is by allowing that #child to express how they feel, honoring and reflecting that feeling.”
Of course, if you or anyone in your family developments #mentalissues that can’t be alleviated through coping skills, reach out to a #mentalhealthprofessional. If you are feeling suicidal and need support reach out to the #NationalSuicidePreventionHotline at 1-800-273-8255.
James Donaldson is a Washington State University graduate (’79). After an outstanding basketball career with WSU, he went on to play professional basketball in the NBA with the Seattle Supersonics, San Diego/L.A. Clippers, Dallas Mavericks, New York Knicks, and Utah Jazz. He also played for several teams in the European Leagues in Spain, Italy, and Greece, and he toured with The Harlem Globetrotters to wrap up his career. James was an NBA All-Star in 1988 while playing center for the Dallas Mavericks. In 2006, James was inducted into the Pac-10 Sports Hall of Fame and also the Washington State University Athletic Hall of Fame. In 2010, James was elected as a board member for the NBA Retired Players Association.
James frequently conducts speaking engagements (motivational, inspirational, educational) for organizations, schools, and youth groups.
In 2010, James was the recipient of the NBA Legends of Basketball ABC Award, awarded for outstanding contributions in Athletics–Business–Community.
He believes in being a role model for success and professionalism to the scores of young people to whom he devotes so much of his time. He currently serves on several boards and committees and is a member of many organizations.
James believes in developing relationships that create a “Win-Win” environment for everyone involved, and in being the best he can be!
For more information about James Donaldson or to request he speak at your event, contact him at:
www.StandingAboveTheCrowd.com
JamesD@StandingAboveTheCrowd.com
1-800-745-3161 (voicemail & fax)
James Donaldson is the author of “Standing Above The Crowd” and “Celebrating Your Gift of Life” and founder of the Your Gift of Life Foundation which focuses on mental health awareness and suicide prevention, especially pertaining to our school aged children and men.
If you’re interested in having James come and speak to your group of young adults, business entrepreneurs, aspiring political and community leaders, and athletic teams, please contact him at jamesd@yourgiftoflife.org and or leave a personal message for him at 1-800-745-3161. Keep up with him and read about how he is reaching out and making a difference in the lives of so many around the world at www.yourgiftoflife.org
