Last Updated on July 17, 2023 by Shabnam Sengupta
Aamir Khan’s daughter, Ira Khan, has been battling depression for over five years and has bravely shared her mental health journey through social media posts. She recently opened up about the support she received from her father. She revealed that her family has a history of mental health issues. Ira Khan’s personal experience regarding her mental health led her to launch the Agastu Foundation, aiming to provide mental health support and raise awareness. Despite her parents’ divorce, Ira expressed that it didn’t affect her significantly, but she experienced sadness for a prolonged period and even struggled with her appetite. Through her openness, Ira shed light on the importance of addressing mental health and became an advocate for those facing similar challenges.
There can be numerous challenges that children can face within the family and outside, which can threaten their mental well-being. In such a situation, the parents and guardians play a crucial role in maintaining and nourishing their mental health. Certain steps can be taken to achieve a healthy and safe space and better mental health among children.
Foster open communication
Developing the skills to communicate with children and understanding their life experiences is essential for fostering a strong parent-child connection. Create a safe and non-judgmental environment where your child feels comfortable discussing their thoughts and emotions. Encourage open dialogue, actively listen, and validate their feelings. This will help in building trust and promoting emotional well-being. It will also help the parents to gain valuable insights into their children’s thoughts, feelings, and perspectives.
Encourage healthy habits
Promote a balanced lifestyle that includes regular exercise, nutritious meals, as well as sufficient sleep. Physical well-being is closely linked to mental health, so encourage your child to engage in activities they enjoy and prioritise self-care.
Teach coping skills
Help your child develop effective coping mechanisms to manage stress and emotions. Teach them relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing or mindfulness exercises. Encourage them to engage in hobbies or activities that provide a sense of joy and relaxation.
Set realistic expectations
Encourage your child to pursue their passions and goals, but ensure that the expectations set are realistic and attainable. Unrealistic expectations can lead to undue pressure and stress. Encourage a healthy balance between achievement and personal well-being.
Be a positive role model
Children often learn by observing their parents’ behaviour. Display healthy coping strategies, positive problem-solving skills, and effective stress management techniques in your own life. By modelling healthy behaviours, you provide a valuable example for your child to follow. The mental health of parents plays a vital role in shaping the emotional and psychological growth of their children. A supportive and mentally healthy parental environment can foster resilience, self-esteem, and positive coping skills in kids, while parental struggles with mental health can inadvertently impact their children’s well-being.
Discussing ways to deal with conditions like anxiety disorder, Dr Sameer Kalani, Consultant Psychiatrist suggested that breathing exercises, yoga and other physical exercises and maintaining a good connection with the environment can help among other things.
By actively engaging in their lives, listening to their concerns, and providing a supportive and nurturing environment, we can help keep them away from stress, anxiety, and depression. The power of a loving and understanding relationship between parents and children cannot be underestimated. When children feel valued, heard, and supported.
Disclaimer: Medical Science is an ever evolving field. We strive to keep this page updated. In case you notice any discrepancy in the content, please inform us at [email protected]. You can futher read our Correction Policy here. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment because of something you have read on or accessed through this website or it's social media channels. Read our Full Disclaimer Here for further information.
