You might’ve noticed a lot of people wearing blue today, and wondered why. Today is World Autism Awareness Day. I think this is a great time to discuss not only Autism, but mental health in general.
Autism
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex developmental disability, typically appearing during childhood and affecting a person’s ability to communicate & interact with others.
Right now, Great Wolf Lodge is helping raise funds for Autism. They are partnering with Autism Speaks.
On this #WorldAutismAwarenessDay, let’s help @GreatWolfLodge raise money for #Autism! Tweet using #GreatWolfCares & they’ll donate $5 per tweet, up to $20,000. Let’s do this! 💙 @autismspeaks #WorldAutismDay pic.twitter.com/VIFK5syV0J
— Mommy Powers💜Mixed Blessings (@MommyPowers) April 2, 2019
I’ve never been to a Great Wolf Lodge, but I’d love to take my family there someday. It’s an indoor waterpark resort, and our little LOVES the water. I’ve heard they’ll be building a Great Wolf Resort here in Northern California in the near future, can’t wait!
I fully support Great Wolf Lodge’s efforts to help raise money for Autism, so share a tweet & let’s help get that money!
Now, let’s talk about mental health and the stigma associated with it. Why do we shy away from mental health discussions? We talk about cancer, diabetes, asthma, so why are we silent when it comes to mental health issues?
We must change the narrative when it comes to mental healthcare! We all struggle in life. My struggles may not look like yours; but we all struggle with something. For the sake of our loved ones, our families, our friends, we must eliminate the stigma.
Our mental health and wellness matters just as much, (if not more), than our physical well-being.
If you had the flu, you’d go to the doctor, right? If you had pain in your chest, you’d seek medical attention. It should be the same for mental healthcare. If you or your children are struggling, please see a doctor. I know taking that first step will be difficult, for both you and them, but you can do it. You must do it.
Parents
I want to focus on our kids right now. They are faced with many stressors on a daily basis. They want so badly to fit in and be accepted. There’s pressure from social media, tv, and their peers to look and act a certain way. For a child with mental health issues, (be it ADHD, depression, anxiety, a spectrum disorder, or something else), each & every day can be brutal to get through.
Our kids need us to advocate for them. We must be able to recognize when they’re struggling, and get them the help they need. Keep in mind that they may be resistant to receiving help. In order to accept assistance, they must first acknowledge they need it. Many children aren’t ready to admit that. They feel ashamed and embarrassed. They’re worried about what their friends might think. They don’t want their peers to see them as “different.” They don’t want to be rejected, or ridiculed.
These are all valid feelings. If there wasn’t such a stigma associated with mental health, maybe our children would be more willing to accept the help they need.
As parents, we must be our child’s safe place. When they get home from school, ask them about their day and listen, I mean really listen, to them. Let them know, through your words and actions, that you are there for them. You care, and you won’t judge them. Children with mental health struggles are often able to “keep it all together” at school, and they put on a brave face, only to crumble once they arrive home. All the frustrations from the school day come tumbling out of them. These frustrations are often seen as meltdowns, temper tantrums, agitation, moodiness, crying spells, aggressive behavior, negative self-talk, or avoidance.
If you notice any of these, you might want to consider making an appointment with your child’s doctor for an evaluation. It’s up to us to get our children the help they need, as quickly as possible. Don’t worry about what your friends or family may say or think. Make that appointment for your baby.
Reassure your child that they’ve done nothing wrong, they’re not in trouble, they’re not dumb or stupid. Let them know everyone struggles with different things every day. Some people have medical conditions that they need help with, and that’s ok. It’s normal.
IT’S NORMAL.
*This is NOT a sponsored post. I care deeply about mental healthcare and support #GreatWolfCares. Period.
