10th October 2023
Mental health is as important as physical health. This year let us prioritize family time.
Feeling safe and making family members feel safe is one great way to foster trust and open communication. Find a time when everyone is available and not distracted. This might mean turning off electronic devices or finding a quiet moment when you can sit down together.
Open ended questions work like magic and encourages deep discussions. For example, “How has everyone been feeling lately?” or “Is there anything on your mind that you’d like to talk about?”
Active listening with no judgements helps each member express unabashedly. It can be helpful for parents to share their own experiences with stress, anxiety, or other mental health challenges. This can make teenagers feel less alone and more comfortable sharing.
Each person can tell a tale of the success and share their coping methods when they met with failure. Every drop matters. If someone in the family is struggling with a mental health issue, discuss what steps can be taken to address it. This might involve seeking therapy and professional counselling.
Today let us also respect boundaries and understand that some family members may not be ready to share everything, and that’s okay.
