Mental Health

2. Pay attention.

 Have you ever felt the pain of sharing something important with someone who was either absent minded or nodding away as they replied to this message or picked up that call and so on? Chances are you ended up not saying all that you wanted. Well, it turns out it doesn’t matter whether you’re 5, 15 or 50, we all like to be listened to when speaking, especially about something as personal as our mental health! In order to have better conversations, try listening, really listening, better. Never ignore your child or anyone that is speaking to you. Paying attention to how they are experiencing things makes them feel safe and puts them into a trusted environment, helping them perhaps to work through the unknown and anxiety.

3. Be empathetic.

 Put yourself in your child’s shoes. Do not rush to judge and to say we used to do it like this. Times have changed. If they do correct you, reflect on what you are saying and try again. Seeing it from their point of view will put them at ease and will build a trust relationship that will allow them to always speak to you first.

4. Know what you’re talking about.

 There’s nothing more annoying than hearing someone go on and on about things they don’t know about, you ask them questions they get upset assuming you want to embarrass them. What I’m trying to say here is that mental health is a complex topic, no one has all the answers. However, do make it a point to educate yourself as much as possible on the subject, or inform the person that you are communicating to, that you are not be the correct person to assist them, but that you will support them in finding a person that will be able to assist them with their concerns. Always seek help from a professional on the topic of mental health.

5.

 Take it a day at a time. It will take time before you get there. Sometimes children forget, they don’t take things as seriously as you might want them to, or sometimes they just won’t be interested in talking. Sometimes kids will be kids! However, be patient. If you have established a good foundation for communication with your children, they will inform you on their own time what is bothering them and you will be able to make an informed decision. When it comes to constructive conversations about mental health, the aim is not to have one 2-hour long conversation annually but to create a safe space and an awareness in the child that they matter. To build confidence in them to communicate any fears, thoughts, or questions they might have. And to raise a generation that is educated and understands mental health and why it is important. “It is okay not to be okay”. By: Gaborone International School

It’s a marathon not a sprint.