You’re Not Alone: A Message to Parents on Children’s Mental Health Awareness Day

Posted on May 7, 2025

As parents, we all want to see our children happy, confident, and at ease in the world. But some days are hard. Maybe your child is anxious and can't sleep. Maybe they're acting out at school or shutting down at home. Maybe you're not even sure what’s wrong, only that something has changed, and you're left feeling worried, confused, or overwhelmed.

If any of this sounds familiar, please know this: you are not alone.

Today, on Children’s Mental Health Awareness Day, we want to remind every parent and caregiver that children's mental health challenges are more common than most people realize. And what you’re seeing in your child is not a reflection of your failure—it’s a reflection of their need for support, understanding, and care.

Kids experience stress, grief, anxiety, trauma, and self-doubt just like adults do, but often without the language or tools to explain it. Behaviors, whether it’s outbursts, withdrawal, or clinginess are often the only way a child knows how to say, “I’m not okay.”

If you're feeling unsure about how to help your child, that’s okay too. Parenting doesn’t come with a manual, and you're doing your best with what you have. The good news is that help exists, and reaching out is a brave and loving next step. Whether it’s through a school counselor, a pediatrician, a trusted therapist, or a local support group, there are people who understand and want to walk this path with you.

Taking Care of Yourself: Why It’s Just as Important

While it's easy to focus on your child’s needs, parents also need care—emotionally, mentally, and physically. You cannot pour from an empty cup. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, exhausted, or unsure of what to do next, it’s important to acknowledge those feelings and make space for your own well-being.

Here are some simple but meaningful ways to care for yourself:

1. Rest: It can be tough to get enough sleep when you're worried about your child, but rest is crucial to managing stress and staying emotionally available. Your well-being matters too.

   
   

2. Connect: You don’t have to go through this alone. Reach out to others who understand. Whether it’s friends, family, or other parents, sharing experiences can provide comfort and strength.

   
   

3. Show Yourself Compassion: Parenting through mental health challenges is hard, and it's okay to recognize that you're doing your best. Be kind to yourself and remember that you don’t have to be perfect.

   
   

4. Set Boundaries: Caring for your child is important, but so is caring for yourself. Take time for activities that refresh you. Whether it’s a walk, reading, or simply a quiet moment, it can help you stay grounded and focused.

   
   

Taking care of yourself isn’t selfish; it’s necessary. The better you feel, the better equipped you’ll be to support your child through their own journey. You deserve the space to recharge, and your child will benefit from that strength.

One Small Tool You Can Try Today:

The “Name It to Tame It” Technique

When your child is overwhelmed, try gently naming the emotion they might be feeling. For example:"It seems like you're feeling really frustrated right now. That’s okay. I’m here with you."

This simple act of naming an emotion helps children feel seen and can reduce the intensity of what they're feeling. You don’t need to fix everything. Just being present and calm is powerful.

On this awareness day, let’s remind ourselves and each other that mental health matters—at every age. And no one has to go through this alone.

Whether you're at the beginning of this journey or somewhere in the middle, support is out there. Sometimes, it just starts with a conversation.

💚 The Center for Emotional Healing, LLC