Managing Mental Health of Children With A Chronic Illness
Children are sensitive and can sense stress and antagonistic behaviour. Thus, when they are diagnosed with a chronic illness, it can make them feel vulnerable and emotional. The pent-up feeling can impact their behaviour and personality, which can drive people away. It is vital for parents to understand the precarious position of their little ones.
They must accept the situation and provide the emotional support needed by the ailing child. Parents must focus on maintaining a positive attitude and keeping the child happy without showcasing signs of anxiety and trauma. They must provide them with a protective and tender environment where they feel loved, secure and confident. Here is how they can ensure positive mental health.
1. Create A Happy Environment at Home
It can be unnerving for parents when their children are diagnosed with chronic conditions like asthma, autism, diabetes, hearing disability, etc. They should not let their emotions affect their daily routine or the environment at home. They must focus on building a positive environment where the children can feel supported and loved. They must throw parties, go shopping, invite relatives, watch movies and enjoy picnics in Brisbane without any stress.
2. Discuss the Situation Clearly With Children
Many parents feel scared to discuss the disease with the child. However, concealing facts is going to make them even more dread the condition and its treatment. They must be informed about the ailment and the required treatment like discussing a normal thing at home. Do not get emotional and tell them that you are there with them at every step and they will get through this in no time. Make them feel confident about beating the disease.
3. Build The Willingness to Get Well
Mental health depends on the thoughts of the child. If the child is thinking negatively about the condition and feels like it will not get better, treatment may be slow to show results. It can make them depressed and frustrating. To avoid this situation, parents must enforce the feelings of fighting the condition. They must create a game like situation where they have fight the bad guy. Make the GP a part of the fun activity and create an adventure-like journey when going for treatments in Brisbane.
4. Help Them Socialise And Take Them Out
Going out of the house is therapeutic for children. They must be taken for hiking, biking, walking, swimming, snorkelling and adventurous activities. Show them the beauty of nature and explore new terrains that make them happy. Plan holidays often and give them ample opportunities to make friends and meet up with loved ones and relatives. Find parents of children with similar conditions and organise play dates with them besides other children in the school and community.
5. Deal With Emotional Outbursts With Care
While you may try to keep things peaceful and calm in the house and outside, the child may feel stressed or emotional at times.Whether they are small or old, they can feel the pain of the situation catch up to them. Do not try to suppress their genuine emotional meltdowns. Give them a shoulder to cry and listen to their needs. Become the anchor they need to deal with the situation. For example, if they are sad about missing a school performance, make arrangements to do it through video conferencing.
Wrapping Up
Watching your child endure the implications of a chronic disease can be painful. Make sure you provide a loving and understanding environment to help them cope with the situation bravely and confidently. Do not let them fall into the trap of self-pity.
