SUPPORTING PARENTS' MENTAL HEALTH AN ABSOLUTELY IMPORTANT ACTION By Tara Payor, Ph.D.
Images courtesy Natassja Prose
I always avoid absolute statements. Never have I ever met a parent whose emotional wellbeing hasn’t been impacted by COVID-19. Since March, parents have had one or more sidekicks. After accounting for the sweet stuff (all those family game nights), acknowledging strains on parents’ mental health is essential. Stigma shouldn’t roadblock parents’ vocalizing of mental health needs. I absolutely see a licensed mental health counselor. I believe everyone stands to benefit from my doing so—especially, my children. PROSE & COMPANY Natassja Prose, a mom-blogger, keeps company with her two sons (Jack, 9; Max, 6) and husband. She’s in a better place than earlier in quarantine: “Spring was difficult. Seclusion was overwhelming.” With an active family, Prose felt barriers to wellbeing when face-to-face interactions were ruled out. Coming up with alternative plans, when feeling defeated, was hard. Seeing kids’ lives turned upside down and feeling helpless was heavy. “Being home more meant increased access to multiple media and that increased fear. Now, I know what to shut down. I’ve also learned when to reach out.” She’s broached conversations about mental health needs with the boys. “I share my brain is overloaded and needs quiet. They’ve proven helpful.” Realism has helped. “They’re old enough to make good choices. We can’t live in fear, and they’re not going around licking handrails. In my mind and heart I feel that, if we get sick, we’ll be okay. For overall wellbeing, I can’t remain quarantined.” A small social circle helps manage risks. “When the boys are happy and healthy, I thrive.” In order for the interconnected system to flourish, Prose needs alone time—rare since March. Running and bicycling have helped: “My husband also encourages solo-errand-running.” Sometimes, alone, one can better think through tough stuff and tinker with potential plans. Worries about education, healthcare, the economy and missed celebrations persist, but so does Prose’s resilience. “We have things to look forward to. I see the light of day again.”
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TampaBayParenting.com SEPTEMBER 2020
The Prose family visited Georgia’s Barnsley Resort in July. The resort offered family fun while adhering to COVID-19 safety protocols.
