Parenting Through Anxiety & Depression

This session, with insights from marriage and family therapist Brett Williams, focuses on parenting through anxiety and depression. With rising rates of these issues among children, understanding emotional regulation and its impact is essential.

Brett explains how to guide children through emotional challenges by addressing the influence of technology, the importance of mapping emotions, and strategies for managing stress. The session will provide practical tools and insights to help parents foster resilience and emotional well-being in their children, drawing on expertise and real-world experiences.

Instant Insights

Deep Dive

Key Takeaways

Prevalence of Mental Health Issues

Around 1 in 5 children may experience a mental health disorder, with anxiety and depression rates varying by age, gender, and environment.

Emotional Regulation's Importance

Emotional dysregulation, not just external circumstances, often drives anxiety and depression in children, making emotion management essential.

Technology's Impact on Youth

Since 2008, cell phones and social media have significantly increased anxiety and depression among youth, requiring mindful technology use.

Balancing Stress for Performance

Moderate stress optimizes performance; parents should help children find the right balance, avoiding both overstimulation and under-stimulation.

Mapping Emotions

Teaching children to map their emotions helps them avoid overwhelm and fosters better emotional regulation.

Energy Flow and Emotional Balance

Monitoring a child's energy flow aids in managing anxiety or depression, as balanced energy supports emotional well-being.

Parental Energy Influence

Parents' emotional states directly impact their children, making parental energy regulation crucial for modeling healthy emotional management.

Creating a Calming Home Environment

Reducing home stimulation—like turning off screens and engaging in calming activities—supports emotional regulation for parents and children.

Using Emotional Disruptors

Disruptors like enjoyable activities or mindfulness help manage anxiety and depression by breaking negative emotional cycles.

Ways Parents and Caregivers Can Support Their Child

Supporting a child with depression and anxiety involves intentional actions that foster emotional well-being and resilience. Here are practical steps to guide and uplift your child.

Encourage Open Communication: Create a safe space for your child to share their feelings without judgment.
Model Emotional Regulation: Demonstrate calmness and positive coping strategies to help your child manage their emotions.
Establish a Consistent Routine: Provide stability with regular daily schedules to reduce stress and anxiety.
Limit Technology Use: Encourage breaks from screens and social media to prevent emotional overload.
Promote Physical Activity: Engage in outdoor activities to help regulate emotions and reduce stress.
Teach Relaxation Techniques: Introduce deep breathing, mindfulness, or other calming practices to help your child manage anxiety.
Monitor Diet and Sleep: Ensure your child gets enough sleep and maintains a balanced diet, avoiding excessive sugar and caffeine.
Foster Positive Connections: Encourage relationships with supportive friends and family to build emotional resilience.
Use Disruptors for Stress: Implement strategies like talking, engaging in fun activities, or seeking professional help when needed.

By integrating these steps into daily life, parents can create a nurturing environment that helps their child navigate the challenges of depression and anxiety, building strength and emotional stability.