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As I write this on World Mental Health Day, I wonder about ‘hitting rock bottom’ and what it means, especially for children. I might add that, when I searched the term ‘rock bottom’ it seemed to mainly deal with substance addiction and abuse. This is not what I’m talking about here. I’m talking about an emotional meltdown, I guess.
"‘Hitting rock bottom’ means the following things to me:
Feeling worse than you ever have before
Perhaps even feeling numb
Can’t move in any direction, feeling stuck
Lacking energy
Lacking the desire/motivation to do anything
Hating on everything and maybe everyone, even yourself
Can’t see good in anything
Feeling completely lost and afraid
Crying…..a lot
And the list goes on……
What does rock bottom look like for us all?
If it’s like this for adults, what does it look like for kids? How do they feel when things are really bad for them? When they’re sad, traumatised, afraid or stuck?
I believe it’s really difficult for adults to speak out about being in a bad way, emotionally. As much as it’s out there and spoken of with regards to the rise and rise of anxiety in our society, there still seems to be a certain reluctance to talk about any ‘mental health’ issues we may be experiencing.
Anyway, I digress. What I’m asking is, “do children have a ‘rock bottom’?
Who determines if and when they reach it?
Who decides when an intervention is needed?
Are we waiting for them to say something?
Finally, do we really want them to reach that horrible point?
Just as it’s difficult for some adults to talk about their feelings, especially negative ones, I believe it’s even more difficult for children to verbalise their negative feelings too.
This is why children ‘act out’. As I mentioned in my last months Blog, Anxiety plays a significant role in disruptive behaviour. So do other emotions for children, such as anger, sadness, fear, embarrassment, humiliation, confusion.
If something seems a little “off” about your child and the way they’re dealing with life, then act now. Why wait until things get worse for them and your family?
There are so many adults who are now seeing/ feeling the benefits of Mindfulness and Meditation, so let’s start teaching all kids these skills before they hit crisis point.
Trust your instincts Mums and Dads. You know your own child better than anyone else.
So, before you start accepting any labels that people want to pin on your child, consider teaching them ways to deal with the anxiety and stress attached to this beautiful, albeit crazy life.
Prevention has always been considered better than cure for so many reasons. The cost can be high if we leave things until they HAVE to be dealt with, not just financially but more so, emotionally.
So, why not gift your child the tools to not just cope in life but to SHINE?
Call me on 0412 599 470 to discuss a plan for you and your child.
We can talk about the beautiful Peaceful Kids Program and include your child in a small group of similar aged children to learn wonderful coping skills.
Thanks for joining me in they blog. Until next time…….
I love helping families feel happier! If you would like to chat about how I can help you, follow this link to my “Contact Me” page.
This piece is written with the intention of helping parents create happier and more resilient children and is subject to copyright. Please contact the author if you wish to publish elsewhere.