World Mental Health Day: Building Awareness, Understanding, & Support for Every Family

October 10th marks World Mental Health Day; a day to shine light on something that touches every home, every heart, & every person in one way or another. Mental health challenges don't always show up as visible wounds, but their impact can be felt deeply, across generations, families, & communities.

As a health coach who works closely with families & individuals, & as someone who has experienced the struggles of mental health within my own family, I have myself experienced the impact of mental health struggles in the home, & how it affects so many family members, even those outside of the home

. I've also seen how understanding & compassion can transform the way we approach mental wellness. Awareness is the first step.

RECOGNIZING SIGNS

In Children:

Children often express emotional struggles through behaviors, not words. These non-verbal signs can be changes in mood, withdrawal from activities, irritability, sleep disturbances & fatigue, changes in diet & eating habits, even headaches. These can be signs of anxiety, stress, & even emotional overwhelm. The signs can also be different in boys & girls. Boys may act out, while girls are able to have symptoms but slip under the radar because they suppress the struggles.

In Women:

Women, again, may appear "fine" while silently battling anxiety, burnout, or depression. Look for exhaustion that doesn't ease with rest, difficulty concentrating, increased irritablity or feelings of guilt & inadequacy. And YES, hormonal shifts can be a culprit, in addition to caregiving demands, & the pressure to appear perfect. These can all amplify mental strain.

In Men:

Men often mask emotional pain with overworking, irritability, or withdrawal. They may struggle to talk about feelings due to stigma or cultural expectations. Some signs include increased alcohol use, anger, or loss of interest in hobbies.

HOW FAMILIES CAN BE SUPPORTIVE

1. Create safe spaces for conversation. Our house became a place where we could dump emotionally, without judgement. It's also crucial to listen without saying a word. Sometimes, just listening without trying to fix, is the greatest form of love & support.

2. Model healthy coping. Be the example for your children; set the boundaries for those around you. Let your children know it's ok to rest, & sometimes you have to let family & friends know rest is what you need. It's also ok to cry, & crucial to ask or seek help.

3. Build routines that support wellness. Prioritize sleep - create a sleep schedule. Get movement - exercise or go for walks - create consistency here. Eat well balanced meals; a health body makes a healthy mind. And schedule screen-free time.

4. Encourage professional help when needed. Therapy, coaching, & mental health support are signs of strength.

5. Check in often. A simple call or text saying "How are you?" or letting someone know you are thinking about them can be the one thing they need to hear, & it can open doors to meaningful dialogue. Just catching up with each other after long days can be incredibly helpful.

On this World Mental Health Day, let's commit to paying closer attention to ourselves & to those we love. Mental wellness isn't just about surviving, it's about creating a family culture where every member feels seen, heard, & supported.

Because when one person heals, generations heal & the entire family begins to grow stronger.

If you need help, reach out to me denise.glowhealthcoach@gmail.com