Living through the emotional toll of chronic mental health conditions like PANS and PANDAS, anxiety, depression, and OCD affects the entire family. It affects every aspect of daily life, from relationships and communication to routines and decision-making. However, with the right tools and support, families can navigate such a challenging journey together.
That’s why it’s important for us to raise awareness about the impact of mental health conditions not just on our children but also on families and relationships. Self-regulation then becomes vital when faced with the emotional toll of these conditions not just for our own well-being but for the well-being of our entire family.
Mental health conditions and their impact on families and relationships.
Many of my clients reach out to me and others even fly from another country to seek help, particularly for PANS, PANDAS, and OCD. It is saddening as there are many individuals dealing with such mental health conditions and who are lacking in appropriate care. That is why I'm passionate about training others in this field and spreading awareness about mental health support because it's not just about mental health; chronic medical conditions also take a toll on everyone.
It's crucial to deeply understand that behaviors stemming from chronic mental health conditions are not deliberate actions but manifestations of an activated nervous system. When individuals are grappling with conditions like PANS, PANDAS, OCD, anxiety, or depression, their nervous systems are often in a heightened state of alertness. But despite these challenges, there's hope.
Living with a family member affected by a mental health condition can profoundly impact the dynamics of relationships and family life. It can introduce complexities, uncertainties, and emotional strains that require careful navigation and support from all members. That is why finding ways to manage as a family is key as this journey requires resilience, patience, and a deep commitment to each other's well-being.
Self-regulation techniques for mental health issues.
What I have learned from my personal experience is that in terms of coping skills, the number one priority is taking care of ourselves first. When we're in the midst of uncertainty, unsure why certain behaviors are happening, or feeling like treatments aren't quite hitting the mark, self-regulation becomes essential. This applies not only to PANS and PANDAS but to any mental health issue there is.
Spending just 10 minutes a day on regulating our nervous system is vital for our overall well-being. Self-regulation requires effort and action and having a supportive community, free from judgment, can be a game-changer. Personally, I find activities like yoga or walks with understanding friends really helpful. Yoga, for instance, encourages mindfulness and deep breathing, helping to quiet the mind and release tension from the body. Similarly, walking with understanding friends provides an opportunity for connection.
It's also important to accept that parenting might look different than we initially imagined. Always remember that each child is unique and so, each of them respond differently to various approaches. This can sometimes lead to conflicts with our partners, who may have different viewpoints on parenting. Therapy can be incredibly helpful in navigating these differences and finding common ground in our parenting styles.
Parenting and mental health support.
It's crucial to find someone who understands your specific challenges, whether it's anxiety, depression, or another mental health issue, and can provide not just medication recommendations but practical strategies and tools for managing difficult situations. If you’re seeking support, our team offers parent coaching services tailored to your needs.
Let us gradually empower your child to develop coping skills and manage their own emotions. Always keep in mind, however, that progress takes time but each step we take is a step towards a brighter future for our children and our families.
For more information regarding PANS/PANDAS, you may read the following blog posts:
● Clinical Guide Pans and Pandas
● Healing Pans Pandas and Ae with Lauren Lee Stone
To learn more about Dr. Roseann Capanna-Hodge and science-backed mental health solutions, please visit www.drroseann.com.
Links and Resources:
➡️ Join our FREE Natural Parenting Community to receive science-backed resources for your child and family. Join here.
➡️ Get help from Dr. Roseann and her team. Apply here.
➡️ “Is it ADHD or something else?” Take the quiz.
