How to Take Care of Yourself While Supporting Your Young Adult’s Mental Health This Suicide Prevention Month

If you’re the parent of a young adult struggling with anxiety, PTSD, panic attacks, or navigating the challenges of autism spectrum disorder, you know that the road is often winding and long. Your days are filled with worry, with care, and with an unrelenting question: How can I help my child?

In the midst of this, there’s something important that you may be overlooking: Who’s helping you? As parents, we often carry our children’s struggles like an invisible burden on our shoulders, weighing us down without even realizing how heavy it’s become.

September is Suicide Prevention Month, and while our hearts are focused on keeping our young adults safe, it’s just as critical to ensure that we, as parents, are mentally and emotionally healthy too. Research shows that the well-being of a parent is intricately connected to the well-being of their child. When you take care of yourself, you’re also better equipped to care for your young adult.

The Mental Health Toll on Parents

Being a parent to a young adult with mental health challenges isn’t just hard—it can be overwhelming and isolating. You’re not just worried about their daily struggles; you’re worried about their future. And the stress this brings is staggering.

Here are some numbers that paint a powerful picture:

• One in five parents of children with severe anxiety or PTSD report experiencing symptoms of depression or anxiety themselves.
• Nearly 60% of parents raising children with autism experience chronic stress and report higher levels of burnout.
• Over 70% of caregivers report feeling exhausted and emotionally drained, a state that can deeply affect both their mental and physical health.

When you add up the sleepless nights, the ongoing doctor’s appointments, and the uncertainty, it’s no wonder that so many parents feel like they’re at their breaking point. You’re doing your best, but it can often feel like you’re running on empty.

Self-Care Isn’t Selfish—It’s Survival

There’s a common misconception that taking time for yourself makes you a “bad” parent, and that your energy should be completely dedicated to your young adult’s needs. But here’s the truth: you cannot pour from an empty cup.

As a parent, your emotional and physical well-being is paramount to the success of your child. When you neglect your own mental health, you risk burnout, and it becomes harder to support your young adult in the ways they truly need.

Self-care is not selfish. It’s essential. It’s about finding moments to recharge, allowing yourself to step back so that you can be fully present when your child needs you most. And it doesn’t have to be complicated—it can start with small, simple acts that reconnect you to yourself.

Practical Self-Care Tips 

Here are some practical ways you can take care of yourself this week, or throughout the month of September, or even throughout the year!

1. Create Small Rituals of Rest

You don’t need hours of free time to practice self-care. Start with just 10 minutes a day to do something for yourself. Whether it’s sipping tea in silence, meditating, or taking a quick walk, these moments help you recharge and reduce stress.

2. Join a Support Group

You are not alone in this journey. Find a support group of parents who are facing similar challenges. Connecting with others who understand your struggles can lift some of the emotional weight and offer new insights and solutions.

3. Set Boundaries for Yourself

It’s easy to fall into the habit of making your entire life revolve around your child’s needs. But it’s crucial to set boundaries. Let yourself have moments where you’re not thinking about therapy appointments or treatment plans. It’s okay to focus on your own hobbies, interests, and passions for a while.

4. Consider Professional Support

Therapy isn’t just for your child—it can be incredibly beneficial for you as well. Speaking to a therapist who understands the unique struggles of parenting a child with mental health issues can help you process your emotions and develop coping strategies.

5. Reconnect with Joy

Life doesn’t have to be all about challenges. Look for small joys in your day—a funny movie, a good book, or a relaxing bath. Take moments to laugh and enjoy something just for the sake of enjoyment. These little pockets of happiness make a difference.

You Can’t Do This Alone—And You Don’t Have To

As we honor Suicide Prevention Month, let’s not just focus on the risks; let’s focus on resilience. You’ve been fighting for your young adult’s future, but remember, you are part of that future too. When you take care of yourself, you are building a stronger foundation not only for your child but for your entire family.

The weight you carry is real, but you don’t have to carry it alone. If you’re feeling lost, overwhelmed, or just need a place to start, here are some resources that can help:

Recommended Books:

• Self-Compassion: The Proven Power of Being Kind to Yourself by Kristin Neff: Learn how to treat yourself with the same kindness you offer others.
• Raising a Secure Child by Kent Hoffman, Glen Cooper, and Bert Powell: A guide to supporting both your child’s and your own emotional health.

Movies to Watch:

• The Pursuit of Happyness (2006): A story about perseverance and finding hope even in the hardest of times.
• Parenthood (1989): A heartfelt movie that shows the ups and downs of parenting, reminding us that we’re all just trying our best. 

Mental Health Resources:

• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: Call 988 for 24/7 support.
• Crisis Text Line: Text HELLO to 741741 for confidential support via text.
• National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI): Visit nami.org for resources and support.

This September, let’s commit to care not only for our young adults but for ourselves as well. Join our community of parents who are navigating this same journey, where we share resources, support, and hope. Visit brilliantlifecommunity.com to connect with us, access more self-care tips, or schedule a consultation to learn how to better support your child while taking care of yourself.

You’re doing amazing work—don’t forget that you matter, too. Let’s take this month to recharge, find hope, and build resilience—together.