Many Australians have been exposed to psychological distress due to the impacts of Covid-19, like never before. Mental health crisis lines received record numbers of calls from people needing support, with one anxiety-specific helpline reporting a rise of over 220%.
The pandemic's mental health impact has been labelled the "hidden pandemic", not just in Australia but globally too. ABC NEWS
An international study led by researchers from the University of Queensland estimated anxiety disorders grew by more than 25% worldwide in 2020 alone. BUT even before the pandemic, anxiety was the most common mental health condition in Australia, with one in four people experiencing it at some point in their lives, and over the past decade, researchers have noted YOUNG PEOPLE being affected in unprecedented numbers.
Today, children and young people are being diagnosed with anxiety and suffering all the symptoms (including panic attacks) due to the lack of self confidence and low self-esteem brought about by not just the social isolation and other impacts of the pandemic (let's be honest, growing up through the pandemic is not something we as parents had experience to help them with!) AND of course, there's Social Media.
Undoubtedly, Social Media has numerous advantages, BUT without proper guidance, these platforms can consume our kids (and us!) to the point where they can't see their own worth anymore. We can't get rid of Social Media, just as we can't take away the fact we've been living through a pandemic, but we CAN help our children to stay cope better.
How to combat this? POSITIVE AFFIRMATIONS!
What are affirmations?
These are short, but powerful words that aim to impact or change a person's mood. According to The Daily Goal Getter, when you say or think about them, these words can become the thoughts that could shape your reality.
Research has proven 80% of the 50,000 subconscious thoughts a person has on a daily basis are purely NEGATIVE. Imagine the impact that can have on our kids.
As parents, it's one of our responsibilities to make sure that our kids are getting the best of us - nurtured, loved, cared for, so that when they're alone and talking to themselves in the mirror, they only have great things to say and nothing else.
Watch this video to learn how positive self-talk can shape your kids' life!
Here are positive affirmations that you can tell your kids every day to help them feel positive and loved:
- You are beautiful
- My world is better with you in it
- I have faith in you
- You can do this
- You are loved
- You can handle it
- You are deserving
- I am proud of you
- You matter
- You are a good person
- I believe in you
- You are valued
- Your ideas matter
- I'm glad you're here
- I'm grateful for you
- You are creative
- You are smart
- You are capable
- You inspire me
- You can do anything
- I love spending time with you
- I love you
- You are trustworthy
- You are unique
- I love your flaws
- Your flaws are what make you beautiful
- You are brave
- Your feelings are valid
- You are perfect just the way you are
Here are some more resources that will help you in combatting negativity around your kids:
- Open letter from a mum to her teen daughter about staying true to themselves
- 5 top tips to help your kids embrace body positivity
We have produced a range of POSITIVE STICKERS that we've been sending out randomly with some orders, and if you'd like some, just type STICKERS in the notes at checkout and we'll be sure to include them with your order!
