AMVC-Orlando sits down with double board-certified Renu Velisetty, M.D. to discuss today's solutions in Child & Adolescent and Adult Psychiatry. . https://lotusintegrativepsychiatry.com
Rethinking Mental Health: Insights into Holistic Care for Families
In a world where the pressures of school, work, and relationships can take a toll on mental health, understanding when and how to seek help is crucial. In an enlightening discussion, a mental health professional shared their perspectives on overcoming stigma, addressing family dynamics, and fostering emotional wellness through proactive approaches.
The Struggle to Seek Help
Mental health concerns often remain unaddressed until they significantly impact daily life—whether in school, at work, or in relationships. Many families wait years before seeking help, often due to stigma or misconceptions about treatment.
“There’s still a misunderstanding about what mental health care involves,” they explained. “Some parents hesitate because they fear medications or misunderstand the available options.”
However, mental health care extends far beyond prescriptions. Behavioral modifications, environmental changes, supplements, and holistic treatments are effective strategies for addressing challenges like ADHD and anxiety, offering alternatives for families hesitant about medication.
Breaking the Cycle of Overstimulation
The constant go-go-go culture affects children as much as adults. From excessive activities to relentless screen time, overstimulation creates an environment ripe for anxiety and emotional burnout.
“We need downtime—calm, quiet spaces to sit with ourselves and our thoughts,” the expert explained. When these moments are absent, it becomes difficult to process emotions or face difficult situations, fostering feelings of stress and unease.
This dynamic is particularly concerning for children who are often overscheduled with extracurriculars or preoccupied with competition at school. Without time to decompress, kids miss the opportunity to develop emotional resilience and learn to navigate life’s challenges.
Creating Space for Connection
When a child struggles, the entire family feels the ripple effects. Anxiety, depression, and ADHD aren’t isolated issues—they impact parents, siblings, and caregivers alike.
The professional emphasized that spending focused, agenda-free time with children is essential for fostering connection. “Whether it’s 10 minutes of coloring together or a walk outside, carving out undistracted time allows kids to feel supported and creates opportunities for open communication,” they noted.
Parents are encouraged to minimize distractions—like putting away phones—to make themselves available when children are ready to talk. Even teenagers, despite their reputation for independence, need guidance and connection from trusted adults.
Navigating the Path to Care
Families seeking mental health support often wonder whether to start with a primary care provider or approach a specialist directly. While either path works, the professional underscored the benefits of collaboration among therapists, psychiatrists, and primary care doctors:
Therapist Guidance: Regular therapy sessions can help identify underlying concerns, with therapists often recommending when additional psychiatric support may be necessary.
Primary Care Involvement: Longstanding relationships with primary care doctors help ensure continuity of care and the safe integration of treatments.
Specialized Consultation: Speaking directly with a psychiatrist can offer clarity on medication, alternative treatments, and holistic strategies tailored to the family’s needs.
For parents unsure about the next step, the advice was clear: “Sometimes, just starting with a conversation can open up new possibilities for understanding and support.”
Proactive Wellness for Families
The expert called for a shift toward proactive mental health care, emphasizing the importance of recognizing and addressing emotional challenges early. They recommended regular "wellness checks" as a way to keep communication channels open within families.
“There is no substitute for spending time with your kids,” they stressed. Simple activities without an agenda—like playing a game, taking a walk, or cooking together—can foster trust and connection, enabling children to feel safe sharing their struggles.
A Brighter Future Through Awareness
The landscape of mental health is evolving. Increased research and acceptance of alternative treatments have made holistic care more accessible and effective. However, it remains vital to continue breaking down stigma and providing families with tools to address mental health concerns proactively.
As families navigate the challenges of modern life, a thoughtful combination of downtime, meaningful connection, and professional support offers a path toward resilience and wellness—for both parents and children alike.
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