The power of prioritizing your mental health as a parent

As a parent, you're used to putting others first. You prioritize your children's needs, make sacrifices, and try to create a happy and healthy home environment. But with all the demands of parenting, it's easy to forget to take care of one very important person: yourself.

In 2023, 33% of parents reported high levels of stress in the past month, compared to 20% of other adults.¹ Prioritizing your well-being is important, not just for your own sake, but for the well-being of your children too.

Recognizing the signs and symptoms of mental health challenges

In your role, you may be so focused on your children's health and well-being that you neglect your own. However, it's essential to recognize the signs and symptoms of chronic burnout. Some common signs include:²

• Feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or stressed
• Difficulty sleeping or changes in appetite
• Loss of interest in activities you once enjoyed
• Feeling irritable, short-tempered, or restless
• Physical symptoms like headaches, body aches, or muscle tension
• Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
• Feeling hopeless, helpless, or disconnected from others

If you're experiencing any of these symptoms, it's vital you acknowledge them and seek support. Ignoring your mental health can have long-term consequences, not just for you, but for your children as well.

The impact of parental mental health on children

Nearly three in four parents are extremely worried that their child will struggle with anxiety or depression.¹ This concern is not surprising, as many things can affect a child's mental health – including their home life, relationships, and personal experiences. As a parent, you play an important role in your child's emotional well-being.

When you're struggling with your mental well-being, it can affect your relationship with your child and their overall well-being.¹ Children may:

• Experience increased stress and anxiety
• Trouble regulating their emotions, leading to mood swings or behavioral issues
• Struggle with self-esteem and confidence
• Have difficulty forming healthy relationships with others

On the other hand, when you prioritize your mental health and well-being, and build a healthy support system, you can have a profoundly positive impact on your child's life.

What does it mean to prioritize your mental health and well-being as a parent?

It's about creating a network of people, resources, and strategies that help you manage stress, build resilience, and prioritize your well-being. Here are some ways to get started:

• Build a support network: Surround yourself with people who uplift and support you, such as friends or family members.
• Practice self-care: Engage in activities that bring you joy, relaxation, and fulfillment, such as exercise, meditation, or hobbies. You may even find activities you can do with your child.
• Seek professional help: Consult with a mental health professional if you're struggling with symptoms or need additional guidance on managing stress and anxiety.
• Prioritize sleep and nutrition: Take care of your physical health by getting enough sleep, eating a balanced diet, and staying hydrated.
• Take breaks and ask for help: Don't be afraid to ask for help when you need it, whether it's a family member, friend, or neighbor.
• For more ideas, check out the Blue Answers Your Mental Health Matters page.

Taking care of your mental health is not selfish – it's essential. By prioritizing your well-being, you're not only improving your own life but also creating a positive and supportive environment for your child to thrive.

At Florida Blue, we're committed to supporting the mental health and well-being of parents and families. We offer a range of resources to help you prioritize your mental well-being, including: 

• meQuilibrium⁴ — an online mental well-being program designed to help you face each day with confidence. By using meQuilibrium, you can build resilience, learn ways to combat stress, find out your stress score, and learn your stress triggers. It’s available at no extra cost with most health plans. Look for meQuilibrium in the Find & Get Care section of your member account on FloridaBlue.com.
• Florida Blue members can call our behavioral health care provider, Lucet³, at 1-866-287-9569. They can help you locate a licensed therapist that’s right for you. They may also be able to schedule your in-person or virtual visit with a therapist and be seen within two weeks.
• You can also turn to our Community Specialists at our Florida Blue Centers. You can ask questions, get help finding a doctor or finding resources in your community whether you are a Florida Blue member or not. Our centers also offer webinars and classes on topics like mental well-being, at no extra cost. Visit your local center or call 1-877-352-5830, or learn more at FloridaBlue.com/Center.

Check out these BlueAnswers pages for additional tips and resources to help you prioritize your mental well-being:

• Self-care can improve mental health
• Work-life balancing act
• There is no health without mental health
• Online tools for mental well-being
• Exploring youth mental health

¹Parents Under Pressure. The U.S. Surgeon General’s Advisory on the Mental Health & Well-Being of Parents. US Department of Health and Human Services.

²Warning Signs and Symptoms. National Alliance on Mental Illness.

³Florida Blue contracts with Lucet to provide behavioral health services.

⁴meQuilibrium is an independent company contracted by Florida Blue to provide health and wellness services and resources to members. This benefit is available to Florida Blue members age 18 and older.  Eligibility is limited to members with an individual or family plan, an individual or family ACA plan and members with coverage from their fully insured group employer health plan.