Parents across the country know first hand how to do it pandemic has been affecting the mental health of their children. But a new poll released Tuesday found that these challenges also affect parents’ working lives.
The survey, by the child advocacy group On Our Sleeves, found that 53% of parents have lost their jobs at least once a month to cope with their children’s mental health, while 54% have stopped working. their working day at least once a month to cope with the mental health of their children. mental health needs.
The survey also found that even when parents are at work, between 30% and 50% of them say they are concerned about their children’s mental health and well-being.
“Parents are missing work and interrupting work, and even when they’re at work, that’s in their head all the time,” Marti Bledsoe Post, executive director of On Our Sleeves, told co-presenter from “CBS Mornings,” Nate Burleson.
Many parents also express their concern for their children mental health increased during the pandemic, when work from home and home education disrupted the lives of both children and adults.
“Parents are used to doing multiple tasks, but the last two years have been [an] extra multitasking effort, “Bledsoe Post said.
Behavioral health experts with On Our Sleeves have found that children’s health problems and parental concerns have increased over the years and may continue to do so, Bledsoe Post said.
“So if we look back to look ahead, we need to be prepared for new adjustments as life after the pandemic continues to change,” he said.
But to remove the stigma surrounding mental health, Bledsoe Post encouraged parents to have sincere conversations with their children and seek resources at work.
“Children have the same mental health needs as adults,” he said, noting that half of all lifelong mental illness begins before the age of 14. “So if we can start having this conversation between us, with coaches, with counselors, with teachers and in the workplace, employers can join us in finding solutions and helping their employees be more focused and productive when they are at work “.
The full On Our Sleeves report can be found at group website. You can find additional mental health resources at this page.
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