During this Mental Health Awareness Month, a doctor weighed in on how to take care your mental health, as well as your child’s mental wellbeing.
PORTLAND, Ore. — A number of reports have ranked mental health care in Oregon among the worst in the United States. So, during Mental Health Awareness Month, we’re looking at how to keep you and your kids mentally healthy.
Dr. Mike Franz, executive medical director of behavioral health for Regence BlueCross BlueShield of Oregon, said in this age of artificial intelligence, where some kids and teens are using it as companions, or sometimes therapists, parents need to be even more diligent than in years past.
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He said leaving kids alone with unfettered access to the internet, can be dangerous, so parents should be proactive.
“Parents just being present, being aware and making yourself available, asking questions, checking in: ‘Hey, how are you doing? How’s it going? What are you checking out online? What apps have you been using?’” said Franz.
As for red flags, he said look out for sustained changes in a child’s behavior that go on for more than a day or two.
When it comes to adults, keep tabs on your mental and physical health.
“As a parent, you’ve got to put your oxygen mask on first. You’ve got to take care of yourself in order to be able to best take care of your kids,” Franz said.
He emphasized the importance of getting enough sleep, eating regular meals, exercising and socializing. He said if you’re a parent, and you do all that, it models healthy behavior for kids.