SB PARENTING
the importance of
managing stress BY URSULA BRANTLEY
B
eing a parent is one of the most rewarding experiences there is. At the same time, parenthood and stress tend to go hand in hand. When an individual deals with an overwhelming amount of stress, it will impact their mental health. Mental health refers to a person’s psychological and emotional well-being. We all encounter stressful situations in our everyday lives, but parents have added layers of pressure. Society tends to place parents on a superhuman pedestal. They are expected to power through their own battles as well as life’s trials for the sake of their children and households. Parents often place these same unrealistic expectations on themselves. They can find themselves hanging on by a thread while trying to fulfill everyone else’s needs. An online survey by the American Psychological Association (APA) found that 75% of parents reported family responsibilities as a significant source of stress. Demetria Layton, MA, National Certified Counselor, Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor and Shreveport native, points out that financial issues, marital/relationship issues, an inconsistent parent/ partner, physical/mental illness of a parent, caring for children with disabilities, having limited or no support system, lack of sufficient employment, lack of adequate education, no reliable transportation, or living in unsafe neighborhoods or environments are a number of key stressors for parents.
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APRIL 2022
| SBMAG.NET
It’s common for parents to become frustrated, but when they begin feeling overwhelmed, problems can arise. Layton says, “A person should pay attention to the slightest change in their normal day to day functioning.” When someone notices that their emotions are beginning to bubble, it’s time to take a step back. It’s important for parents to recognize the signs of overextension for the sake of their children as well as themselves. Dr. Anjelica Hart, EdD, Doctor of Education in Educational Psychology and Technology and Instructor of Psychology and ADA Coordinator at Southern University at Shreveport, explains that overwhelming stress can affect a parent’s ability to remain calm and consistent with their children. She says, “Oftentimes, parents are very irritable and impatient when experiencing consistent stress. Some common stress responses include headaches, frustration, tiredness, mood changes, disturbed sleep, frequent conflicts, and problem concentrating. A significant amount of mental pressure can cause anger, explosive outbursts, inappropriate or harmful statements toward children, and child neglect or abuse.” Feelings of frustration from trying to balance parenthood and life in general are not uncommon, but without proper management of emotions, parents become a runaway train carrying their children with them. Coping with stress in unhealthy ways can manifest as substance use or abuse, over or under eating, child neglect/abuse, sleeping too much or not enough, engaging in self harm, isolation, feelings of constant loneliness, ignoring their children, or child neglect/abuse.
