Khudi – Mental Health Awareness in Pakistan
Khudi – Mental Health Awareness in Pakistan
It’s normal to feel stressed, worried, or upset at times. Trying to ignore your feelings can actually make things worse. Instead, it’s better to recognize what you’re going through, like being tired, feeling guilty, or sad.
When you can name your emotions, you start to feel more in control. Try saying something like, “I’m feeling really tired right now, and that’s okay. I’ll take some time to rest soon.” This simple moment of understanding can help calm your body and make it easier to handle your day.
Parents often put others first and forget to take care of themselves. But even a little bit of self-care can make a big difference. Self-care doesn’t have to be fancy or expensive. It’s about small, regular actions that help you feel better.
Here are some ideas:
Remember, you can’t help others if you’re running on empty.
Taking care of yourself helps you be better for your family.
Good communication is key to a healthy home. Talk openly with your partner about how you feel and what kind of support you need. For single parents, talking to trusted friends or family can help ease the emotional burden.
You can also help your kids learn about emotions. Encourage them to share how they’re feeling and let them know it’s okay to have difficult days. When a family feels comfortable expressing emotions, everyone benefits.
Many parents feel like they’re always busy. Setting realistic goals and planning your time can greatly reduce stress.
Here are some time-management tips:
Balanced time leads to balanced feelings. When your day is structured but not too strict, you have more room for patience and happiness.
Lack of sleep is one of the main reasons parents feel stressed and irritable.
When you’re not well-rested, even small problems can feel overwhelming.
Try these:
If you have a newborn or a toddler, rest when they rest—even if there are things that need doing. A well-rested mind is better at handling the challenges of parenting calmly.
You’re not alone in facing these challenges. Joining parenting groups or online communities can help you share your experiences, get advice, and feel supported.
Talking to other parents who understand can make you feel less lonely and build your emotional strength. Even a quick conversation with a friend who supports you can lower stress and remind you that you’re doing your best.
Being present and mindful can help parents stay calm instead of getting caught up in worries about the future.
Try simple mindfulness practices like:
You can also try relaxation techniques like yoga, stretching, or deep breathing.
The goal isn’t to eliminate stress—just to respond to it in a calm and thoughtful way.
Sometimes stress, anxiety, or sadness can feel too hard to handle on your own— and that’s okay. Talking to a therapist or counselor can help you understand your emotions and find new ways to cope.
In Pakistan and many other places, mental health services are becoming more available.
Many groups now offer online counseling or parent support sessions. Seeking help isn’t a sign of weakness—it shows strength and a commitment to looking after your well-being.
It’s easy to focus on what’s going wrong, but celebrating small wins can bring joy.
Appreciate the good moments—your child’s laughter, a calm dinner, or a simple hug after a tough day.
When you intentionally notice the positive things in your life, your brain starts to focus more on happiness and less on stress. Gratitude builds emotional strength for both parents and children.
Parenting doesn’t come with a perfect guide. You’ll make mistakes—and that’s part of the journey. Instead of being hard on yourself, remind yourself: “I’m doing my best with what I have.”
Self-compassion helps reduce guilt and makes room for growth.
Your children don’t need a perfect parent—they need someone who is present, loving, and emotionally healthy.