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Thank you so much for joining me today. I just want to take a minute to say how grateful I am that you are listening! The emails, facebook and instagram messages, and reviews are so encouraging.

 

Shakey Puddin said, “This podcast is seriously HEAVEN SENT!!! Each episode inspires me as a mother, wife and member of the community!! I have felt lost and clueless on how to teach my kids about things I don’t even understand. Brittany finds the best of the best on, along with her amazing knowledge, and makes it SO EASY! She has done the work for me, so all I have to do is listen and implement what I learn about. I only listen to 2 podcasts, because as a mother of 6 and business owner time is valuable!!! I appreciate she keeps them short, to the point and powerful. Listen to just 1 and you will be hooked!!! Thank you so much for what you do Brittany!!!”

 

Wow Shakey Puddin, thank you. And can I just say that I feel like I am learning right along with you?! My relationships with myself, my husband, and my kids have all improved from the things I have learned from my guests and from my research.

 

A few weeks ago my family and I were on a road trip and my sweet little boy started throwing a major tantrum. It was not a pretty sight. After a minute or two my husband turned to me while being kicked in the back of the head and said, “Come on Raising Today’s Kids!” As if to say, “What have you learned that you could apply right now? We need you!” So I dug around in my mind, remembered some things I’ve learned, and sure enough, found a way to restore peace to our car.

 

So thank you all for encouraging me to keep making this happen.

 

Ok. Let’s get to today’s episode.

 

The whole point of Raising Today’s Kids is to give parents tools to help lift their children to reach their potential. But I know from experience that it can be very difficult to lift your kids if you’re feeling low, whether that’s from depression, or discouragement, or your mental or emotional health is impaired in any way.

 

Unfortunately depression is on the rise in our digital world. According to a study published in Psychological Medicine, from 2005 to 2015 depression rose significantly among Americans age 12 and older, with the most rapid increases seen in young people.

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Many other research studies are showing correlations between internet use and depression, and while adults are not immune to it, youth are especially susceptible.

 

So today I invited Aimee Rust to guide us through those kinds of struggles, so that we can be there for our kids. Aimee is a licensed clinical professional counselor with experience in helping many clients deal with depression and other mental health issues. Today she’s going to address those things in a parenting context.

 

I first heard Aimee speak publicly a few years ago and was so impressed with the peaceful aura she emanates. She is a person who exudes empathy and understanding. So I was thrilled when she agreed to come speak on this subject today.

 

She will talk about depression, anxiety, terminal illness, postpartum depression, and the stigma of mental health problems. And if you’re like me, then by the end of this episode all you’re going to want to do is curl up on a couch in Aimee’s office and tell her all your problems. So here’s Aimee Rust.

 

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Conversation with Aimee

 

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Thank you Aimee! Thank you for everything you shared, but especially the message of hope and encouragement at the end.

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I learned so much from my conversation with her. Here are just a few:

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• We can minimize the impact that our emotional or mental health has on our children by practicing self-care, whether that’s by taking a nap or allowing ourselves to cry, or whatever else will help us to function better.

• The importance of a good support system cannot be understated.

• Do not stay silent about your struggles. Seek professional help if you can’t function or don’t have a good support system. Be honest with our kids about what we’re struggling with.

• Like Michelle McDonough talked about in last week’s episode on grief and transitions, remind yourself and your kids that emotions are ok. Compartmentalize those emotions if necessary.

• Notice moments of happiness, encourage talking about those.

• Be genuine with each other. Being genuine can help us access compassion.

• Remember, and remind your kids that difficult emotions are part of life. Give yourself compassion.

 

Please share this episode with someone who needs it. And please write an iTunes review so that others who might need it will be able to find it.

 

Thank you so much for being intentional about raising today’s kids. They need you! You were put in their lives for a reason, and you are totally capable of doing your part to help them reach their potential.

 

Thanks for listening and have an awesome day!

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Brittany