Reducing Anxiety for Modern Parents

Parenting 

Guest Post

by Ania Wysocka, Founder

Simply Rootd Media, Inc

Anxiety Impacts Modern Moms, Dads

Anxiety is the world’s most common mental health disorder, affecting approximately 301 million people in 2019 around the globe. The National Institute of Health estimates that a third of the population, including many parents, will experience an anxiety disorder at some point in their lives and that 19.1% of the U.S. has struggled with one in the last year. 

The reasons behind this surge in anxiety and panic attacks are multifaceted, ranging from financial and housing concerns to the competitive job market, the overwhelming flow of information, constant connectivity, and the pressures of social media. In today’s fast-paced life, it can feel impossible to take time for self-care, but not doing so also only compounds these stressors. 

In today’s uncertain and rapidly evolving world  there is nothing more anxiety-provoking than being a parent. Multitasking parents are confronted with a wide array of challenges, including the need to ensure their family's financial well-being, finding the right equilibrium between work commitments and moments with their family, and the daunting task of understanding and managing the impact of modern technology and social media on their children. 

According to Pew Research Center, 38% of parents state that working makes it harder for them to be a good parent, and 27% feel that being a parent makes it harder for them to advance in their careers. The digital challenges are compounded by the fact that parents themselves did not grow up in the era of omnipresent digital technology and social media, leaving them without a clear frame of reference for navigating its potential long-term effects on development and well-being. 

Tips for Parents to Address Anxiety

The desire to be exemplary parents while also finding time for self-care also creates a challenging paradox. In order to be the best possible parents, individuals must carve out time to prioritize themselves. However, self-care often gets neglected in the face of other more urgent-seeming tasks, heightening anxiety. Additionally, research shows that children with anxious parents are between two and seven times more likely to develop an anxiety disorder later in life, which may raise fear in parents, thereby perpetuating a cycle of stress and worry.

Ania Wysocka, the founder of the mental health app Rootd, insightfully addresses the unique pressures faced by parents today. She remarks, "In an age where parents are bombarded with information and societal expectations, finding peace in one's parenting choices is crucial. It's vital to understand that taking care of one's mental health is not selfish but essential for the well-being of the entire family."

To combat these pervasive feelings of anxiety, adopting practical strategies for managing stress becomes paramount. Parents are encouraged to educate themselves on child development to make informed decisions that align with their values and the needs of their children. It can also be useful to periodically implement a digital detox for the entire family, limiting screen time to emphasize the importance of meaningful interactions and reduce the negative impacts of constant connectivity. 

Integrating mindfulness and self-care into daily routines is essential. Simple practices, such as exercise, meditation, or enjoying a hobby, can significantly alleviate stress. Furthermore, building a supportive community of fellow parents can offer both emotional support and practical advice, reminding parents that they are not alone in their struggles. Incorporating family activities into anxiety management strategies can further strengthen bonds and reduce collective stress. Going on nature walks or hikes, playing board games, or finding new hobbies together can provide opportunities for connection and relaxation. Additionally, developing an environment where mental health is openly discussed with children promotes a supportive atmosphere, ensuring that mental health is not stigmatized within the family. 

Mental health apps like Rootd offer a convenient and accessible tool for managing anxiety, particularly for busy parents. Taking the time to seek out mental health resources can feel daunting to overwhelmed parents, but downloading an app is much more manageable. These apps provide immediate resources for calming techniques during moments of panic and promote the development of healthy habits for managing stress. Wysocka emphasizes, "Having mental health resources readily available on your phone is invaluable for parents. It ensures that support is always just a few taps away, allowing for a few moments of peace amid the chaos of daily life." 

 While the challenges of parenting in today's world are manifold, there are strategies for managing anxiety that are both practical and accessible. By prioritizing their own well-being and taking advantage of tools like mental health apps, parents can navigate the complexities of modern parenthood with greater ease and confidence. As society continues to evolve, so too must our approaches to managing anxiety, ensuring that parents and children alike are equipped to face the future with resilience and hope.

 

Ania Wysocka, Founder of Rootd

About Ania Wysocka 

Ania experienced her first panic attack in her fourth year of University, and has not stopped fighting to help others avoid or overcome similar situations since. Based on her personal experience with anxiety, she founded Rootd, designing and creating all of the app’s content, as well as leading the business. Her unique combination of graphic design skills and subject matter expertise provide Rootd with its unmistakable personality, and unreplicable differentiation from competitors. Among Ania's most notable recognitions are being included in Apple Developer Spotlight's "30 Under 30" and being selected as one of the best apps for anxiety by a wide variety of national consumer publications including Healthline, Cosmopolitan, and Women's Health, in addition to being featured in the Time Magazine special edition: "The Age of Anxiety".  

To learn more about Rootd visit the company's official site Rootd.io as well as follow the brand @rootd_app on Instagram.