Parenting 0-18 year old children in 2024 carries the same joys and fears that parents have experienced in the past. However, there are several additional factors that are affecting parents’ mental health and wellbeing today, including what the U.S. Surgeon General, Dr. Vivek Murthy, recently identified in his recent Advisory on the Mental Health and Wellbeing of Parents:
“Parents have a profound impact on the health of our children and the health of society. Yet parents and caregivers today face tremendous pressures, from familiar stressors such as worrying about their kids’ health and safety and financial concerns, to new challenges like navigating technology and social media, a youth mental health crisis, an epidemic of loneliness that has hit young people the hardest. As a father of two kids, I feel these pressures too.With this Advisory, I am calling for a fundamental shift in how we value and prioritize the mental health and well-being of parents. I am also outlining policies, programs, and individual actions we can all take to support parents and caregivers.” -U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy, August 28 2024
With these additional stressors, parents need support and effective tools to reduce stress, increase self-care and connect to others for support and encouragement. Mindfulness and group therapy are known to be two of the most effective ways to reduce anxiety and isolation.
It can feel scary to be vulnerable with others and ask for help. Guilt and shame are real and difficult barriers for parents facing these stressors. And the anxiety that comes with being a parent often reinforces the message that we are alone in this struggle.
We’re here to tell you otherwise.
Group Information
Justin Little, LMFT, will lead this parent support group for 8 weeks online via Zoom. Parents will gain insight into how anxiety works (or doesn’t work) in their lives, and be equipped to use mindfulness to reduce the burden of excess anxiety on their mental health, self-care and relationships.
Using the Restoration Model, Justin will efficiently and compassionately lead parents in understanding their own fight/flight responses, how stress and anxiety affect parents on a daily basis, and what we can do about it in a practical sense through brain training, community and actionable plans to address chronic stress.
In addition, parents will gain the trusted support of fellow group members who are walking a similar road, and can encourage each other along the way.
The cost is $45 per session out-of-pocket. Justin works with many insurance plans as well.
how to sign up:
Those interested in participating may email admin@foragewc.com, or schedule a free consultation with Justin using the button below:
