Thankfully, conversations about mental health are becoming more and more mainstream. One of the many misconceptions surrounding mental health is that it’s an adult topic when this is not the case in reality. We all have mental health, and people of all ages can struggle with mental health, whether or not they have a diagnosable mental health condition. So, as a parent, how do you start talking about mental health with your family?

Kids And Mental Health

Mental health is broader than one might think, and it consists of three main components or areas of wellbeing. Those components are emotional, psychological, and social health. It’s important for all of us to take care of our mental health as well as our physical health, and the two are deeply connected.

There are many reasons why it’s important to talk about mental health with kids. When we do, it’s more likely that they will have the tools to express their own emotions, extend empathy to others, talk about what they need when they’re struggling, learn coping skills, and more. Even the youngest of kids can experience strong emotions, and knowing how to express, explore, and navigate those feelings in a healthy way matters.

Depending on what comes up, talking about mental health for children can also decrease the stigma surrounding mental health conditions. After all, according to the CDC, 17.4% of children between the ages of 2 and 8 live with a mental, behavioral, or developmental disorder. Many mental health concerns and conditions are treatable, and early detection can be advantageous in many cases.

How To Start Talking About Mental Health With Kids

For many parents, the tough part is knowing how and when to start talking about mental health with kids. First, know that it’s never too soon to start talking about mental health. Using age-appropriate language that your child understands is the best way to go. You don’t need to necessarily open up a conversation with, “let’s talk about mental health,” either. While learning opportunities are near endless, here are some examples of scenarios that may prompt a natural conversation about mental health:

• When they’re sad, overwhelmed, or are experiencing another strong emotion.
• When your child’s friend goes through a tough time or has a hard day.
• When a character in a movie, book, or TV show experiences a strong emotion, has a tough conversation, or has a mental health condition.
• When you’re doing something for your own mental health.

There are a ton of organic opportunities to talk about mental health as it relates to daily life. It can be as simple as saying, “What are you feeling right now?” and validating your child’s emotions, providing real-life examples of empathy and compassion, or asking questions about how a favorite television character felt during a particular scene. If you’re struggling with your own mental health, it can be more challenging to open up – even to those closest to you, such as a partner or spouse. If you’re struggling with your own mental health or simply need a place to talk about life stress or something else that’s on your mind, a therapist or counselor can help.

Find A Therapist

Sometimes, the hard part isn’t wanting support but knowing where to look. There are a number of different ways to find a therapist who meets your needs. You can ask your doctor for a referral, contact your insurance company to see who they cover, search the web, or sign up for a reputable online therapy platform with licensed providers like BetterHelp. Online therapy is often more affordable than traditional in-person services are without insurance, and it’s an excellent way for busy parents to get quality care without taking the time to commute to a therapy center or private practice office. Regardless of how you find a therapist or counselor, you deserve to thrive. Don’t hesitate to take the first step and start your search today.

Marie Miguel Biography

Marie Miguel has been a writing and research expert for nearly a decade, covering a variety of health- related topics. Currently, she is contributing to the expansion and growth of a free online mental health resource with BetterHelp.com. With an interest and dedication to addressing stigmas associated with mental health, she continues to specifically target subjects related to anxiety and depression.

As human beings, we are wired for connection. We possess a deep need to feel seen, cared for and understood by others. If this need goes unmet, a person may experience feelings of loneliness. Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, many individuals have reported increased levels of loneliness and social isolation.

Throughout this article we will explore the potential causes of loneliness, how feeling lonely can impact our mental health, and strategies for managing loneliness. 

What is Loneliness? 

‘Loneliness’ can mean different things to different individuals. For some, it may indicate a lack of social interaction or feeling isolated from others. Some individuals may feel lonely even if they are surrounded by other people. It is important to acknowledge that each unique individual has different needs for connection. Some individuals find themselves perfectly content spending most of their days at home by themselves, while others would find this extremely distressing.

There are various potential reasons a person may feel lonely. Significant life transitions, such as the loss of a relationship, going away to college, moving to a new area, changing jobs, or retirement can contribute to feelings of loneliness. Certain groups are thought to be at a higher risk of experiencing loneliness, such as those who belong to minority groups, or face discrimination due to their race, sexual orientation, or a long-term health problem or disability.

Individuals who have a lack of social support from friends and/or family members are more likely to feel lonely. However, some individuals may feel lonely even if they are surrounded by people who care for them. They may feel like they have to ‘wear a mask’ to present a certain image to others, or are otherwise unable to be seen as their authentic selves. Some individuals may feel lonely and not be able to fully pinpoint why.

For more information about loneliness, visit BetterHelp.

How Does Loneliness Impact Mental Health? 

Loneliness can significantly impact an individual’s mental health. Over time, feelings of loneliness can increase one’s risk of developing depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem.

At the same time, living with a mental health condition can enhance an individual’s feelings of loneliness. It is common for people with a mental health disorder to isolate themselves due to the severity of their symptoms, or to experience challenges with carrying out every-day activities. This may interfere with a person’s ability to form and maintain meaningful social connections. In addition, some individuals living with a mental health condition may feel as though no one can truly understand what they are going through. They may feel hesitant to open up to others about their experiences due to fear of judgment. Feeling like they need to hide certain parts of themselves can certainly contribute to loneliness. 

Strategies for Managing Loneliness 

1. If you are feeling socially isolated, you might think about potential opportunities for forming new social connections. You might look into community groups based on your hobbies and interests. This might look like joining a group fitness class, or trying a board game Meetup group. Volunteering can also provide an excellent avenue for meeting others who also value contributing to the community in positive ways. If you are specifically looking to find others who might be able to relate to current challenges you are facing, consider joining a peer support group to be able to talk with others who understand.

2. If you are surrounded by people yet still find yourself feeling lonely, think about one step you could take towards sharing yourself more fully. Maybe this is taking a risk and opening up with a friend or family member about your feelings of loneliness, or something else you have been going through. Being able to share openly and authentically with others may help to provide more of the meaningful connection you are craving.

3. If you continue to experience feelings of loneliness that are causing distress and impacting your mental health, consider seeking out further support from a mental health professional. Working with a therapist can help you to process your emotions and determine what could be contributing to feelings of loneliness. From there, you can establish goals and develop strategies to move towards more fulfilling connections with others.

Marie Miguel Biography

Marie Miguel has been a writing and research expert for nearly a decade, covering a variety of health- related topics. Currently, she is contributing to the expansion and growth of a free online mental health resource with BetterHelp.com. With an interest and dedication to addressing stigmas associated with mental health, she continues to specifically target subjects related to anxiety and depression.

The short answer to this question is that you can do either. Using mouthwash has long been a staple in the three-step everyday oral care guide that also includes brushing and flossing. Top all these off with regular dental appointments, and you’re on your way to maintaining healthy teeth and gums long term.

Like toothpaste, mouthwash also comes in several variations, which may determine whether the product is used before or after brushing. Let’s take a look at some considerations for deciding on the order of your oral care regimen. You can also discover some tips on mouthwash usage on Fresh Breath Secrets, so don’t hesitate to check it out.

Determining When To Use Your Mouthwash

Knowing how to use your mouthwash isn’t rocket science, but it does come with its own set of complications. It’s vital to navigate these uncertainties effectively, as failing could mean not being able to maximize the product’s effectiveness.

Confusion usually revolves around the order of mouthwash usage relative to brushing. One may ask whether he should use it before or after the activity. Well, it can be one or the other, depending on the mouthwash’s purpose.

What’s Your Goal?

Basically, the order in which mouthwash is used depends on what your goal is. How do you want the substance to affect your mouth? What kind of impact do you want it to have on your gums?

While order might not seem significant at first, it does play a part in helping achieve oral health care goals in the long run. Then again, you may prefer not to obsess about the order in the first place. After all, regardless of the kind of mouthwash and the order you use it in, it’ll still be better than forgoing mouthwash altogether.

Purpose of Your Mouthwash

Let’s go back to whether mouthwash should be used pre- or post-brushing. Mouthwash mainly has a universal purpose in that it kills cavity-causing bacteria and flushes out leftover food particles and tartar to keep your mouth fresh and clean. It’s in the sub-purpose where these products can differ.

Mouthwash subcategories can range from gum care and sensitive teeth care to plaque removal and all-purpose. Still, mouthwash versions aren’t all that different, and nothing too drastic will usually come out of not following their “ideal” order. Outside of their target function, they can differ in flavor and additional offerings.

Also, some mouthwash products contain alcohol, while others don’t. Many tend to lean on alcohol-free mouthwash over ones with alcohol mixed in. That said, mouthwash with alcohol isn’t bad by any means; it just has a way of drying your mouth. It also reduces saliva production, which could weaken the mouth’s defense against bad bacteria.

That means alcohol-free products are more recommended than those that aren’t. Of course, if you still prefer to use one with alcohol, you may mix it with a bit of water to reduce the drying effect.

Before Brushing

Using mouthwash prior to brushing may increase the chances of breaking up harder substances or stuck-on particles. Loosening these particles would make them easier to remove once you brush. As a result, you might not have to brush too hard on those hard-to-reach areas to loosen tiny debris because they’d already be ready for removal.

Mouthwash specifically for removing plaque can be extremely effective when taken pre-brushing. Plaque and tartar are quite resilient and might not succumb to brushing alone. You’d need to break them down with the ideal formula so that a session of brushing can gently scrape them off.

After Brushing

Using mouthwash once you’ve brushed your teeth is similar to rinsing dishes after a thorough washing. Brushing effectively should make your teeth and gums primed for some finishing touches. A good mouthwash would give your oral cavity the ideal rinsing it needs, removing particles the brushing might not have.

Some scrubbed-off residue, plaque, and tartar could remain in your mouth even after a good brushing session. Hence, using a good mouthwash should prove an effective way to rinse all these loose items out.

Before and After Brushing

If you can do either, then you should be able to do both, right? In the case of mouthwash, the answer is yes. Overachieving in the mouthwash department is quite different from overdoing things when it comes to brushing.

Brushing twice or brushing too hard might defeat the purpose of maintaining healthy teeth and gums. On the other hand, using a good mouthwash before and after brushing could maximize your daily oral care routine. You’ll want to use mouthwash products ideal for the order you use them in for optimal results.

As Much as Possible, Don’t Skip It

Using mouthwash is as important as brushing and flossing, so you don’t want to skip it if you can help it. In the grand scheme of things, it won’t really matter if you use these products before, after, or before and after brushing. Compared to not using them at all, they will improve your teeth and gums’ condition regardless.

How does the COVID-19 virus spread among people?

The causative agent of this disease is the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which spreads between people in different ways. 

The source of the virus can be the mouth or nose of an infected person, from where the virus is released with tiny fluid particles during coughing, sneezing, talking, singing, or breathing. These particles range in size from larger respiratory droplets to smaller aerosol dust. (the information has been taken from medical brands)

Available scientific evidence shows that the virus spreads mainly between people in close contact with each other, usually within a distance of up to 1 meter (a small radius). Infection can occur by inhaling viral aerosol particles or droplets or by direct contact with the eyes, nose, or mouth. 

• The spread of the virus also occurs in poorly ventilated and/or crowded rooms where people tend to stay for long periods of time. Under these conditions, the cause of infection is the presence of viral aerosol particles in the air or their movement over a distance of more than 1 meter (large radius).
• In addition, viral infection is possible by touching contaminated surfaces and then touching the eyes, nose or mouth without first cleaning the hands.  Further studies are underway to further investigate the process of virus spread and to determine which conditions are most dangerous. In addition, new variants of the virus and the reasons why some of them are more transmissible are being investigated.

When do infected people transmit the virus?

Regardless of the presence of symptoms, infected people can be contagious and the virus can spread from them to other people.

Laboratory data suggest that infected people may be most contagious just before symptoms appear (namely, two days before symptoms appear) and at the beginning of the illness. People with severe diseases may remain infectious for longer periods of time.

Although those who never develop symptoms can also transmit the virus, it is still unclear how often this happens, and more research is needed in this area.

Is there a difference between those who have no symptoms at all and those who will have them soon, because in both cases there are no symptoms?

In both cases, we are talking about people who have no symptoms. The difference is that some people who are infected never have symptoms for the duration of the disease. Others have no symptoms yet but will have them later. 

Are there conditions in which the COVID-19 virus can spread more easily?

Yes, any situation in which people are close to each other for long periods of time increases the risk of transmission. Indoor areas, especially those with poor ventilation, have an increased risk as opposed to open areas. The risk of transmission also increases with activities involving the discharge of particles from the mouth, e.g. singing or breathing rapidly during exercise.

In this regard, the “Three P’s” rule should be remembered, denoting places where COVID-19 infection occurs much more easily:

Places of great congestion;

Places of close contact, especially those in which people talk to each other at close distances;

Places that are confined, enclosed, and poorly ventilated.

The risk of spreading COVID-19 is especially high when the three P’s overlap. 

Healthcare facilities where patients are treated for COVID-19 are characterized by an increased risk of infection during medical procedures called aerosol-generating procedures. They can produce tiny droplets capable of remaining in the air for long periods of time and spreading over distances greater than a social distance (usually 1 meter). Therefore, healthcare workers who perform such procedures or are in the rooms where they are performed should take special precautions against airborne infection. This includes the use of appropriate personal protective equipment, such as respirators.  For the same reason, no visitors are allowed in the rooms for these procedures. 

How can I reduce my risk of being infected with COVID-19?

There are many things you can do to protect yourself and your loved ones from COVID-19. To reduce the risks, you need to be aware of them. Follow the basic precautions below.

• Follow local guidelines. Find out what national, regional, and local guidelines are available so that you have the most up-to-date information for the area where you are.
• Keep a social distance. Stay at least 1 meter away from people around you, even if they have no visible symptoms of the disease, because people may be asymptomatic carriers of the virus.
• Wear a mask. A well-fitting three-layer mask should be worn, especially if the distance cannot be maintained or when leaving the house. Wash your hands before putting on or taking off your mask.
• Read the material on the proper use of masks. 
• Avoid crowded places, poorly ventilated indoor spaces, and prolonged contact. Spend more time outdoors.
• Ventilation is important. While indoors, open windows to increase the amount of air coming in from outside.
• Avoid touching surfaces, especially in public places or health care facilities, as they may have been touched by people infected with COVID-19. Wipe surfaces regularly with standard disinfectants.
• Wash your hands more often with soap and water or wipe them down with an alcohol solution. If possible, carry a bottle of this solution with you and use it often.
• Cover your elbow or a tissue when you sneeze or cough and throw the used tissues away at once. Then wash your hands or wipe them with an alcohol solution.
• Get vaccinated. When it’s your turn, be sure to get vaccinated. Follow local vaccination guidelines and recommendations.