GLENDALE, AZ — Conversations about mental health are difficult to have, especially as a family.
How do you get your children, young and old, to express how they are feeling?
"People's routines have been significantly changed," said Jordan Peterson, a community liaison with Aurora Behavioral Health in the Valley.
So even if you have not struggled with mental health issues before, it is possible that the pandemic has paved the way for depression and anxiety.
However, the team at Aurora Behavioral Health want you to know that this is something everyone is going through together.
"People are kind of breaking down those walls and barriers a little bit and having [a] more honest conversation," Peterson said.
That is why the facility knew their work had to continue, despite the coronavirus.
"We've had some videos of just kind of creative things around the house that have therapeutic value to them," Peterson said.
ABH decided to put some of their in-person activities and exercises to promote mindfulness into a virtual form that now lives on their website and YouTube called 'Wellness at Home.'
"One of them we even put together was the therapeutic benefits behind playing board games as a family," Peterson explained. "You learn a lot of things from a developmental end."
Another one only requires the family pet, even just a stuffed animal. It is called mindful grooming.
Mindfulness means being aware and focused on the present moment or task at hand. Experts say this type of activity decreases stress and increases your mood.
"Coping skills might look very different and... some people may be like, 'I don't know about this one'. But just trying it and seeing what works for somebody else it gets you out of your comfort zone."
ABH is also offering a way to send that positivity someone else's way during this Mental Health Awareness Month.
"This one here says, 'I'm rooting for you,'" said Peterson as he held up one of the pre-stamped post cards you can order from their website.
They believe sending one of these could make all the difference for someone feeling isolated right now.
"It's kind of nice just to send a quick message of 'Hey, I'm thinking of you.'"
For more information on the post cards, the family-friendly videos, even tele-health services - click here.