HJNO Nov/Dec 2023

HEALTHCARE JOURNAL OF NEW ORLEANS  I  NOV / DEC 2023 41 calm themselves down. These skills are invaluable as they navigate challenges and setbacks throughout life and into their adult years. A final thought Remember, talking to your children about mental health is not a one-time conversation; it’s an ongoing journey of nurturing their emotional well-being. By emphasizing kindness, empathy, self-care, and emotional regulation, we are empow- ering our children to build a strong foun- dation for their mental health. I believe that these conversations are not only vital for their personal growth, but also for cre- ating a more compassionate and under- standing society for many generations to come. n Megan Campbell, DO, is a child and adolescent psy- chiatrist at Children’s Hospital New Orleans. She received a medical degree from the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine and completed residency at LSU Health New Orleans. Campbell is board-certified in both general adult psychiatry and child and adolescent psychiatry and sees patients at Children’s Hospital Behavioral Health Unit and LSU Health Sciences Center School of Medicine. She finds practicing child psychiatry very meaning- ful and values developing long-lasting relationships with patients and their families.As a native New Or- leanian, she loves being able to work with people in her community. Megan Campbell, DO Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist Children’s Hospital New Orleans This can involve reading a book, drawing, spending time in nature, or even just hav- ing a quiet chat with loved ones. By incor- porating these practices into their daily lives, my children are learning that their mental well-being is just as important as physical health. Developing introspection and emotional regulation Helping children develop introspection and emotional regulation skills lays the groundwork for a lifetime of healthy men- tal health practices. For young children, understanding and identifying emotions can be challenging. When working with small children, ask them questions like, “How does your body feel when you are angry?” We also explore triggers that might contribute to emotional meltdowns, such as tiredness or hunger. Recognizing and acknowledging these triggers teaches chil- dren to identify their feelings and consid- er the underlying causes. This awareness is the first step toward discussing emo- tions openly and honestly. By helping my children understand their emotions, I’m equipping them with tools for emotional regulation. When they are upset, they are learning to recognize their feelings, iden- tify the triggers, and develop strategies to “By gently introducing the concept that everyone faces difficulties, we can promote inclusivity and a sense of responsibility for the emotional well-being of others. It is a lesson that goes beyond just being a good friend — it’s about being a caring and supportive member of the community.” about the “golden rule” and how treating others as we would like to be treated fos- ters positive interactions and strong rela- tionships. I also encourage my children to observe the feelings of their friends and classmates, especially during challenging times. At times, we may not always be aware of their personal struggles. However, it’s crucial to be mindful and extend a little kindness to friends who might need it. By gently in- troducing the concept that everyone faces difficulties, we can promote inclusivity and a sense of responsibility for the emotional well-being of others. It is a lesson that goes beyond just being a good friend — it’s about being a caring and supportive member of the community. Self-care Nurturing the mind and body: In our fast-paced world, stress has become an almost constant companion for many, even our children. As a mother and a child psychiatrist, I stress the importance of self-care and relaxation to my kids. I ex- plain that just like their bodies need rest after physical activity, their minds also require moments of calm and recharge. We discuss the significance of family time, engaging in activities they enjoy, and sim- ply taking moments to breathe and relax.