In the unlikely event that an airplane’s cabin pressure drops, a person’s brain will quickly becomes starved for oxygen. Once in this state, it takes only a few moments for them to lose important physiological functions such as coordination, vision, and basic cognitive abilities. If you deprive yourself of critical oxygen,then you risk not being able to help your children and others around you when they may need it the most.
This is why the “oxygen mask” analogy comes up so frequently when we talk to parents about the importance of self-care. Our instincts will always be to make sure our children and loved ones are okay, first. However, we have to consider that if we are not okay, it could have dangerous long-term consequences for everyone we love and care for.
Here at Oasis, we encourage people to be open and honest about their mental health. At this time, it’s more important than ever for parents, caregivers, teachers, healthcare providers, homemakers, essential employees, and everyone else trying to manage life during this pandemic to “check in” with themselves and make sure you aren’t ignoring your own critical needs.
May is Mental Health Awareness Month, which is a great time to remember that you don’t have to be in “crisis” to seek help for a mental health condition.