emotional support

In honor of Children’s Mental Health Week 2025, experts share five essential tips to support your child’s mental well-being. Key strategies include maintaining a healthy lifestyle, staying socially engaged, and planning activities that offer something to look forward to.

Simple actions like taking a 30-minute walk, having daily check-ins with a friend or family member, or scheduling enjoyable activities with your child can have a positive impact on their mental health. Mental exercises such as journaling and meditation also play a vital role in helping kids de-stress, clear their minds, and enhance emotional well-being.

Children’s Mental Health Week, starting on February 3rd, 2025, highlights the importance of addressing mental health from a young age. Research shows that 75% of mental health issues begin before the age of 18, making it crucial to support children through these challenges. Meditopia, a leading mental health platform, shares five key tips to help parents navigate this responsibility.

Engaging in hobbies and activities that make your child happy is crucial to help them maintain a positive outlook. Whether it’s playing sports, reading, painting, or playing an instrument, taking personal time to do the things they enjoy can help children de-stress and refresh their minds. 

If they have a busy schedule and struggle to find time, try encouraging them to take just 15-30 minutes per day, perhaps when they wake up in the morning or just before bed, to engage in a hobby they love. Even small moments of joy can make a big difference to their mental health. 

4 – Plan activities to look forward to 
Having something to look forward to, big or small, can boost a person’s mood and give them a sense of excitement and hope, according to the Mental Health Foundation. Planning ahead, whether it’s a holiday, a meal at their favourite restaurant, or even a simple nature walk with the family, gives your child’s mind something positive to focus on. 

Start by thinking about what activities you and your child enjoy and create both short and long-term plans that give them something to smile about. 

5 – Encourage them to start a journal
Recognising and understanding emotions is crucial for a child’s mental well-being. If they are feeling down, encourage them to take some time to identify their feelings- whether it’s sadness, frustration, or anxiety. This can lighten the emotional load and help them process these emotions more effectively. 

Journaling is a powerful tool for organizing thoughts and gaining clarity. Older children may benefit from spending some time each day writing down what they are feeling and what triggered those emotions. This can help them spot patterns and gain better control over their reactions. 

To start, get them a notebook to keep by their bed. Encourage them to set aside 10 minutes each night to reflect on their day and jot down their feelings. Though it may seem like a small step, this daily habit can have a profound impact on their mental health, helping them better understand and manage their emotions. 

 Fatih Mustafa Çelebi, Co-founder and CEO of Meditopia, has commented,  

 “The days surrounding Children’s Mental Health Week are perfect for starting positive, open conversations about mental health. Children should feel empowered to talk about their feelings without fear of judgement. When we lead by example and openly express our emotions, it sends a message that vulnerability is not a weakness, but a strength. 

  “It’s important to regularly check in on your children’s mental health. Sometimes, something as simple as asking how they are doing can open the door to a conversation that can make a difference.  

Recovery is a deeply personal journey, and for many, finding the right support system can make all the difference. While friends, family, and professionals are essential, there’s another group of companions who can provide unique comfort—animals. Whether you’re recovering from surgery, emotional trauma, or addiction, animals offer a special kind of emotional support. Let’s dive into how different animals can enhance your healing experience, one wag, purr, or chirp at a time.

Dogs: Your Loyal Sidekick in Recovery

Dogs have been known for a long time as “man’s best friend” for a reason. These loyal, loving creatures are incredibly attuned to human emotions, often sensing when their owner is sad, stressed, or anxious. When you’re in the process of healing, having a dog by your side can bring an overwhelming sense of calm and companionship.

The healing power of animals, especially dogs, lies in their ability to offer unconditional love and their unique sense of empathy. There’s something truly heartwarming about the way a dog can nudge your hand, encouraging you to pet them when you’re feeling low. Their constant need for care and attention can also serve as a healthy distraction from the emotional or physical pain you might be experiencing.

Walking a dog gets you moving, which is a huge bonus during recovery. Whether you’re taking short strolls around the block or just heading out to the yard, the physical movement paired with fresh air can help lift your spirits. Plus, who can resist the joy of seeing a wagging tail and a happy face every day?

Horses: Majestic Healers

If you’ve never considered the idea of equine therapy, you’re in for a game-changer. Horses offer an entirely different level of emotional support. Their sheer size, beauty, and calm demeanor create an environment of trust and respect. In fact, many treatment centers offer a unique approach to recovery through equine-assisted therapy.

Imagine attending a drug rehab with horses, where you’re not only healing but also bonding with these powerful animals. Horses have an innate ability to mirror the emotions of the people around them, helping individuals confront their inner feelings and anxieties in a safe, non-judgmental environment. It’s almost like they hold up a mirror to your emotional state, allowing you to work through issues that may be holding you back in recovery.

The act of grooming, feeding, or riding a horse can provide a sense of accomplishment and empowerment. When you’re feeling disconnected or overwhelmed, horses remind you that trust and patience are key in any healing process. Equine therapy has become one of the most powerful and standout tools in recovery, especially for those dealing with trauma or addiction.

Cats: Quiet Companions with Soothing Vibes

While cats may not be as outwardly affectionate as dogs, they can offer a very different type of support during recovery. Their independent nature, combined with moments of soft affection, can be the perfect balance for someone who needs time to heal.

For many, the simple act of having a purring cat curled up next to them can ease feelings of anxiety or loneliness. The rhythmic sound of a cat’s purr is proven to lower stress and promote relaxation—almost like nature’s white noise. Their low-maintenance vibe allows for a calm, peaceful presence without the constant need for attention.

Cats are also highly intuitive. They seem to know when you need space and when you need comfort. This balance can help during times when you’re feeling overstimulated or emotionally drained. With a cat, you can experience the quiet support that allows you to heal at your own pace, on your own terms.

Birds: The Little Feathers of Joy

For those looking for a more unconventional emotional support animal, birds can be an uplifting choice. Birds are often associated with freedom, flight, and the joy of singing—all of which can bring a sense of hope and renewal to someone in recovery.

Listening to the cheerful chirping of birds in the morning can set a positive tone for the day ahead. Birds are surprisingly interactive, mimicking sounds, responding to your voice, and even developing unique relationships with their owners. Their light-hearted nature can bring much-needed joy and entertainment during difficult days.

Birds also thrive in structured environments, which can encourage you to establish a routine—something that is crucial during recovery. From feeding to cleaning their cage, these simple daily tasks can help bring a sense of normalcy and purpose to your day.

Rabbits: Gentle Souls with Big Hearts

If you’re looking for a soft, calming companion, rabbits might be the perfect choice. These gentle creatures are easy to care for and are known for their soothing presence. There’s something undeniably comforting about holding a soft, fluffy bunny, especially when you’re feeling stressed or overwhelmed.

Rabbits are naturally calm, which can be contagious for anyone going through a stressful recovery. Their quiet nature makes them excellent companions for those who prefer a low-energy environment. Petting a rabbit has been shown to lower blood pressure and reduce feelings of anxiety—it’s like a mini therapy session every time you spend time with them.

They’re also incredibly cute, and there’s no underestimating the power of cuteness during tough times. Rabbits bring a sense of joy and lightness, reminding you that healing doesn’t always have to be so serious.

Healing Together

Whether it’s the unconditional love of a dog, the majestic presence of a horse, the calm of a cat, the joy of a bird, or the soothing nature of a rabbit, animals offer a kind of emotional support that goes beyond words. They remind us that healing doesn’t have to be a solitary experience.

The connection between humans and animals is ancient and profound. They don’t just provide physical comfort but offer emotional healing in ways that are hard to describe yet impossible to deny. No matter what stage of recovery you’re in, the presence of a supportive animal can make the journey feel a little less lonely and a lot more hopeful.