1 day Ago By Tanya Dutt
In a candid conversation, Aamir Khan and his daughter Ira Khan spoke with U.S. Surgeon General Dr Vivek Murthy on the often-overlooked subject of mental health and the transformative role of therapy.
They talked about the stigma that exists in India - one in which seeking therapy is somewhat misunderstood as having a "mental problem." Through this discussion, they highlighted a topic which is often shrugged under the rug- how parents and children may require therapy to heal unresolved issues, misplaced resentment something that people don't talk about. Mental health issues among children often go unnoticed, especially when people misunderstand them as behavioral issues, academic stress, or a sign of rebellion.
Aamir Khan rightly highlighted the generalized stigma that "therapy actually means having a mental problem." Such a thinking prevents families and individuals from seeking professional help when needed. Therapy is not labeling anyone but a way to have better communication, emotional healing, and mutual understanding.
Kids absorb emotions from their environment. Unresolved issues between parents or unaddressed feelings of guilt, shame, or fear can impact children deeply. As Ira Khan noted, “It’s not your fault,” but addressing these emotions is crucial.
Parents must learn to set aside their guilt and focus on what they can do now to support their child’s well-being. Why Therapy is Important for Both Parents and Children Therapy provides a neutral, judgment-free environment for children and parents to express themselves. It gives the child tools to articulate their emotions better and to do away with anxiety, depression, or trauma.
For parents, therapy helps them understand their child’s perspective, overcome their own insecurities, and learn how to provide effective support. Dr Vivek Murthy explained that patients at the end of their life rarely speak of the accomplishments and wealth they have accumulated but instead express contentment with their relationships. This is a reminder of creating emotional links with family members.
Therapy can help repair strained relationships and foster healthier connections between parents and children. Things Parents Can Do for Kids Mental Health 1. Aamir urges parents to take timely action if they notice their child struggling.
. Changes in behavior, withdrawal, or excessive irritability could be signs of mental health issues. 2.
Parents should not feel ashamed to seek therapy for their child or even themselves. As Aamir emphasized, "Shame should not be a part of all of this." 3.
Healing takes time, and children need their parents to be steady sources of comfort. Parents should give time and attention to their child's struggles. 4.
Parents tend to blame themselves for their child's mental health struggles. Like Ira advised parents to move past the guilt and focus on actionable steps, “Great, now let’s do something about it.” Tips for Children to Seek Help Aamir also shared with the youth how one can overcome mental health problems.
He encouraged children to be open up to their parents. He, however admitted that parents at times lack the skill set to support them, stating, "They also didn't get trained how to be parents." Children in that event should go out and express their situation to a teacher, relative, or friend.
The bottom line is not to internalize the challenge. Parent-child therapy is not about laying blame; it's all about healing together and moving forward. Love, patience, and open communication are the pillars of a successful relationship that Aamir Khan and Ira Khan beautifully brought to light in their conversation.
Whether through therapy or honest dialogue, families can bridge those gaps and nurture emotional well-being so that no child or parent feels alone on their journey toward mental health. Get Latest News Live on Times Now along with Breaking News and Top Headlines from Mental Health, Health and around the world..
