Maybe it’s a change in ADHD meds, but I’ve had to get creative with my mental health to avoid surviving on caffeine and chocolate--been feeling a lot like Bandit during "Stickbird". Since November is Men's Health Awareness Month, I figured I could touch on the mental health aspect, not unique to dads of course. Like many parents, I enjoy Bluey–probably more than my kids at times. As I’ve tried to manage my emotions better, I started cluing into scenes in Bluey that demonstrate concrete, practical strategies for when a bad day hits.
Chili’s Checklist
Bingo was really insecure during the events of “The Show” for unknown reasons. Way to break my heart, Bingo. But Chili did a great job teaching Bingo how to handle disappointment in this episode, which was especially relevant since Bingo portrayed Chili in their little play. For real life, I’ve used Chili’s checklist quite a number of times in the past several months when I feel overwhelmed. (1) Have a little cry, (2) pick myself up, (3) dust myself off, and (4) keep going. Her checklist does a good job of accepting, acknowledging, and feeling the emotion while still needing to accept that “the show must go on!”
Throwing the Upset
I don’t know how many times I saw dads post about how “Stickbird” resonated with them. We can guess that Bandit was preoccupied and upset about the new job and the move that almost happened in “The Sign”, but I also read that Bandit’s mood was left ambiguous on purpose. With everything on my mind and my heart (never mind the pre-existing ADHD) I’ve definitely felt like Bandit a lot, just zoned out of life. I love that it was Bluey teaching the lesson this time, showing Bingo how to gather up all the upset and the sad before throwing it far away. There’s something about physical movement that helps emotions. I can’t say I’ve thrown my sadness or my upset lately, but there have definitely been times I’ve consciously thrown my frustrations into each push up during my workout or each stride in my run. Use your body to your advantage guys!
Joy in Little Things
One of the wonders of being a parent is seeing life through the eyes of my kids (see also: “Born Yesterday”). I can definitely relate to Chili in “Relax” when I have some spare me-time at home. It’s silly to watch myself overthink about how to optimize the benefits of my me-time and self care. When you’re a kid, you’re not thinking about how to relax or have fun, you just do. Just like how Bluey and Bingo had fun simply exploring and playing in their hotel room, not even processing the proximity of the beach (despite Chili trying to get them out the door to start relaxing). I wish I was better at slowing down and finding joy in the little things. Seriously though. Where did we learn to overthink having fun?
Be Silly!
When I’m joking around and laughing at work, I know I’m doing okay. When I get too serious for too long, I start to wonder how long it’s been since I truly laughed. Chili had a stroke of brilliance in “Bad Mood” to get Bingo laughing and playing again. Maybe it’s not always time to be silly and laugh, but sometimes you have to stop taking yourself so seriously! Even when Bandit personified Bingo’s bad mood, he helped her not take the moment as seriously. And while it’s great to be silly, I think the best thing from “Bad Mood” was when Bingo returned to her bad mood to hug him. That’s something I need to work on… loving the parts of my heart that aren’t so pleasant.
Take a Break
It’s not entirely clear what had Chili so worked up about by the beginning of “Sheep Dog” that she desperately needed a break, but every parent needs to know it’s okay to take a break. Maybe that’s why (in an ideal world) every child has two parents and every parent has a network of support. So while Bluey didn’t understand Chili needing a break, Bandit and Wendy stepped up to let Chili rest and reset. Doesn’t mean the unnecessary parent guilt won’t hit me about taking a break, but I believe in rest breaks (just ask my patients).
As much as I like the concrete tangible mental health strategies, often self-care is more subtle than what was illustrated in these examples. Sometimes it’s a “you’re doing great” like in “Baby Race”. Other times it’s just important to eat something, like Bandit in “Omelette”.
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