There are so many things happening in the world right now, most of which are scary enough as an adult, but it can feel so much worse when you’re growing up during this time. There are many things that can affect the mental health of teenagers, in family life, school, friends, and on the internet. So, it’s important to take care of mental health during this time because it affects their physical health in the future.
Teenagers are more likely to experience mental illness than any other age group. A study found that 1 in 5 children will have a mental disorder at some point in their lives. With this statistic, it’s clear that teen mental health is an issue worth addressing. So, it’s essential for us to talk to teens about their mental health struggles and educate them in a safe and positive way. Here are a few tips for teaching your teen about mental health:
Create an open dialogue about mental health with your child
While it can be hard for you to talk to your child about mental illness, it’s essential that you do so. But it’s understandable that, while you want to be supportive, you may feel like you don’t know what to say or how to help. However, you don’t have to do it alone. Teachers and other adults in the teen’s life can create an open dialogue about mental health with them.
This can help teens feel more comfortable talking about their own mental health and getting help if they need it. Talking to them, and helping them to understand their feelings, and how to manage their mental health in a healthy way.
Encourage your teen to see a therapist or counselor
Counselors often work with teenagers to help them get a better understanding of their mental health and how to cope with it. They teach them coping skills, talk about their feelings, and give them advice on how to deal with difficult situations.
It’s necessary that you encourage your teens to see a counselor when they are struggling with their mental health. Visiting counselors or therapists at mental health treatment centers will allow them the opportunity to talk through their thoughts and feelings while in a safe space and don’t feel judged.
Help your teen to develop coping skills in a healthy way
When it comes to teaching our teens about mental health, and how to deal with it in a safe and healthy way, it is not enough to tell them they are fine, or that they are just going through a phase. We need to provide them with the right tools and skills so that they can cope with their mental health in a healthy way.
Some of the coping skills we should help our teens develop are:
- Building self-esteem
- Talking about their feelings
- Communicating effectively
- Managing stress
- Developing empathy
Provide your teen with resources that help them manage stress and promote self-care
Teaching your teen the right resources can give them the tools they need to better manage stress, take care of themselves, and promote overall health. Teens are under more pressure than ever before.
They are juggling schoolwork, extracurricular activities, social media pressures, and relationships. Having healthy coping mechanisms in place when they are feeling overwhelmed by this pressure can help. This can include anything from taking a break to meditate to getting enough sleep, practicing yoga, or taking them to relax.
