Mental Health for our Young People
For quite some time, I’ve been thinking about a younger generation… one that doesn’t yet understand the heaviness that taking care of your mental health can be. So, I came up with a small outline to use with high school or middle school groups. This is the stage where young people start to understand and feel stress. It is unfair that so many youth don’t learn how to deal with mental stress, anxiety and depression in a way that is healthy.
If I were to be given the chance to talk to young people about their mental health, these points are what I’d talk about:
Depression- symptoms and feelings associated with it.
Stress- symptoms and feelings associated with it.
Anxiety- symptoms and feelings associated with it.
I would find facts about teenage suicide and mental breakdown and talk about the journey that many go through because they lack another outlet. (We could leave this part out as it may be a little too heavy)
THEN, I would talk about management- what managing your mental health might look like. Then, pick a few strategies that wouldn’t be too weird for this age group to try:
Write in a journal, especially a gratitude journal. (Studies are beginning to show that keeping a gratitude journal helps us have a more positive outlook on our lives)
Take time to give your brain a break. (rest- don’t be doing things all the time)
Learn positive self-talk; to talk nicely to yourself rather than tearing yourself down.
Celebrate your successes. I full-on cheer for myself and pat myself on the back when I’m proud for any small thing I may have accomplished. I celebrate every time I cook dinner, or finish a long time project, etc.
In order to not overwhelm the youth, I would leave it there. Maybe end with something like “If that’s not enough- if those strategies don’t help you, it might be time to get other help. Talk to your parents, the school nurse/therapist, try therapy. There’s no shame in getting help when you face these things. Sometimes, it can be overwhelming to face them by yourself.”
These age groups have a special place in my heart. Maybe because I’ve worked with them a lot… maybe because my son is in this age group. Whatever the reason, I believe we need to give them their best shot in ALL aspects of life. I know they do struggle with depression, anxiety, and stress… and some could use a little guidance in dealing with them.