This generation’s teenagers live in a world plagued with mental health triggers. Never before have teenagers had to navigate lifestyles that can lead to loneliness, depression, and anxiety—especially as the world is still recovering from the effects of Covid-19.
World Teen Mental Wellness Day is a chance to educate yourself more on what teenagers struggle with and raise awareness that helps remove the stigma.
Take a look at everything you need to know about March 2nd and dedicating the day to teens.
When Did World Teen Mental Wellness Day Start?
World Teen Mental Wellness Day was founded in 2020 by The Hollister Confidence Project.
This people-empowering initiative runs every day of the year and is dedicated to helping teens from all over the globe. The project aims to give a voice to teens dealing with a wide range of mental illnesses. It creates initiatives and programs to help them feel confident, comfortable, and capable of getting their back lives under control.
The Hollister Confidence Fund provides financial assistance to non-profits that support teenagers through mental health challenges, including anti-bullying campaigns.
How To Support A Teenager With Mental Illness
Whether you’re a teacher, parent, guardian, or friend, there are some signs you may notice in a teenager struggling with mental illness. Some of these signs include:
- Difficulty concentrating
- Less interaction with family and friends
- Loss of appetite or overeating
- Lethargic or unable to relax
- Loss of confidence
- Trouble sleeping or sleeping too much
If you notice these signs in a teenager you know, you may worry about their welfare. Without intervention and treatment, mental illness can become serious and progressively worse. However, with help, mental illness struggles can improve and become manageable.
Here are some mental health tips for someone displaying the signs of mental illness.
Try To Show That You Care
If you’ve recently noticed a change in the teen’s behavior, you can show you care by bringing it up in conversation. However, try to use “I” instead of “you.” For example, “I’ve noticed your mood has been low recently. Is there anything I can do to help?”
Don’t be discouraged if you don’t get the response you want back. Just showing that you’ve noticed the change will be enough to let the teen know you care about them.
Don’t Do It Alone
You may feel like you need some help in approaching the teen. It’s not always easy talking to a friend or child, so it can help to ask someone you trust. Choose someone you know will be non-judgemental and understanding of the situation.
However, teenagers may feel blindsided by more than one person approaching them about mental health issues. It can be a more successful outcome if you ask the permission of the teenager to bring along another person to talk. If you’re in an emergency, always call the emergency services before anything else.
Listen
When you know someone you care about is struggling, it can make you feel helpless. You’ll likely want to do something tangible for them, but it’s often more beneficial to just sit and listen. You probably don’t have the tools to fix the problem, so lending a friendly ear is the next best thing.
For some people, that’s all they need to gain a clearer perspective of life, and it can significantly improve the way they feel.
Are You A Teenager Looking For Coping Mechanisms?
If you’re a teenager reading this and you’re struggling with some of the physical symptoms above, you may be looking for tips on coping. You can improve mental health by practicing coping skills.
If you’re struggling, you can try:
- Visualization
- Deep breathing
- Walking or exercising outdoors
- Any form of physical activity
- Creative pursuits
- Spending time with family and friends who encourage you
Coping skills are the perfect way to express yourself healthily. In addition to expression, you’ll also get a chance to process what you’re feeling and why you’re feeling it. This can become a great way to learn how to deal with inner or outer conflict.
Seeking Help For Mental Health Issues
Although coping mechanisms work well in dealing with mental health for teenagers, there may be times when it’s necessary to seek professional help. Treatment options like counseling, psychotherapy, and medication can help teenagers get the help they need.
At Enhance Health Group, we have multiple facilities in Orange County, California. We offer our services to both inpatients and outpatients, and we are constantly updating our knowledge on teen mental health awareness.
Our team of highly trained staff can offer individualized programs in a private and picturesque setting. Whether you’re looking for yourself or someone you care about, we can answer all of your questions.
Take a browse at the services and treatments we offer to find out more about why we’re so successful at what we do.
Celebrate World Teen Mental Wellness Day
One of the best ways to celebrate World Teen Mental Wellness Day is by helping someone who is struggling.
At Enhance Health Group, we pride ourselves on delivering quality programs that truly make a difference. We love to see our patients progress with their mental health and learn to live healthier, happier lifestyles.If you or someone you know could benefit from what we do, we’d love to hear from you. Contact us today and find out more about our treatment programs.
