Generated with AI and edited by Lea Wetzel, Family Peer Supporter
March 11, 2024
A Personal Approach in Acknowledgment of World Teen Mental Health Day March 2nd
As a parent navigating the challenges of raising a teenager in today's fast-paced world, I have come to appreciate the significance of prioritizing mental health. With World Teen Mental Wellness Day just around the corner on March 2, it is an opportune time to reflect on ways we can actively support our teens' emotional well-being throughout the year. In a world where one in seven adolescents faces mental health challenges, fostering awareness and reducing stigma becomes paramount, especially given the impact of the global pandemic on our teens' mental health.
Starting the Day with Love:
A Simple yet Powerful Gesture can be a great tool when mindful of our teen’s mental wellbeing. Commencing the day with a gesture of love may seem small, but its impact can be profound. A warm hug, if welcomed by your teen, has the potential to reduce stress, enhance well-being, and even contribute to improved sleep. The key here is to respect your child's personal boundaries and always seek consent before initiating such gestures.
Breakfast Bonding:
Nourishing the Body and Mind can be a great starting point for better mindfulness of the wellbeing of our teens. Sharing a nutritious breakfast is not just about strengthening the parent-teen bond; it is a strategic move to boost mental well-being. Studies have shown that a balanced breakfast correlates with better mental health in teens. So, while enjoying a meal together, we also contribute to their overall emotional wellness.
Active Listening:
Fostering Open Communication is a positive practice to benefit connections with teens. Being an active listener is more than just hearing words; it is about creating an open space for your teen to share their thoughts, concerns, and feelings. Nonverbal cues, such as smiling and nodding, further support this healing space, allowing for genuine and judgment-free conversations.
Encouraging Talk Therapy:
Letting Them Know Help is Available can be a safe support start with any developments in your relationship with your teens. On this World Teen Mental Wellness Day, I have found it essential to inform my teen about the availability of talk therapy and mental health care. Ensuring they understand that seeking support is a strength, not a weakness, opens the door for them to explore this option if needed.
Leading by Example:
Sharing My Mental Health Journey can be a perspective that is a great opening for conversation and connection. As a parent, I have found that leading by example is a powerful way to encourage teens to prioritize their mental health. Sharing age-appropriate details about my own mental health and self-care journey has made the concept more relatable and less stigmatized.
Engaging in Physical Activities:
An Outdoor Adventure is always a great way to add a natural environment and fresh air into your life and your teen. We lead by example and utilize our natural resources like land, water, air, and the outdoors, which is a positive influence that can offer a tool for our teen's mental health forevermore. Research consistently highlights the positive association between physical activity and mental health. Whether it is biking, hiking, or a simple game of soccer, engaging in outdoor activities together provides an avenue for both physical exercise and quality bonding time.
Yoga:
A Gentle Path to Mental Well-being can be Yoga as a physical wellbeing tool to utilize and share with our teens. Considering the gentler side of physical activity, I have introduced my teen to the benefits of yoga. Combining mindful breathing with physical postures, yoga has proven to be a valuable tool in supporting mental health.
Starting a Book Club:
Fostering a Love for Reading is a lifetime positive influence on teens. Recognizing the calming effects of reading, I have encouraged my teen to explore literature. Initiating a book club, either with friends or family, has not only provided an avenue for intellectual growth but also contributed to stress reduction.
Volunteering Together:
Making a Difference, One Act at a Time is being a positive role model for teens. This World Teen Mental Wellness Day, I am considering volunteering with my teen for a cause close to our hearts. Research suggests that "helping behaviors" are associated with stress-buffering effects, making volunteering a meaningful and stress-relieving activity for both of us.
Embracing Laughter:
The Joyful Medicine of Laughter truly is the best medicine. It is Scientifically proven to increase dopamine and serotonin levels, laughter can be easily incorporated into our day through activities like watching a comedy or engaging in light-hearted banter.
In conclusion, supporting our teens' mental wellness is an ongoing journey that requires dedication, understanding, and a willingness to embrace various activities that contribute to their overall well-being. Whether it is initiating conversations, encouraging healthy habits, or enjoying moments of laughter, every effort counts towards fostering a mentally resilient teenager. This World Teen Mental Wellness Day lets us commit to making a positive impact on our teens' lives, not just on March 2 but throughout the entire year.