May – Mental Health Matters.

Many of us know a preteen or teen who suffers from a mental health issue. They never smile, sleep a lot, are chronically depressed, or engage in self-harm. We hear about these problems from other parents or see our children walking through this difficult dilemma.

According to the CDC, in 2023, “4 in 10 (40%) students had persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness, 2 in 10 (20%) students seriously considered attempting suicide and nearly 1 in 10 (9%) attempted suicide.”i

What is mental health and why are teens more affected in today’s culture? Let’s look at the definition, list factors which influence it, and consider ways to help our children avoid mental health challenges

What is Mental Health?

“Mental health is a state of mental well-being that enables people to cope with the stresses of life, realize their abilities, learn well and work well, and contribute to their community.”ii “Mental health includes our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how we think, feel, and act, and helps determine how we handle stress, relate to others, and make choices.”iii

Mental health is an integral part of who we are. Therefore, looking after our mental well-being is necessary, not only to live our best lives, but also to avoid our instability affecting others. 

What Contributes to Mental Health Issues?

Risks that contribute to mental health issues in youth include peer pressure, exploration of identity, media influence, quality of home life (including living conditions), violence (including sexual violence and bullying), harsh parenting, socioeconomic problems, illnesses or disabilities, and stigma.iv Additionally, preteens and teens with low self-esteem or who drink, vape, take drugs, participate in sexual activity, send/receive nudes, or watch pornography have a higher probability of experiencing mental health problems. The more risk factors, the greater the chance of mental health impact.

Understanding these motives helps us come alongside our children and support them better.

Signs of Mental Health Issues

SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration) composed the following signs:

· Feeling very sad or withdrawn or easily irritated for more than two weeks

· Seriously trying to harm or kill themselves, or making plans to do so

· Experiencing sudden overwhelming fear for no reason, sometimes with a racing heart or fast breathing

· Getting in many fights or wanting to hurt others

· Showing severe out-of-control behavior that can hurt oneself or others

· Not eating, throwing up, or using laxatives to make themselves lose weight

· Having intense worries or fears that get in the way of daily activities

· Experiencing extreme difficulty controlling behavior, putting themselves in physical danger or causing problems in school

· Using drugs or alcohol

· Having severe mood swings that cause problems in relationships

· Showing drastic changes in behavior or personality

· A drop in their school performance

A child’s mental health can deteriorate over time or decline suddenly. If you notice a change in disposition or see any of the above signs, talk with them. Click here for specific questions to ask. If you continue to be concerned, consult a professional.

The crisis text line is 741741. The suicide & crisis lifeline number is 988.

Our children’s mental health is as important as their physical and intellectual well-being. Let’s be serious about nurturing it.

Nurturing Mental Health

Here are a few ideas to nurture your and your child’s mental health.

1. Set the phone aside and monitor screen time. Too much screen time diminishes mental well-being.vi

2. Practice gratitude. When people are kind, verbally thank them. Deliberately look for belongings, characteristics, surroundings, and physical characteristics you’re grateful for. Do you have a roof over your head? Food to eat? Did someone inspire you?

3. Eat nutritious meals and drink water. Find a nutrition plan that works for you and/or your child. Eat foods that fuel the body and avoid foods that lower the immunity system. When we feel good physically, our mental well-being is better.

4. Go outside. Fresh air and sunshine contribute to a healthier person.

5. Interact with others. Call someone who makes you laugh and helps you feel good about yourself.

6. Exercise. Movement is healthy.

7. Breathe. Concentrate on your breathing.

8. Take short breaks throughout the day. Engage in a different activity for a few minutes.

9. Do something you love. Read a book. Color. Draw. Knit. Put a puzzle together. Lift weights. Go to a yoga class. Host a game night. Whatever boosts your spirit, spend a few minutes each day feeding that part of you.

10. Get enough sleep. Lack of sleep contributes to sadness and depression. Our bodies require uninterrupted sleep.

Communicate

BONUS: Say “no.” Know your limits and stay within them. Adjust your schedule as necessary. When an emergency or trauma in your household arises, it’s okay to say no to the extra activities on your calendar. There is a time to pull back. But be sure not to isolate.

We hope these signs and suggestions are helpful. Keep talking and be available.

i https://www.cdc.gov/healthy-youth/mental-health/?CDC_AAref_Val=https://www.cdc.gov/healthyyouth/mental-health/index.htm
ii https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/mental-health-strengthening-our-response
iii https://www.samhsa.gov/mental-health
iv https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/adolescent-mental-health
v https://www.samhsa.gov/mental-health/how-to-talk/parents-and-caregivers
vi https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6214874/

We can’t do it alone!

Help us make sure that our youth are properly equipped to make healthy choices NOW so that they can go on to lead happy, successful lives later. Let’s change the face of the community today!

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