How Does Your Teen Manage Mental Wellness?
This is a loaded question right? I like to keep it positive by using mental wellness instead of mental health. However, no matter how you say it Colorado and the rest of the United States is in a pediatric state of emergency for mental health. On a recent NPR segment, hospital officials said mental health visits for youth were up 72% from January 2021 through April, and in May they were up 90%. This is a heart-breaking and terrifying statistic.
One of the father's whose son recently attempted suicide said, “our kids have lost their resilience.” As a Youth Mentor and Resilience Coach, my goal is to help teens learn life skills and coping techniques to think critically when life gets hard. I believe every young person has what it takes to survive and thrive in this fast-paced world.
If you ask teenagers what their struggles are, they will tell you academics, ACT/SAT scores, building the perfect “resume” for college and social media. Today's teens have grown up plugged into technology with 24/7 news, 24/7 social media, and the ability to binge watch tv shows 24 hours a day 7 days a week. Developmentally this is challenging for the teen brain to never be able to shut off what is happening in the world around them. Parents, you may or may not be putting pressure on your child however, hear me now when I tell you they are putting enough pressure on themselves from what they see on social media and comparing themselves to other classmates.
Parents, do you know how your teen manages their mental wellness? As a teen life coach, I like to help young people figure out what makes them tick and find positive outlets to keep them from unhealthy coping skills. If your child gravitates toward social media when they are down do you notice after they are on it, are they happier? Do you ask questions if they seem anxious or sad? Continue to ask questions to drill down why they are out of sorts. Helping your child understand their values and what is important to them can be a game changer to living more purposefully in their personal and social lives.
I have a great handout that I share with parents and teens with 75+ Coping Skills that highlights activities to do when our negative thoughts get the best of us. Some examples would be to decrease negative self talk, snuggle with a pet, go for a walk, listen to your favorite music, or visualize being in a peaceful place. For me, I love to volunteer and help the less fortunate. As human beings we have more in common than not so serving others is a great way to understand our fellow man. It fosters empathy and compassion for one another while helping us realize all of our blessings. Another benefit is to understand that a lot of what happens on social media is pretend. Everyone's life is not perfect but that is what is highlighted in their story.
Parents, continue to ask questions and listen to your child. Engourgae positive self talk. Repeating back what you hear them say will spark their interest that you value their thoughts and opinions. Help them understand that life is a series of ups and downs and you will love them when they fail and when they succeed. Remind them every experience can have a positive outcome in the game of life because it will help develop their character and build resilience in the future.
Coping Strategies for Adolescent: 7 Practical Coping Skills Teens Need to Know
There are many new coping strategies that young adults can use to help them manage stress and other challenging emotions. The goal is to provide a wide array of healthy strategies so teens have options to draw from when needed. Consider the below coping skills to support teens to handle stressful situations.
Exercise or engage in physical activity: Physical activity can help reduce stress, and improve mood and physical health.
Learn relaxation exercises: Techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, or progressive muscle relaxation techniques can help calm the mind and body to reduce stress.
Connect with others: Talking to a trusted friend, family member, or mental health professional can provide support and help you feel less alone.
Write in a journal: Writing down your thoughts and feelings can help you process and make sense of them.
Engage in creative activities: Creative activities such as drawing, painting, or playing a musical instrument can be a helpful outlet for emotions.
Take breaks, practice self-care and challenge negative thoughts: Make sure to give yourself time to relax and recharge. This could include activities like getting enough sleep, taking breaks to do something you enjoy, or setting aside time for relaxation or mindfulness.
Seek professional help: If you are struggling to cope with stress or have poor coping skills, it may be helpful to speak with a mental health professional. They can provide you with additional healthy coping skills and support.
If you would like a copy of my 75+ Coping Skills or if you want more information about our teen life coaching programs.
email me at suzy@youthlifeskillcoach.com.
