Good mental health is an essential part of healthy adolescent development. It helps young people build positive social, emotional skills and behavior. It also lays the foundation for better mental health and wellbeing later in life. Good mental health is the foundation of young people's intellectual growth, underpinning the development of confidence, independence and a sense of self-worth.
As parents and educators, we have a tremendous influence on the mental health of our children. By providing our young people with support that promotes their mental wellness, we can promote their wellbeing, one of the most important aspects of their development.
These are the several ways to support our children and give them the best chance to stay mentally healthy. Here are some of the strategies that parents, and educators can use.
1. An important way to support youth mental wellness is to teach them social-emotional skills. Social-emotional learning (SEL) can promote positive mental health in many ways. SEL teaches self-management, relationship skills, and responsible decision making. SEL cultivates necessary protection to buffer against mental health risks. It can decrease emotional distress for young people and teach them self-empowerment. Incorporating SEL in our schools and teaching it is vital to the mental health of our youth.
2. When we are self-aware, we see ourselves as unique and separate individuals. It may seem too simple to be accurate but asking children what they need makes them self-aware. After the blank stares and the "I do not know" subside, they begin to recognise that they have a voice and value it. Self-awareness will empower young people to make changes, build on their strengths, and identify areas where they would like to improve.
3. Good communication skills allow young people to develop and maintain positively toned relationships with other people that enhance the psychological quality of life. Communication plays a vital role in maintaining or disrupting personal wellbeing. As parents and educators, we should engage and facilitate discussions with our youth. Instead of directing and dictating them, engaging with them teaches critical communication skills. It also teaches them to express thoughts, opinions, and feelings respectfully.
4. Choice and autonomy are more directly related to happiness than any other factor. Providing opportunities to children to make their own decisions teaches them independence and improves their self-esteem. It makes children confident in themselves, gives them a true sense of being supported, and is needed to feel happy.
5. As adults, when we model an environment of respect for others' thoughts, opinions, and values, we teach our youth a lesson in kindness and respect. Learning to respect others contributes to children's growth, maturity, and sense of self-confidence. Being kind and compassionate to others can also help reduce stress and improve our emotional wellbeing. When children practice kindness, it increases their self-esteem and improves their mood.
6. Research studies show that unresolved conflict impairs psychological and physical wellbeing. Teaching young people to ask hard questions and find answers is fundamental in resolving conflict, and it will teach them to effectively regulate emotions and give them a safe space to talk. Learning to resolve conflict in healthy ways reduces the chances of depression in young people.
7. Caring for a young person can be challenging, and it is crucial to make sure that we adults take care of our mental health. Taking care of ourselves helps us stay mentally healthy and those we care for. When feeling low or overwhelmed, we need to seek help first.
Massrat Shaikh, The author is an educational psychologist
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