Mental illness is a problem that affects millions of people all across the globe. It is estimated that one in five adults will experience some form of mental illness throughout their lifetime. We also know that mental health concerns often arise in the teen years and when they are left untreated, it can lead to a more serious situation.
Despite its prevalence, there is still a stigma surrounding mental health. One way to break this stigma and provide mental health support earlier is to educate youth on the importance of prioritizing and caring for their mental health. Teaching children and teens about emotional well-being shows them that talking about their feelings and seeking support is a sign of strength, not weakness. It is important to make sure that children understand from an early age that mental health is just as important as physical health – and to help empower them to seek out support when they need it.
Emphasizing the Importance at a Young Age
To maximize growth and development, mental health education should start in the early years of school, both in the classroom and at home.
When children and teens have positive role models who are open about their emotional well-being, this demonstrates to them that it is okay to talk about these issues and seek help when it is needed. Understanding and naming their emotions at an early age will help kids make better sense of their feelings.
It is not always easy having these types of conversations with children and many parents have a tough time explaining the effects of mental illness to their kids. Fortunately, there are plenty of educational resources available to both parents and children regarding this topic and help equip them with strategies and tools to navigate life’s challenges and stresses. This includes:
- Psychotherapists who specialize in supporting youth
- Canadian Red Cross Psychological First Aid – Self-Care course
- Teen-focused mental health platforms (e.g. Charlie Wellbeing)
- Family doctors
- Kids Help Phone
The Pandemic Impact on Mental Health
Before the COVID-19 pandemic hit, kids and teenagers were used to interacting with their peers daily at school. When schools closed, not only did children miss out on their education, but they also missed out on much-needed social interactions. This type of isolation has immeasurable consequences for people of all ages and has led to an increase in mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety.
Unlike some adults, many young children are unfamiliar with the signs and symptoms related to these conditions and may struggle to understand their feelings of sadness and loneliness. This is why it is so important for parents to know the signs and symptoms to watch for and where to reach out for timely support.
Preparing our Children for the Future
In recent years, we have seen a significant increase in mental health and emotional well-being resources such as therapy and counseling. However, mental illness rates continue to rise. This is largely due in part to the stigma surrounding emotional care and reaching out for help. Starting the conversation early opens the lines of communication, normalizes mental health concerns, and makes it easier for your kid or teen to come to you for support when they face tougher issues.
For more information on how we can help, chat with our iHealthOX Care Team.
Sources:
stigmafreesociety.com/blog/the-importance-of-mental-health-education-in-schools/
https://myonlinetherapy.com/tips-for-teaching-kids-about-mental-health/
https://medschool.duke.edu/news/helping-kids-navigate-pandemic
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