Today is World Teen Mental Health Awareness Day, observed annually on March 2, to raise awareness about unique mental health challenges faced by today's youth and to help de-stigmatize reaching out for support for common issues like anxiety and depression and feelings of loneliness and isolation.
Kids deal with so much these days and it's understandable that many struggle with peer pressure and bullying, both on social media and in-person. Many times, they may not know how to take all of this in. As it builds up, it can begin creating overwhelming stress, anxiety, fear, and depression.🙍
A recent study from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that 41.5% of teens in America say that they need more emotional support than they are receiving and 93.1% of parents were not aware of this need, believing that their child received adequate support. It is concerning that this study shows an important communication disconnect between generations.
InnerAct Alliance joins our prevention partners at the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) to remind parents to carefully monitor your teen's mood changes and find time to talk with them about mental health. Pay attention to the little signs that may signal changes in your teen, such as withdrawing from friend groups, spending more time alone in their rooms, becoming significantly more irritable or complaining about headache/stomach aches, wanting to skip school...😟
Having a trusted adult to talk to helps foster mental health development, enhance communication skills, and build confidence. Face-to-face conversations may help relieve some of the pressures they are feeling. Be their safe space and reassure them that it's okay to reach out for help. Let them know you will always be there to listen and support them - an important first step to helping break the stigma.💪
A great resource from SAMHSA to help you get started on talking to your children about mental health is available online at:
https://www.samhsa.gov/find-support/helping-someone/helping-your-child
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