This May is Mental Health Awareness Month. For more than 65 years, the US has observed this awareness day to spread the message that mental health concerns should be addressed early and effectively. Created by Mental Health America, this year’s Mental Health Awareness Month theme is Life with a Mental Illness. It is set to explain the importance of speaking up about mental health and sharing what life is like with a mental illness feels like.
Mental health is essential to overall health and well-being, and prevention is the ultimate way to reduce the burden of mental illness. This is why it’s important to make sure your kids are comfortable in sharing how they feel, especially if they may be going through a difficult time. Having an open line of communication with your kid will help with this support.
Whether your teen is experiencing anxiety or depression, there are real symptoms that can happen such as chest pain, exaggerated worries, nightmares, being easily startled and feeling angry.
Here are some things that parents can do to help their teen battle anxiety:
· If your kid is feeling anxious, talk them through the situation
· Take your kid on a walk to use excess energy
· Invite your kid to cook or play a game to help distract them from their anxiety
· Encourage them to take deep breaths until they feel more relaxed
· Find a treatment provider through SAMHSA Behavioral Health Treatment Services Locator
Here are tips that parents can do to help their teen battle depression:
· Take a walk with them to get their body’s feel-good chemicals flowing
· Provide them with a journal to write down three things each night that makes them happy
· Make an appointment for your kid to see a therapist
There is tremendous power in a parent’s support, as it can help a teen find their way through their recovery process. That support and compassion will help a kid feel better and be able to reach recovery goals.
