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| 10 Ways Parents Can Support Teen Mental Health. (pixabay/ljcor) |
Mental Health - Knowing how to support your teen’s mental health is crucial because they need solid mental health to grow well, build social connections, and adapt to changes. Moreover, maintaining mental health is essential as it prepares them to face the challenges of life ahead.
What is Mental Health?
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), mental health is a state of mental stability or well-being that allows a person to cope with the stresses of life, realize their abilities, learn and function well, and contribute to their environment or community.
10 Ways to Support Teen Mental Health
1. Communication and Attention
Offering affection through attention and open communication helps teens express their feelings and thoughts. Talking or sharing stories is an effective way to address mental struggles, especially when they feel anxious, stressed, or have issues with friends.2. Managing Emotions and Stress
It’s important for teens to learn and recognize their emotions and mental states. Parents can help by guiding them in managing their emotions under stress, such as through breathing exercises, yoga, or journaling.
3. Time Management
Teens often juggle schoolwork, extracurricular activities, and hobbies. Managing time wisely is a key skill for maintaining mental health. A balance between activities, downtime for hobbies, and relaxation is necessary.
4. Building Social Relationships
Having positive friends and social support from family or community helps reduce stress and enhance emotional well-being. Teens need to spend time with people who care for them and build supportive relationships.
5. Self-Awareness
Teens need to understand themselves, including what makes them happy. Allowing time for “me time,” like attending concerts, traveling, or engaging in hobbies, helps them relax and relieve stress.
6. Limiting Gadget and Social Media Use
Excessive use of gadgets and social media can negatively affect a teen’s mental health, leading to anxiety and depression. Limiting screen time and choosing content that has a positive impact is crucial.
7. Adequate Sleep
Teens need sufficient sleep—around 8-10 hours a night—to support physical and mental health. Lack of sleep can affect concentration, thinking abilities, mood, and increase stress.
8. Asking for Help When Needed
If a teen faces mental health issues, apart from talking to close family or teachers, don’t hesitate to seek professional mental health support for guidance and assistance.
9. Balanced Nutrition
A complete and balanced diet impacts bodily functions and cognitive abilities, such as concentration and mood. Ensure your teen gets daily nutrition, including carbohydrates, protein, fats, vitamins, minerals, water, and fiber to support their mental health.
10. Regular Exercise or Physical Activity
Physical and mental health are interconnected. Regular exercise keeps the body fit, energized, and has positive effects on mental health. One way to stay active is by participating in sports events.
These are 10 ways to support teen mental health. Encourage them to stay healthy, energetic, and motivated as they pursue their dreams.
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