Teenage mental health
Teen wellbeing is the state in which a teenager realises their true potential and is able to cope with the regular stress of life. In this state, we are able to work productively and we are able to make a positive contribution to our communities. Teenage mental health reflects a state in which a teenager is healthy, happy and prosperous. A strong sense of wellbeing helps us to feel good about ourselves and the way our lives are going, and can have a positive impact on teen mental health.
Teen wellbeing
As a teenager, you are probably noticing all sorts of new and exciting changes happen in your life. You see the world differently now and you now have more control of yourself and your actions than you did five or ten years ago! In these times of change and growth, it is important to pay attention to your own wellbeing.
Being in a state of wellbeing ensures one is generally happy, content, curious and satisfied. This state allows us to function at our best. A strong sense of wellbeing is the ideal stage for good mental health, and a good state of mental health is imperative in order to set and achieve goals, and to find meaning and purpose in our lives.
Teenagers with a strong sense of mental wellbeing are able to:
- manage their emotions in a healthy way
- create and enjoy positive relationships with family and friends
- apply themselves in their schooling
- take part in activities that interest them
- have good vibes about the future
How to improve teenage mental health
Connect with the people around you
Having positive relationships with our family and making time for friends, family and peers are essential for one’s mental wellbeing. Try to meet new people, make friends and maintain an active connection with the people around you. This connection helps you to develop a sense of belonging. Become an active member of the school community, sports team, volunteering and make time for family.
Practical ideas:
- Arrange a monthly game night with your family. Each member gets a chance to pick the game that will be played next. Some competitive fun is a good bonding experience.
- If you participate in school sports, encourage your family to meet at the venue with a packed picnic.
- Have a family meal together every day, or at least once a week.
Some advice on teen mental health
Teenage mental health activities
Get into the habit of exercising regularly as this has been shown to lower rates of depression and anxiety. Increased activity also relieves stress, especially during exam time.
Practical ideas:
- Sign up for swimming lessons, martial arts, or join your local soccer league
- Go walking or running with your family
- Explore the neighbourhood with your parents
- Dance!
Be mindful
Being mindful is the practice of being aware and taking notice of ‘the little things’ around us. Practising to be in a mindful state trains us to become aware of our thoughts and feelings. The most popular way of practising mindfulness is by being grateful.
Practical ideas:
- Each morning or evening, think of three things you are grateful for
- Practise meditation or perform a prayer
- Do some people-watching and find out what makes others happy, excited, etc.
Develop a growth mindset
Learning a new skill, or even continually practising your current skills in order to become better, allows us to develop a growth mindset. Nurture your curiosity and grow your mind.
Practical ideas:
- Take up a new hobby, e.g. doing magic tricks, knitting or crocheting, cooking or baking, visiting museums
- Teach your parents something that you found interesting at school
- Find out about your family history
- Learn one thing new every day
Give of yourself
Giving your time to help someone else is a very noble and rewarding trait. It gives us a sense of meaning and purpose.
Practical ideas:
- If you have elderly people in your family or in your area, ask them what you could do to help them each week, e.g. cleaning a drawer, cooking for them, buying something they need
- Offer to help at school events
- Challenge everyone in the family to do something kind for someone else
Watch your diet
Include some nutritious food in your diet to support your growing body and mind. Eat food that is rich in minerals and make sure you drink a lot of water!
Count your hours of sleep
Good quality sleep is essential for maintaining mental wellbeing. When we become stressed or feel down, we tend to sleep more and this causes our sleep patterns to become spoiled. Teenagers need 9 to 10 hours of sleep each night. Calculate your ideal sleep time by subtracting 9 hours from the time you need to get up. For example, if you need to get up at 5:30am, subtract 9 hours from that. This means you will need to be in bed by 8:30pm.
Teenage mental health – Advice for parents
This post would not be complete if I did not supply some advice for parents of teenagers. This article offers a concise guide on this topic.
Free printable worksheet for teenagers
Click here or scroll down to the footer section of this page to download the worksheet entitled The Balance Wheel of Life. This worksheet is free to download may be copied for use at home or as a Life Orientation lesson at school. Teen wellbeing is important to me. Please contact me if you have trouble downloading the worksheet.
Stay well, inside and out
Waheeda, a.k.a Waydi
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