Mental Health with Teens
- Zephlin H. Dawn
- Mar 8
- 4 min read
Updated: May 10
Your health is vital to your life. This statement is undeniable. Unfortunately, mental health is overshadowed. Mental health is your emotional, psychological, and social well-being. Mental health needs care as much as physical health. When psychological resilience is not cared for, it affects your relationships, decision-making, how you handle stress, and more. Teenagers' mental health issues have significantly increased over the past few decades, leading to disorders such as anxiety, depression, self-harm, and suicide. Furthermore, this is crucial to maintain a healthy mental balance. Sustaining good mental health is vital to your overall well-being.
Chronic stress is a common challenge for many teens. Feeling overwhelmed throughout the day creates a significant issue with your mental well-being. Stress manifests in many ways, such as headaches or mood swings. In dire cases, ulcers can form. Furthermore, this occurs when stress increases stomach acid production, making someone more susceptible to ulcers. In addition, many teens struggle with feeling overwhelmed. You are not alone! Although you cannot control most of these stressors, you can find a de-stressor and coping mechanism that works for you. Chronic stress is one of the most common health issues. Thankfully, many resources, tools, and advice have done wonders for many. For example, set realistic goals. Realistic goals allow you to have better control of your day without spinning out. My sister and I both struggle with chronic stress. For me, listening to music calms my nerves, while she prefers going to the gym to relax. Whatever you need to do to maintain good mental health.
In addition to stress, negative thinking can also significantly impact mental health. Self-criticism and a pessimistic outlook erode self-perception and your sense of fulfillment. A great counter-method is to find things you are grateful for; it can be small. Furthermore, this is a practice I use in my daily routine. It helps keep a sound mind. I remind myself how fortunate I am to have a roof over my head, food on my plate, and the opportunity to go to school. It can honestly be anything. Reflect on accomplishments, previously unattainable experiences, or fortunate moments and everyday affairs you have had. Keeping a positive perspective on life is a powerful tool and a simple way for anyone to improve, create, or sustain healthy mental well-being.
Isolation and lack of support. An environment where you are alone and devoid of support can lead to mental health issues. We all need someone to lean on during challenging times. Loneliness makes it more difficult to cope, in turn increasing vulnerability to anxiety and depression. Loneliness can also make individuals feel less safe and may lead to social withdrawal, creating a vicious cycle. If you are facing a challenging situation, you would likely prefer having social support. A lack of social support creates mental health deterioration. So, try your best to engage in social situations and hobbies. Volunteering can foster many great relationships as well as joining clubs that interest you. Furthermore, creating a support system is unbelievably crucial.
Furthermore, poor self-care and an inability to manage emotions have consequences for mental health. First, prioritize sleep, nutrition, and exercise, as they are often neglected. Not getting 7-8 hours of sleep increases mood swings and reduces critical thinking skills. Second, a balanced diet is a healthy diet. A balanced diet contains vegetables, proteins, fruits, grains, and dairy. Third, incorporate regular exercise into your routine. Physical activity releases endorphins, which have mood-boosting effects, and can also reduce stress and improve sleep quality. Start by making small, achievable changes to your daily routine, and gradually build healthier habits.
Additionally, irritability and mood swings result from bad emotional management, which affects productivity and relationships. Try deep breathing exercises. For example, box breathing, inhale for 4, hold for 4, exhale for 4, hold for 4. This technique grounds you, therefore allowing you to collect yourself. Beyond deep breathing, consider journaling. Putting your feelings on paper is a great outlet that allows you to process your feelings. When you build these habits into your routine, it becomes second nature. In essence, proactively prioritizing self-care and a healthy headspace are not merely beneficial, but essential for long-term emotional management. Start implementing these strategies today to build a foundation for lasting mental and emotional wellness.
Equally important, is knowing how the reliance on drugs or alcohol can significantly impact both your mindset and overall health, often stemming from underlying issues such as trauma or peer pressure. For teens facing these challenges, it's crucial to recognize that professional support, like therapy, can provide a safe space to process trauma, develop healthy coping mechanisms, and address the root causes of substance use. If you find yourself in a stressful situation or grappling with past experiences, seeking therapy can be a powerful step toward healing. Addressing these issues early can prevent escalation and promote long-term well-being. Remember, reaching out for help is a sign of strength, not weakness. Prioritizing your mental health is vital, and taking proactive steps to care for it can lead to a healthier, more balanced life.
Mental health is of the utmost importance for a healthy life. Turning negative habits into positive ones is an excellent way to maintain good mental health. Do not let your mind stop you. Instead, create a routine where your head space thrives. Many teens are at war with their minds, but it doesn't have to be that way. Take baby steps towards building a healthy mindset. In the end, you will thank yourself. I wish I would have when I had just started high school. However, it's not just about creating good mental health but improving grim mental health. The result of damaging mental well-being is too drastic for you not to take action.
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