Ways to Support Youth Mental Health

For many young people, the pandemic has been an especially challenging time. Changes in school schedules, a separation from peers and high stress levels have contributed to what is becoming a crisis among children and youth. According to the Kaiser Family Foundation, over 25% of high school students reported worsened mental health after the start of the pandemic. More recent studies show that only a third of high school-aged respondents are capable of managing stress. For LGBTQ youth, children of color, and kids from low income families, the risk of poor mental health is greater. Well over a year later, kids are still grappling with unprecedented changes to their daily life. In order to support young people, parents, teachers and youth leaders should be cognizant of the struggles they are facing.

Foster Open Communication

Oftentimes, young people feel unheard. When dealing with complex emotions, they may shut down or retreat into an internal world. Furthermore, they may feel like they are unable to express themselves or communicate freely. This is why it’s so important to check in with the young people in your life daily. Start with questions related to things they enjoy. What do they like to do, what are their favorite things? When they do start talking, listen to what they say before chiming in. Let them know that you value their perspective. When young people feel comfortable and welcome in a trusted environment, they will usually open up. If they feel like they can speak about their struggles, that’s a positive first step. 

Limit Isolation

With social distancing, remote learning, and the rise of social media, young people have become incredibly isolated. Increased feelings of loneliness can contribute to poor mental health over time. If you are a parent, be aware of how much time your child spends alone. Spend valuable time with them, encourage their friendships, and suggest participation in extracurricular activities. It’s a fact: as humans, we are social creatures. We need to interact and engage. For young people, this is a crucial time to develop strong relationships. If kids feel like they have a support system or even just a small group of people they can confide in, it will boost their mental health.

Encourage, Don’t Criticize

It’s imperative for young people to know their emotions are valid. If we choose to criticize rather than inspire, kids may withdraw or experience feelings of dejection. If they show an interest in an activity or hobby, buoy that interest. Focusing on something positive outside of school, work and family life is hugely beneficial. Most importantly, be patient with the young person in your life and speak to them about the things that are out of their control. Let them know that zeroing in on the things they can do is the best way to move forward. Additionally, assisting them in reaching their goals is a great way to build confidence.

Know When to Get Help 

If you notice concerning changes in a young person’s behavior or they express any thoughts of suicide, it’s time to reach out for help. Even if things don’t seem this dire, seeking support may be necessary. 60% of youth with major depression do not receive any treatment. As much as you love and care about the young person in your life, they may need additional help to overcome their pain. Find a local health care professional, contact the Maryland Youth Crisis Hotline at 800-422-0009 or contact us for further resources.

Learn More about Youth Mental Health with Lead4Life, Inc.

Looking for other ways you can support youth mental health? Visit our website for more information or contact us at 240-499-8949. At Lead4Life, we strive to empower every participant in our programs so that they may find their purpose, achieve their goals, and become poised, productive members of their community. We advocate for those in need and assist each and every individual by providing compassionate education and valuable resources and tools so that they can make the very best decisions and develop important life, social, and competency skills.

Benefits of Youth Support Groups

Support groups are proven to be an effective tool, especially for at-risk youth. Kids have a wide range of struggles to contend with today, and the COVID-19 pandemic has only added to their difficulties. Right now, parents, friends and community leaders may be wondering how they can help the young people in their life. According to Youth.gov, children who participate in youth support groups are much more likely to develop strong social skills, self-esteem and a higher level of education. Here are a few specific reasons youth support groups are so essential.

They Provide a Safe Space

It isn’t always easy for young people to open up to adults. Authority figures can be intimidating, and kids may feel that adults don’t understand their perspective. At this point in their lives, it’s crucial for young people to feel heard and supported. In most situations, they will feel more comfortable opening up to kids their own age who may be grappling with the same problems. While a youth leader can certainly help guide the conversation, youth support groups should always encourage kids to communicate with each other openly. If young people feel safe in a welcoming environment, they will be more willing to speak honestly about their emotions.

Kids Can Realize They Aren’t Alone

Think back to being a teenager. No matter what your exact situation was, at some point you probably felt confused, angry, or upset about something beyond your control. More than likely, you didn’t know how to maneuver these complex feelings because you didn’t have the proper tools at your disposal. You might have felt completely alone in these struggles, like you were the only person on the planet having a hard time. To make matters worse, you were afraid to speak about them because you thought you’d be rejected or labeled a certain way. In youth support groups, kids get the chance to share with each other and talk about things they may not voice in classrooms, social gatherings or even at home. These meetings set aside time for young people to become vulnerable. After a few sessions, they’ll begin to see that they aren’t alone with their thoughts and emotions. For kids, this alone can be an enormous relief, especially if they are more isolated now due to the pandemic.

They Encourage Goal-Setting and Problem-Solving

After young people see that others around them are dealing with similar problems, they can begin to brainstorm ways to alleviate these stresses. In addition, they will gain plenty of insight by learning about how other kids cope with their struggles. One simple suggestion or idea could change one individual’s life forever. Let’s say, for instance, that someone in a youth support group mentions that going for regular walks and getting exercise helps them clear their head. Perhaps another individual suggests going for a walk together. During those walks, they talk about college applications and what they both plan to do for the future. Maybe they challenge each other to finish their essays, and as a reward they can go to a movie or a sporting event. From that point on, they develop a friendship built on mutual support and trust. Support group then extends beyond the four walls of the room, helping kids develop vital life skills together.

Learn More about Youth Support Groups with Lead4Life, Inc.

Are you interested in hearing more about youth support groups in your area? Visit our website for more information or contact us at 240-499-8949. At Lead4Life, we strive to empower every participant in our programs so that they may find their purpose, achieve their goals, and become poised, productive members of their community. We advocate for those in need and assist each and every individual by providing compassionate education and valuable resources and tools so that they can make the very best decisions and develop important life, social, and competency skills.