Fox Cities News

May is recognized as Mental Health Awareness Month, a time to encourage students and families to prioritize their mental well-being. As parents or guardians, setting a healthy example is key in supporting your family's mental health. Amid the demands of family life, it is crucial to dedicate time for personal well-being. Young people are often influenced by adults' behavior, which can shape their interactions with the world.

Here are some strategies for enhancing mental health and wellness:

- Prioritize Sleep: Establish a bedtime routine that allows for at least 7 hours of sleep and avoid screens 30 minutes before bed.

- Stay Active: Incorporate 30 minutes of daily exercise to boost mood.

- Maintain a Balanced Diet: Eating well and staying hydrated can enhance mood and productivity. Identify foods that energize versus those that cause sluggishness.

- Embrace Nature: Spending time outdoors can rejuvenate and soothe the mind.

- Rediscover Play: Engage in activities that bring joy, such as games, sports, or imaginative play.

- Pursue Learning: Exploring new interests fosters a sense of achievement. Dive into topics that pique your curiosity or delve deeper into passions.

- Limit Screen Time: Be mindful of excessive phone and social media use, which can heighten stress levels. Disconnecting and reducing comparisons with others can alleviate worry and stress, especially among youth.

Mental and emotional health can be nurtured by encouraging youth to express their feelings authentically. Conversations about feelings should start at an early age and continue as children grow up. This approach reinforces the validity of all emotions and helps young people feel more confident in being authentic with themselves and others.

As caregivers, you may notice changes in your child's behavior that concern you. Finding the right words to address these changes can be challenging. Here are some tips for starting a conversation about mental health:

- Be authentic and honest - Model authenticity during these difficult conversations.

- Take interest in your child’s interests - Ask questions about their hobbies and interests to understand them better. This approach can provide natural opportunities to ask about their feelings.

- Be Patient - Discussing mental health can be challenging for both caregiver and youth. If your child is not open to talking today, keep asking them periodically. Your invitations to talk reinforce that you care about them.

- Use your observations with open-ended questions - Avoid questions that can be answered with ‘yes’ or ‘no’. Youth, especially if they are embarrassed or ashamed of not feeling well, will often respond with an answer that will end the conversation quickly. Mentioning observations you have made can lead to a more in-depth conversation and reaffirm that you care about them.

For young people struggling with declining mental health, turning to technology and substances can worsen their struggles. Research indicates that both substance abuse and excessive technology use, particularly social media, can further aggravate deteriorating mental well-being.

If you or your student need to get connected for mental health support, talking to a medical provider can be a good first place to start.