7 Mental Health Lessons and Facts That Every Child (And Adult) Should Know

It’s no secret that children struggle with their mental health. Adolescent mental health in America is currently in peril. Unfortunately, teenage mental health has become an ongoing epidemic since most kids lack the information they require to care for their mental health and well-being in school.

And without coping skills or the ability to absorb and express their emotions, anxious and overwhelmed children develop into anxious and overwhelmed adults, perpetuating the cycle. It’s time to end this vicious cycle by providing our children with the knowledge and tools they need to recognize and manage their mental health. Learning to manage your emotions and overall well-being is just as essential as learning to read and write.

Whether you’re here to re-educate yourself or to share with the children in your life, we could all benefit from more mental health education. Here are some lessons and facts about mental health.

1. Mental Health Matters

Mental health is crucial for general well-being. Just as we educate our children on how to care for their physical health, we must emphasize (and model) the significance of caring for their mental health as well.

We must care for our intellect, as well as our muscles, bones, and joints. Just as we take time each day to eat, move, and clean our bodies, we must also take time to check in on how we are feeling and what we may need to address these feelings or emotional needs.

Create a simple daily check-in routine for your mental wellness. Have a routine that helps you absorb and communicate how you’re doing that day, whether you’re alone or with your family. It might be on the way to work/school or over dinner.

 2. Do Not Suffer In Silence

Together, we can eradicate the stigma associated with mental health. You don’t hesitate to take yourself (or loved ones) to the doctor when you’re physically ill, so why should it be any different when you need mental health care?

Even when you want to seek help, you don’t always know where to start. Whether it’s a trusted friend or family member, a therapist, or an inpatient mental health recovery center, let us encourage one another and ourselves to openly discuss our fears and concerns.

3. Physical Health Improves Your Mental Health

Proper sleep, a balanced diet, and regular exercise are all essential components of maintaining your mental health. They establish a solid basis for you to be more prepared for whatever the day brings.

While decent sleep and food may not always be accessible to you or your children, understanding how these factors affect your mental health may help you be more sympathetic to yourself when you aren’t feeling your best.

Try incorporating one of these physical health ideas into your or your children’s every day routines this week. Make it a game to pick which mental health tool to use each day and track how they feel afterward.

• Drink water all day.
• Move your body. Dance, run, walk around, or play your favorite sport.
• Eat three balanced meals, including vegetables!
• Create a wind-down plan that will help you sleep.

4. You Are Not Alone

Mental health issues may affect everyone. One in every two people will encounter a mental health issue one time in their lives, and one in every five is now dealing with a mental health condition. With such percentages, you’re sure to know and love a lot of individuals who are dealing with their mental health issues at any one moment.

Sharing your personal challenges and being willing to listen to others helps to normalize this very human experience. It can also help you become a more understanding, compassionate, and caring person.

Share these facts with your children or friends to start a conversation about mental health. If you’re comfortable, talk about any mental health issues you’re dealing with, and make room for others to do the same. Practice listening without passing judgment or attempting to “fix”.

5. Mental Health Is Not Only Stress And Anxiety

While anxiety is the most common issue you hear about (or face), it is not the only one. There are a variety of mental health issues that might impact you or someone you love. The most prevalent include depression, ADHD, PTSD, bipolar disorder, and addiction, although there are several more.

Learning about these various disorders may help you raise your awareness and sensitivity, as well as identify any warning indications that you or someone you care about requires more particular assistance.

6. You Are Not To Blame

It’s critical to understand that mental health issues aren’t a personal shortcoming. There are several factors influencing mental health, many of which are beyond your control. Some contributing aspects to mental health are:

• Your genetics (certain problems might run in the family)
• Child abuse, neglect, or trauma
• Traumatic adult experiences
• Loss and loneliness
• Long-term Stress
• Chronic health issues
• Work, poor diet, and sleep deprivation are all lifestyle variables.

Most people experience a mix of circumstances, but the more you know, the more you can mitigate the impacts.

When you find yourself being too hard on yourself, try to practice self-kindness (referring to yourself as if you were a friend), remind yourself that challenges are an inescapable part of life (they happen to everyone), and remain focused on the bigger picture. If you can practice self-compassion in little time and model it for others, you will be more inclined to do so in difficult mental health situations.

7. It’s Okay Not To Be Okay

We are under a lot of pressure to always appear cheerful or okay in a toxic positivity culture. That’s not reality, though. Everybody has moments when they just don’t feel good. That is typical.

Reminding yourself that you don’t need to “fix” or “change” anything during these difficult moments is crucial. All you have to do is allow yourself to feel, and seek out more help if necessary.

While it may not be acceptable to talk openly with everybody in your life, challenge yourself to communicate how you’re doing with those you trust.