World Teen Mental Wellness Day is a significant observance held on March 2nd annually to raise awareness about the mental health challenges faced by teenagers and promote ways to support their mental well-being. World Teen Mental Wellness Day aims to normalise conversations and dismantle stigmas around teen mental health issues.
Hollister created World Teen Mental Wellness Day in 2020 to raise awareness about the poor mental health of teenagers. The nationally observed day serves as an annual reminder to prioritise self-care and recharge in order to better care for oneself and others.
Adolescence can be challenging for young people as they navigate various physical, emotional, and social changes. These changes can be overwhelming and often lead to mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts. Teenagers are particularly vulnerable to these mental health issues, and providing them with the necessary support to cope with these challenges is essential.
World Teen Mental Wellness Day provides an opportunity to address these challenges and promote the importance of mental wellness among young people. The day aims to raise awareness about the importance of mental wellness and encourage teenagers to seek support when needed. It also provides a platform to discuss various issues affecting teenagers' mental health, including bullying, social media, and academic pressure.
One of the main objectives of World Teen Mental Wellness Day is to reduce the stigma associated with mental health issues. Many teenagers feel embarrassed or ashamed to seek help for their mental health challenges due to the stigma surrounding mental health. The observance aims to create a safe space where teenagers can talk about their mental health without fear of judgment.
Another objective of World Teen Mental Wellness Day is to provide teenagers with the necessary tools and resources to support their mental wellness. The day emphasises the importance of self-care practices such as exercise, mindfulness, and good sleep hygiene in maintaining good mental health. It also promotes using technology and online resources to access mental health support and advice.
Parents, caregivers, and educators play a critical role in supporting teenagers' mental wellness. World Teen Mental Wellness Day encourages parents and caregivers to talk to their children about mental health and provide them with the necessary support. Educators can also help by creating safe spaces for teenagers to discuss their mental health challenges and promoting mental wellness practices in the classroom.
There are several things you can do to take part in World Teen Mental Wellness Day, including:
- Spread awareness: Share information about World Teen Mental Wellness Day on social media platforms using the hashtags #WorldTeenMentalWellnessDay or #WTMWD. Encourage your friends and family to learn more about the importance of mental wellness among teenagers.
- Reach out: Check in with a teenager in your life and ask how they are doing. Let them know you are there for them and willing to listen if they need to talk.
- Engage in self-care: Take care of your mental health by practising self-care activities such as exercise, meditation, or spending time in nature.
- Promote mental wellness: Spread awareness about mental wellness by sharing resources or engaging in discussions about mental health challenges and support systems.
- Attend events: Check for events in your community or online that promote mental wellness among teenagers. Attend these events and participate in discussions to learn more about young people's challenges and ways to support their mental well-being.
- Volunteer: Look for volunteer opportunities in your community that support mental wellness among teenagers, such as mentoring programs or mental health organisations.
Taking part in World Teen Mental Wellness Day is a way to promote mental wellness among teenagers and create a safe and supportive environment for young people to discuss their mental health challenges.
It can be challenging to tell if a teenager is struggling with mental health challenges, as they may not always express their feelings or emotions openly. However, some signs can indicate a teenager is struggling and may need support. Here are some common signs to look out for:
- Changes in behaviour: This can include changes in sleeping patterns, eating habits, and social interactions. For example, teenagers may start isolating themselves from their friends and family or avoiding social situations they once enjoyed.
- Drop in academic performance: A decline in grades or performance at school can signify mental health challenges. This can be due to difficulties concentrating, lack of motivation, or poor sleep quality.
- Mood swings: Teenagers may experience sudden changes in their mood or emotions, such as becoming easily irritable or displaying signs of sadness, hopelessness, or anxiety.
- Physical symptoms: Teenagers experiencing mental health challenges may also display physical symptoms such as headaches, stomach aches, or muscle tension.
- Risk-taking behaviours: This can include behaviours such as substance abuse, self-harm, or reckless driving.
If you notice any of these signs or have concerns about a teenager's mental health, it's essential to provide them with support and encourage them to seek help. You can talk to them in a non-judgmental and supportive and offer to help them find resources or professional support if needed. Remember that early intervention can significantly affect a teenager's mental health and well-being.
There are several organisations that support World Teen Mental Wellness Day and work towards promoting mental health among teenagers. Here are some of them:
- International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP): IASP is a non-profit organisation dedicated to preventing suicide and supporting those affected by suicide. They initiated World Teen Mental Wellness Day in 2019 to raise awareness about mental health challenges faced by young people.
- National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI): NAMI is a US-based organisation providing education, advocacy, and support for people who are affected by mental illness. They offer resources and support for teenagers and their families, including a helpline and online support groups.
- Headspace: Headspace is a digital health platform that provides meditation and mindfulness exercises to promote mental wellness. They offer a range of resources and exercises specifically designed for teenagers.
- The Trevor Project: The Trevor Project is a US-based organisation that provides crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to LGBTQ+ youth. They offer 24/7 crisis counselling through their helpline and online chat services.
- Child Mind Institute: The Child Mind Institute is a US-based organisation that provides mental health resources and support for children and teenagers. They offer a range of resources, including online resources and counselling services.
These organisations work towards promoting mental wellness among teenagers and offer resources and support for young people and their families. If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health challenges, these organisations can provide valuable support and resources to help.
Here are some mental health crisis lines for teenagers in the UK:
- YoungMinds Crisis Messenger: text YM to 85258 for free 24/7 support
- Childline: call 0800 1111 or use their online chat for free 24/7 support
- Samaritans: call 116 123 for free 24/7 support
- Papyrus HOPELINEUK: call 0800 068 4141 or text 07860 039967 for free suicide prevention support from 9 am to midnight every day
- The Mix: call 0808 808 4994 for free support for those under 25s, open daily from 4 pm to 11 pm, or use their online chat and email services.
It's important to remember that there are people who can help and support you if you're struggling with your mental health, so don't be afraid to reach out if you need to.