Promise me you’ll always remember: You’re braver than you believe, and stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think.
Christopher Robin
This weekend marked the conclusion of Children’s Mental Health Acceptance Week. (For activities and resources to explore with your family, check out this info page.)
Despite the progress we’ve made, the topic of emotional wellness still carries a certain stigma that prevents many children from receiving support and treatment. The consequences of this stigma can be devastating, as children often suffer in isolation.
By understanding the harmful effects of this stigma and taking reasonable steps to build a supportive environment, we can help empower families to take proactive measures to support children’s mental health.
In this post, we’ll explore the importance of breaking the stigma around children’s mental health and share practical ways we can support their well-being:
Building resilience
By promoting positive emotional wellness habits, we can help children build resilience and emotional intelligence. One effective strategy is to model healthy behaviors ourselves. Children learn by example, and when they see adults engaged in activities that promote mental wellness, they’re more likely to follow suit.
Another important strategy is to encourage physical activity. Exercise has been shown to reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression, improve mood, and enhance overall well-being. By encouraging children to be active and engaged in physical play, we can help them build healthy habits that will benefit them throughout their lives.
Mindfulness and self-care
Mindfulness practices, such as yoga and meditation, can also be beneficial for promoting positive mental health habits. These practices can help children learn to regulate their emotions and reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. By incorporating mindful practices into their daily routine, children can develop the skills they need to navigate life’s challenges with greater ease and resilience.
Finally, it is important to emphasize the importance of self-care. Encouraging children to prioritize their own well-being and take time for themselves can be a powerful tool for building resilience and promoting positive mental health habits. By teaching children to value and care for themselves, we can help them develop a strong foundation for good mental health throughout their lives.
Continuing the conversation
One of the most important steps we can take to support children’s mental health is to encourage open discussion. We can do this by creating a safe and supportive environment where children feel comfortable talking about any struggles they may be facing. By normalizing mental health as a part of overall health, we can promote understanding and reduce the stigma surrounding mental health.
When we encourage children to talk openly about their mental health, we are helping them to feel supported and understood. We can also help them feel more comfortable seeking help when they need it. This can improve their mental health outcomes in the long run, and also help to prevent more serious problems from developing.
There are many strategies we can use to encourage open discussion about mental health with children. For example, we can use stories, activities, and games to help children learn about different emotions and feelings. We can also create safe spaces where children can talk about their thoughts and feelings without fear of judgment or criticism.
By combining strategies for open discussion with a focus on positive mental health habits, we can help children develop the skills and tools they need to navigate life’s challenges with greater ease and resilience. With the right support, children can thrive and grow into healthy, happy adults!
Enjoy this post? You might also like:
3 Myths About Emotional Wellness
Your Emotional Wellness: 50+ Ways to Support It
Want to learn more about supporting children’s mental health?