Adolescence brings about so much change for youth all over the world. From physical transformations to mental and emotional development, teens experience many new and overwhelming life events. Simply put, young adults go through a lot!
Contrary to popular belief, this “rebel” stage isn’t all drama and angst. Often families struggling to understand their teens’ challenges find it hard to remember that they need guidance, love, and support in these formative years.
World Teen Mental Wellness Day exists to bring attention to this increasingly vital issue. This day of recognition is observed each year on March 2 and aims to raise greater awareness of the various mental health problems affecting teenagers today.
Read on for more information about World Teen Mental Wellness Day and how you can help make a positive difference in teen mental health.
Mental Health Issues Among Youth: The Facts
Did you know that mental health issues start to manifest as soon as a child reaches age 14? According to the World Health Organization (WHO), one in seven youth ages 10 to 19 experience various mental health conditions. Unfortunately, these issues often go untreated or undiagnosed because of stigmas and a lack of mental health services.
CarePlus offers services to youth and their families in Northern New Jersey. We have services available addressing issues teens face such as low self esteem, addiction prevention and recovery, on-campus groups, psychiatry, and individual and family therapy.
Something unique about CarePlus New Jersey – we are non-profit and do not turn people away if they do not have financial means. We have the ability to meet people where they are at. Often times seeking help is not an option due to time and financial restraint. At CarePlus New Jersey – we overcome most obstacles so those who are seeking help – find the help they need.
Here are other concerning facts associated with teen mental health:
- Mental illnesses most commonly diagnosed among teens include anxiety, depression, eating disorders, bipolar disorder, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
- The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) reports that one in five teenagers deals with a mental health condition.
- The World Health Organization (WHO) names depression one of the leading causes of disability globally.
- A study in The Journal of the American Medical Association revealed that the worldwide pandemic caused mental health issues, such as depression and anxiety, to double among adolescents.
- The World Health Organization (WHO) lists suicide as the fourth leading cause of death in young adults aged 15 to 29.
- We lose thousands of our youth to suicide every year. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that 14 percent of all suicides are among young adults aged 10 to 24.
Because of their various physical, mental, and emotional developmental changes, teens need our help more than ever. World Teen Mental Wellness Day is a powerful reminder of the importance of understanding mental health issues in teens and having those important conversations about what teens are going through.
The History of World Teen Mental Wellness Day
The clothing brand Hollister launched World Teen Mental Wellness Day in 2020 as part of their Hollister Confidence Project. The National Day Calendar officially proclaimed March 2nd as World Teen Mental Wellness Day in 2020.
The first of its kind dedicated to mental health awareness among the teen demographic, the initiative helps to raise awareness and encourage families to have open conversations about mental health struggles. The movement also seeks to provide education on teen mental illness and eliminate the stigma associated with preventative mental health services.
World Teen Mental Wellness Day also encourages young people to take action and make a difference in their lives by practicing self-care. On this day, teens are encouraged to talk about their mental health issues with friends and family or seek professional help if needed.
The Significance of This Day to the Youth
World Teen Mental Wellness Day has become a momentous day of recognition for teens and adults alike. It serves as a reminder that overall emotional well-being is as important as physical health, and both should be taken seriously.
This day encourages families to focus on helping their teens understand, express, and healthily manage their emotions while creating a safe and open environment of understanding and acceptance.
It is also a day to celebrate young people’s courage to bravely speak out against mental health stigmas by sharing their own stories or advocating for better mental health services in their communities.
The day is also instrumental in educating every family member on how to help their daughters and sons in crisis and recognize warning signs of a mental health breakdown. This day reminds us of the importance of providing our youth with the support they need and deserve.
While the exact origin of mental illness can be challenging to pinpoint and is unique for each individual, it is essential to recognize that everyone deserves the right to access quality mental health services.
Teenagers can still function normally, work productively, contribute to society, and have meaningful relationships. With the right help and support, they can live a full life and reach their highest potential.
Celebrating the World Teen Mental Wellness Day
You can celebrate World Teen Mental Wellness Day by participating in activities to raise awareness, such as:
- Being kind to yourself and everyone around you
- Sharing social media posts about mental health and starting a conversation with friends and family about it
- Supporting the movement by using the hashtag #WorldTeenMentalWellnessDay and sharing positive messages
- Reaching out to mental health organizations or volunteering in your community to help young people access quality mental healthcare services
- Encouraging young people to practice self-care, such as taking breaks from screens and getting enough sleep
- Educating yourself and others about mental health issues to recognize warning signs
- Supporting the organizations that provide mental health services for teenagers, such as counselors and support groups
- Encouraging people to contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline number if needed
There are plenty of ways to celebrate World Teen Mental Wellness Day. It is time to share stories, advocate for better mental health services, and spread the message that mental illness does not define our youth.
In Conclusion
World Teen Mental Wellness Day is a meaningful reminder to all of us that our young people are valuable and deserve the same access to quality mental health care and services as everyone else.
By supporting each other in our journey to a healthier state of well-being, we can make a profound difference in our lives. Let us come together and celebrate World Teen Mental Wellness Day by advocating for better mental health services and raising awareness about the importance of mental well-being.
Let’s ensure our young people feel heard, understood, and loved.
If you or a friend or loved need help and are in New Jersey, call CarePlus NJ today, or schedule an online appointment.
Sources:
https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/adolescent-mental-health
https://www.cdc.gov/childrensmentalhealth/data.html
https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/mental-health-strengthening-our-response
https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/teen-depression
CarePlus NJ, INC. is dedicated to excellence in mental healthcare and has a commitment to life-long support needed by individuals and their families to ensure that they achieve their full potential and improve the quality of their lives.
