Supporting our Youth
The mental health crisis amongst young people is a growing public concern. More and more one hears from a relative, a friend or a neighbor that a youngster is not doing well, that there is too much pressure on them and too little support.
There is a growing body of evidence that identifies a link between the rise in mental health challenges of young people and heavy use of the internet and smartphones. Some research suggests that smartphone use is indeed a cause of worsening youth mental health because it affects brain development. Research experiments that limited access to smartphones found significant improvements in adults' (self-reported) well-being.
Excerpted from Misery Is Spiking in One Age Group, Overshadowing The Mid-Life Crisis.
However, this is not the only cause. Youth unemployment is also related to mental health problems. Although it is independent of the overall national rate of unemployment, what is important is the youth unemployment rates are currently at a much higher level.
Excerpted from Long-term effects of youth unemployment on mental health
Participation question:
What do you believe parents and friends can do to support and empower a young person?
If you belong to the younger generation, what would be things you would like to see changed to support you better?
Helpful Videos:
What Are the Long-Term Effects of Youth Unemployment? | The Teen Economist News
Helpful Resources:
Misery Is Spiking in One Age Group, Overshadowing The Mid-Life Crisis
Long-term effects of youth unemployment on mental health: does an economic crisis make a difference?
Seeking Help
Mental stress can cause us not to be able to see the good things in life and lead to excessive rumination or worries which can result in serious health problems. If you have serious, long-term problems with negative thinking and feeling depressed, see your doctor or talk to a therapist if they are related to any mental challenges.
Are you looking for a therapist? 7 Cups has online, certified therapists with a paid option. For more information on what happens in online therapy at 7 Cups, Read Lisa’s (a therapist and director of therapy) explanation
https://www.7cups.com/forum/therapy/General_2432/WeveLaunchedTalkTherapyon7Cups_319430/
To apply for 7 Cups online therapy, click on this link (must be logged into member account) https://www.7cups.com/online-therapy/?ob=1
@amiablePeace77
It's important to teach our young people to speak out.
To be honest with their feelings.
That's it's ok not to have it all figured out .
That we all make mistakes.
It's not about perfection but trying your best.
To regulate their emotions.
To foster a safe place with no judgement so they know they can always come to you.
If they are quiet and withdrawn and isolating, don't give them space, start a conversation and don't let them sink deeper 💕💜
@Amanda84
You made some excellent points Amanda! Young people need to learn to be honest with their feelings and express them. Many adults and especially the older ones who learned to keep quiet in their youth know how much pain it creates not to express what you feel!
@amiablePeace77 I believe schools should be much smaller and more mental health orientated. Take your kids outside to play, teach them how to make dens and mud pies, do not stuck a tablet/phone in their face to keep them quiet. Listen to your child with patience and a open mind, shower them with love. Teach them right from wrong, and show them important life skills, read to them at night and always be encouraging without pressuring
@Tinywhisper11
I'm very much with you on this tiny! The only issue I see is the financial side to get smaller classes organized what would require more teachers etc.
@amiablePeace77
Parents and other adults cannot have the same impact. A virtual umbilical cord still exists until the nest is emptied. Other reputable relatives or friends often have more head space to "support and empower" the child, and the kid often shows more interest in a person who is more remote. The extra adults called "godparents" in my neck of the woods are also people on whom parents and kids can rely on.
My grandson is 11 and has a lot of questions. Today, for instance, we discussed generally why it is a good idea to avoid lying. What can make it okay? What are the consequences? He was actively participating in the conversation and coming up with examples. We often have philosophical conversations. Either he brings something up or I have thought ahead of time what we could talk about.
Use meal time or bedtime to the fullest to exchange with children.
Remember how you behave in front of your own child - monkey see monkey do.
What do you believe parents and friends can do to support and empower a young person?
@Fradiga
You seem to have a wonderful connection with your grandson! 👍
"Monkey see monkey do" - this is something people forget when stressed but so important! Children copy adults!
@amiablePeace77 one thing that my granddaughter is being taught as all youth should be Taught is 1. Not to suppress their feelings 2. Speak up for themselves and not let others bully them 3. Not to be afraid to ask for help 5. Accept that they’re not perfect no one is but to keep trying and be the best you can be for you not anyone else.
@eternalHero77
Your granddaughter is learning great skills!
