The Mental Health Project Coz I’m Happy has been doing biweekly webinar with our network of 21 institutions of higher learning in Kenya. This week we took a deep dive into mental health and the 21st century youth.
Below are some of the highlights from the webinar:
It is normal for youth and youth to experience various types of emotional distress as they develop and mature. For example, it is common for youth to experience anxiety about school, or youth to experience short periods of depression that are transient in nature. When symptoms persist, it may be time to seek professional assistance. While most youth are healthy, physically and emotionally, one in every four to five youth in the general population meet criteria for a lifetime mental disorder and as a result may face discrimination and negative attitudes. As with physical health, mental health is not merely the absence of disease or a mental health disorder. It includes emotional well-being, psychological well-being, social well-being and involves being able to
- navigate successfully the complexities of life,
- develop fulfilling relationships,
- adapt to change,
- utilize appropriate coping mechanisms to achieve well-being without discrimination.
- realize their potential,
- have their needs met, and
- develop skills that help them navigate the different environments they inhabit.
What you can do!
Help youth build strong, caring relationships:
- It’s important for youth to have strong relationships with family and friends. Spend some time together each night around the dinner table.
- Show your youth how to solve problems.
Help youth and youth develop self-esteem, so that they feel good about themselves:
- Show lots of love and acceptance.
- Ask questions about their activities and interests.
- Help them set realistic goals.
Listen, and respect their feelings:
- It’s OK for youth to feel sad or angry. Encourage them to talk about how they feel.
- Help them find someone to talk to if they don’t feel comfortable talking to you.
In difficult situations, help youth solve problems:
- Learn how to relax when they feel upset. This could be deep breathing, doing something calming (such as a quiet activity they enjoy), taking some time alone, or going for a walk.
- Talk about possible solutions or ideas to improve a situation and how to make it happen with a friend
Lets change lives
Let’s save lives
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