Gary Seath 6 days ago
For World Mental Health Day, I want to open up the conversation on mental health for young people and their families, to help break apart the stigma that still surrounds mental health and wellbeing.
As a mental health and wellbeing worker, I support children and young people across the West of Scotland by talking to them about how they feel and helping them to learn and practice a variety of techniques and strategies that can help towards feeling better.
During their support, I often encourage young people to seek support from others who they trust, whether that be teachers, family members or their peers. When it comes to the latter, it seems that for some young people talking about their emotions comes naturally, but this isn’t the same for everyone.
For others, the assumption that being cool at school means hiding your emotions, seems to remain strong.
Giving them praise where its due, young people are talking about mental health much more than has been seen (or heard) in previous generations; however, it is evident that some pressure still exists for young people who fear their image in school could be impacted by talking about and seeking support for their mental wellbeing.
I want to challenge this notion, as for both children and adults, talking about how we feel is widely recognised as something that is beneficial to our wellbeing. Talking openly allows us to access support, reduces feelings of loneliness and isolation as well as helping to build more meaningful relationships with others.
How do we make talking about our mental health cool?
My top tips for young people:
My top tips for parents and carers to encourage an open conversation about mental health with your young person:
Find out more about Forces Children Scotland’s Your Mind Matters Digital Mental Health and Wellbeing Hub.
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