How to Help Teens Avoid the Blues
By Genevieve Cunningham
It seems as though feeling depressed or blue is a more prominent problem than ever before. And this is especially true when it comes to teenagers and young adults. The pressures that this age group faces are different than previous generations. While some would argue that teens of this generation have it easy, they have a different kind of stress to deal with. And the stress that they are dealing with is causing serious cases of the blues. To help teens through this period of their lives with their mental health intact, take a look at these tips.
Get Them Active
Nothing beats physical activity. When we get our bodies moving, it forces us to deal with the physical stress and strain that our body is currently experiencing. And since the body can only deal with one kind of stress at a time, it takes quite the load off of our mental situation. Getting teens active also encourages peer-to-peer activity, and the social aspect of a teen's life is incredibly important. If you have a teen and you want them to be happy and healthy, find an activity for them to be involved in and you're halfway there.
Help Them Make Good Friends
The friends who your teen hangs out with plays a huge and significant role in their life. A few negative influences in their friend group can significantly alter the way that everyone in the group feels. Do your best to ensure that your teen is hanging out with positive influences. Direct them toward people who can teach them good habits and lift them up. The better your teen's friends, the better their mental health is likely to be.
Seek Out Professional Help
There's never a right time to get professional help. The right time is always now. If you want your teen to protect their mental health now as well as in the future, go ahead and find them someone who can help them. Take them to counseling, let them talk it out with a professional therapist, and let them know that it's OK to seek care when you need it. Getting professional help now may make all the difference in their mental health for the rest of their life.
Mental health is so important. And in today's world, it's especially important for teenagers. Teach them these habits and get them the help they need in order to protect them now and as they grow older. Helping them get moving in the right direction might mean the difference in a life of mental anguish and struggle and a life of productivity and happiness.
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