As the morning commute gets busier with yellow busses and walking parades of kiddos on their way to school, I can’t help but feel optimistic. I still remember the excitement and butterflies in my belly when I was a kid: eager to make some new friends, to earn my homeroom teacher’s favor, and to look cool in my first-day outfit.
This year, there’s even more reason to be optimistic. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services recently released a survey report that rates of suicidal thoughts among teenagers have dropped by 3% and attempts by 1% across the United States. Additionally, rates of depression among teenagers have dropped by 6%. This is great news, of course!
Yet, the school year still comes with challenges. For many kids, school is a safe haven from difficult home lives. For others, school is a place of interpersonal threats and social fear. For most, school is at least a place where they may experience some stress. It’s more important than ever that we support and encourage the youth in our lives.
Here are three recommendations that can help make a positive difference for young people’s mental health this semester:
1. Encourage reduced screen time. Both adolescents and us adults are guilty of spending way too much time on our mobile devices, on our computers, or in front of our TVs. Research from the past couple decades show a direct correlation between screen time usage and feelings of depression/anxiety. Less screen time leads to less bad feelings. Take advantage of the late-summer sunshine and go outside together instead.
2. Make your home a safe, judgment-free place (if you’re able). It’s hard to talk about our feelings, especially when we feel embarrassed. Each kid is different, but the one thing they all share in common from a brain-level perspective is a desire for psychological safety. Young brains don’t respond well to feeling pressured, trapped, or like they’ll be in trouble. Our homes should be comfortable, clean, and not chaotic. Similarly, our conversations should be calm, clear, and collected.
3. Offer opportunities for face-to-face connection. Although any form of communication is better than none, young brains respond best to face-to-face conversation. Go for a walk together and catch up on how the week is going. Hit up your local ice cream parlor for a treat and a chat. Dedicated, slow, face-to-face time communicates care.
This list could easily be pages long, but these three recommendations are a great starting place. If you or a student in your life needs extra support during this back-to-school season, The Willow Center is here for you. Give us a call at 317-852-3690.
Written by Chase Cotten, Community Director
