By Mrs. Steedman
Deputy Principal - Year 10 & Wellbeing
Adolescence is a time of growth, challenges, and lots of potential. In the midst of all the ups and downs, having a proactive mental health toolkit is essential to safeguard wellbeing and fortify resilience. I recently spoke on assembly about five tools to support positive mental health – perspective, relationships, identity, downtime and exercise – and how these can empower them to thrive in their school and personal lives.
Perspective:
We all face challenges and experience conflict, but the ability to step back and view our challenges as opportunities for growth helps to build resilience and emotional intelligence. When we learn to view our challenges as stepping stones instead of roadblocks, we learn to develop a growth mindset rather than allowing our knee-jerk reactions to go rogue and wreak havoc on our emotions. A helpful strategy to balance perspective is to ask ourselves or a trusted friend, 'Is there another way of looking at this?' or 'Is this perspective based in fact or emotion? What are the facts?' Try this the next time you face a set back!
Relationships:
Healthy relationships are a superpower when it comes to positive mental health. Cultivating supportive connections with family, friends, and mentors nurtures a sense of belonging, offers emotional support, and provides an outlet for self-expression. An equally important piece is recognising relationships which are not healthy, and that make us feel inferior, judged or threatened, rather than uplifted, supported and happy. Doing a 'relationship audit' is a great way to work out which relationships you should invest your time and energy into, and which you should distance yourself from.
Identity:
Figuring our who we are and how we fit in the world is a huge part of the human experience, and leaning into this journey of self-discovery is particularly important for teenage mental health. Exploring our interests, talents and values helps us to develop a positive and authentic sense of self, and by celebrating and stepping into our uniqueness and doing more of what makes us happy, we increase our sense of purpose and safeguard ourselves against self-doubt.
Downtime:
In our fast-paced world, downtime often takes a backseat. However, incorporating periods of relaxation and rejuvenation is hugely important for proactive mental health. Finding time for hobbies, reading, or simply unplugging from technology allows us to recharge, reduce stress and improve our overall health and wellbeing. Have a think about some ways you or your child might establish good self-care habits that help to unwind and unplug from the noise of the real and online worlds. One of these might be using the 'Do Not Disturb' function on your phone.
Exercise:
The links between regular exercise and improved physical and mental health have been well established in the research – we know that people who exercise for at least 30 minutes per day have far more positive outcomes in terms of their mood, energy levels and overall wellbeing. Engaging in regular physical activity released endorphins, reduces anxiety, and improves how we feel. Encouraging teenagers to participate in sports, yoga, bike riding, or any form of exercise they enjoy empowers them to proactively manage stress and boost self-esteem. It can also be a great way to connect with yourself, with friends, or with nature!
There are so many other tools you can add to your proactive mental health toolkit, but these 5 are a great start (they also spell out PRIDE which makes them easy to remember!)
If you require mental health support, please reach out to a member of the Wellbeing Team. Alternatively, you can discuss your concerns with our school GP, or your GP in the community.