Parent Alert December 2024

The Current State of Youth Mental Health

The increased focus on mental health in recent years has helped us realize the importance of mental wellbeing. This development has improved education on mental health challenges, led to the creation of resources to support those who need help, and helped reduce the stigmas about mental health. Youth mental health has been getting more attention as the rates of anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideation among youth have been steadily growing for over a decade. These challenges are due to a variety of factors including social media, stress from school and home life, the COVID-19 pandemic, and substance use. Knowing the causes of youth mental health problems is helpful, but recognizing that they are struggling can be a challenge. Here are some warning signs to watch for:

Anxiety that seems out of control or extreme given the situation
Difficulty sleeping
Loss of interest in things they usually find enjoyable
Excessive irritability or anger
Feelings of hopelessness, worthlessness, or talk of death or wanting to escape

These behaviors do not mean that your child has a mental illness, but it does indicate that it is time to talk with them and a doctor or mental health professional about what they are going through. It is never too early to address these concerns and get your child help. The conversation will be difficult but it is an important first step to getting them the help they need. Another thing you can do to support your child is to model behaviors that support mental health. Some examples include:

Getting regular exercise and eating healthy
Making sleep a priority
Engaging in low-stress hobbies and taking time to relax
Focusing on positivity
Staying connected with family and friends

Addressing mental health concerns requires collaboration between parents, teachers, mental health professionals, and the person who is struggling. Check out the links below for more information, and for resources to support youth mental health.

Resources

American Psychological Association – Kids’ Mental Health is in Crisis. Here’s What Psychologists are Doing to Help

Canadian Mental Health Association – Talking to Teens About Mental Health

Child Mind Institute – Mental Health Disorders and Teen Substance Use

Mental Health America – Youth Mental Health

Mental Health & Recovery Board of Wayne and Holmes Counties

National Alliance on Mental Illness – Kids, Teens and Young Adults

National Institute of Mental Health – Caring for Your Mental Health

December 2024 Awareness

Wayne County Coalitions strives to observe the many different awareness events throughout the year that focus on mental health, substance use prevention, and other important topics. Please visit the links below for information and resources.

National Impaired Driving Prevention Month: December has an increase in travel which means it is a good time to remind people that no level of impaired driving is safe. That includes driving under the influence of alcohol, marijuana, prescription medication, or other drugs.

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) Awareness Month: The American Psychiatric Association says about 5% of adults in the U.S. experience SAD. This is a form of depression brought on by seasonal changes, and is primarily seen in the fall and winter months.

Universal Human Rights Month: The United Nations made a universal declaration of human rights on December 10,1948. This declaration outlined the basic rights and fundamental freedoms to which we are all entitled. This month is a celebration of that declaration, and a reminder that we need to continue working towards a world in which everyone experiences those rights.

Resources

National Highway Traffic Safety Association – Drunk Driving Statistics and Resources

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services – Socializing Safely This Season: National Impaired Driving Prevention Month

American Psychiatric Association – Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)

National Today – Universal Human Rights Month

United Nations – Human Rights Day

Resources

25 Christmas Traditions to Start This Year

75+ Easy Christmas Crafts for Kids of All Ages

31 Fun Christmas Recipes to Make with Kids

Easy Holiday Treats to Make with Kids

Wayne County Events

Wayne County Public Library Events

Thank you for being a vital part of our community!

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