Mental wellness means you are able to adequately cope with the stresses life throws at you, whether that be a simple school project or as complicated as a breakup. It’s the balance between your emotional, physical, spiritual, and mental self. While there is no magic formula to mental health and wellness, there are many different tools and strategies at our disposal. Not all of them will work, but by trying the multiple tools, skills and strategies they learn in the series, the will gain healthier mental health awareness and a solid self-care plan for coping with their mental health and wellness.
5 Reasons Why Teen Empowerment Is The Best!
MORE CONNECTION
Peer relationships are an important part of healthy development for adolescents and teens. Group interaction offers an experience where they and connect with other teens who are all going through similar life circumstances and help each other out. Sharing personal experiences can help build healthy connections with others, and with themselves.
MORE RESILIENCE
Resilience refers to the ability for one to adapt well in light of emotional hardships from simple stresses to deep trauma. Resilience comes from learning how to respond with protective behaviors, despite the negative situation they are facing. This involves modelling of techniques to help them stand up in times of adversity instead of allowing negative situations to keep them down.
REDUCED STIGMA AROUND MENTAL HEALTH
Often there is a negative association and prejudice towards mental health. It is estimated that 1 in 5 Canadians will experience issues in their mental health. When mental health stigma exists, it acts as a barrier to receiving mental health services. Education and understanding of those who struggle with mental illness, will in turn allow them and us to work together to enhance their positive attributes to the communities you are in together.
INCREASED MENTAL HEALTH LITERACY
Learning techniques on how to listen and respect feelings – that it is okay to feel strong emotions, but also learn how to talk through those feelings. This involves the modelling of techniques to help relax when they feel upset, using an array of exercises such as: deep breathing, quiet calming activities, taking a break, etc.
AMPLIFIED SELF-CARE
Learning how to listen to the body, knowing when to rest, recover and when to push the limits are all parts of self care. Defining self-care and compassion and teaching techniques on how to tap into that. This involves using positive coaching techniques including nurturing individuality, promoting safe and healthy relationships within the team, and setting appropriate boundaries for the players.
