World Teen Mental Wellness Day - March 2, 2023
World Teen Mental Wellness Day is observed across the globe on March 2 every year. It is a day that aims to raise awareness about the mental health issues that teenagers deal with. This Day is about making efforts to educate everyone and destigmatize something that is becoming increasingly common. There are informational and helpful materials on this topic available across various platforms and on the North Central Health Care Youth Resources page.
Mental health struggles are unfortunately common in teens, making up 16% of disease and injuries in people aged 10 to 19. Mental health issues start from around 14 years of age and often go undiagnosed and untreated. Suicide and depression are some of the leading causes of death among teens, and can even lead to other struggles such as substance abuse in later years.
World Teen Mental Wellness Day begins and carries on very important conversations about mental health. People often fail to understand what teenagers go through, and the stigma associated with mental illness can make teens reluctant to ask for help. This day encourages open conversation and awareness to help teens around the world.
How to Observe World Teen Mental Wellness Day
Be good to yourself
Teenage years can be difficult as it is. Add a worldwide pandemic to that, and it’s natural for anyone to get overwhelmed. Take some time out to be nice to yourself and engage in activities such as meditation and journaling to get to know your mind.
Join the movement
Hollister Co. created this day as a part of their Hollister Confidence Project. The project aims to stand by teenagers and help them out in more ways than one. See how you can support the movement. Use the #WorldTeenMentalWellnessDay hashtag for your social media posts.
Reach out to teens
If you have teenagers in your life, check in on them. Often people just need someone to talk to and confide in. Ask them whether they are doing okay and whether there’s anything on their minds. Create a non-judgmental, safe space. If their situation seems concerning, maybe let a family member know. And in any case of emergency or imminent threat, call 911.
5 Facts About Mental Health You Should Know
- It’s more common than you think: One in five Americans has experienced some form of mental illness in their lives.
- We lose thousands to suicide: 41,000 Americans are lost to suicide every year.
- Stigmas are harmful: People are less likely to receive help due to the stigma associated with mental health.
- Prevention is possible: Addressing risk factors such as trauma at an early stage can help prevent the development of mental illnesses.
- One in 10 young adults has suffered from a period of major depression.
Why World Mental Wellness Day is Important
Awareness is essential
While we have come a long way from before, there is still a lot left to do. A lot of mental health issues go unrecognized and untreated due to a lack of awareness about the topic. Parents and caregivers of teens, and teens themselves, need to be educated and aware to ensure a better future.
The stigma needs to end
People with mental health issues have been stigmatized in our society for a long time. The negative connotations associated with mental illnesses and those who suffer from them are innumerable. These are baseless and rooted in myths and make people less likely to get help. We need to end this stigma, and increasing awareness is a good first step.
A reminder that it’s okay to not be okay
For those who are suffering, especially silently, it can seem like nobody understands and that they are all alone in this battle. This day is a step to let teens know that they are not alone, that it’s okay to feel the way they feel, and that there is plenty of help available.
North Central Health Care offers a variety of resources specific to Teens and Youth. Please visit our Youth Mental Health Resources page, including literature, apps and where and when to reach out for help.