Promoting Mental Health Building Resilience in our teenage children

What is mental Health? “A state of wellbeing that allows someone to be productive, have fulfilling relationships, cope with difficult circumstances and adapt to change” (Mental Health Ireland, 2018)

In a nutshell!!! IT IS HOW WE…. THINK FEEL ACT

Key Indicators of Positive mental Health Good self-esteem Ability to enjoy life Healthy relationships with family/friends Sense of belonging

Mental Health – The Sliding Scale!!!

Mental Health problems Mental health problems effect 10% - 20% of children and adolescents worldwide (WHO, 2017) I in 5 Irish children aged 11-15yrs say they experience 2 or more psychological problems per week (e.g., feeling low, irritable or nervous, sleep disturbance) (My World National Survey on Youth Mental Health, 2012)

Reach Out On-Line Teen Survey -2017

Body Image

Friendship/ACCEPTANCE

School/Exams

Relationships & Sexuality

Alcohol & Substance Use

Social media

Advice to Teens Accept Yourself Get Involved Keep Active Eat healthily & get enough sleep Keep in contact Relax Spend time doing things you enjoy, e.g., hobbies/interests Don’t binge drink Talk about problems Seek help

RESILIENCE​ ​

Catch Your Thoughts

Example: I Failed My Christmas maths Exam Thought It’s my fault I failed I’m not able to do maths I’m stupid Feeling Disappointed/Guilty Lowers self-esteem Thought This is my first time doing an exam I didn’t really study much If I work harder I can do better Feeling Not so disappointed/more hopeful/realistic More initiative/drive More stable self-esteem Pessimistic Optimistic

Signs of mental Health problems Physical Trouble sleeping Change in appetite Physical pain, e.g., headache, tummy ache, back ache Physical signs of anxiety Emotional/Behavioural Sadness/feeling down Feeling Hopeless Tearful Lacking Motivation Sudden changes in behaviour Problems fitting in Isolation A drop in school performance

Supports

Thank you