APPROVED BY DOCTOR FRÉDÉRIC BENOIT, PSYCHIATRIST

The way society perceives mental health has often been problematic. Mental health issues are not always well understood and can be the subject of various misconceptions, particularly where young people are concerned.

So what is mental health, exactly?

Mental health in youth is a reflection of their well-being, particularly as it relates to:

• Themselves (their self-esteem)
• Others (friends, family, etc.)
• Their environment (school, sports, etc.)

While they may experience highs and lows, they can strive to find inner balance every day by practicing self-compassion, mentalization or mindfulness, for example. By utilizing the above tools daily and adopting healthy lifestyle habits, they will more effectively learn to stay balanced. It just takes practice—much like learning a new sport.

Don’t hesitate 😌 to talk about it with your teenager, or to apply these techniques to your own life. It will allow you to serve as a model for your teen, and even bring the two of you closer together.

Why do teens in particular need to take care of their mental health?

Adolescence is a time of discovery and learning, and it’s the ideal time in which to build a solid foundation of good mental health. By learning how to properly manage their emotions, teens become better equipped to deal with any challenges they may face—because social relationships, school pressure and bodily changes can all be sources of stress or anxiety in a teen’s life.

Cultivating good mental health from a young age is key to developing healthy relationships with friends and family, loving and accepting yourself, developing a personality based on a strong foundation, and preventing anxiety and depression.