World Mental Health Day
It is world mental health day and the sun is shining bright in Portland, OR and Vancouver, WA!
We all know that sunlight and fresh air are good for your body, mind and soul. They can actually make you happier, strengthen your immune system and give you more energy and a sharper mind. All that for free!
We also know that it’s important to care for our own mental health. But, what about children’s mental health? Who is responsible for that?
Mental illnesses in parents represents risks for children in the family. Children who have one parent with mental illness have an increased risk of developing mental illness themselves. When the child has two parents with mental illness, the risks are increased. Another risk to children forming a mental illness is an inconsistent, unpredictable family environment.
Fortunately, protective factors can decrease these risks for children. One of the most viable protective factors is as free as sunshine and fresh air - It’s mentoring.
The World Health Organization has even identified mentoring as a “valid, upstream approach” to the prevention of youth suicide.
Research shows that children who receive a well-trained and supported mentor, through the Great Life Mentoring model, have significantly more favorable change in their mental health.
According to the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP), a child’s mental and emotional needs may not be as obvious as basic physical health, but both are important.
Good mental health allows children to think clearly, develop socially and learn new skills. Additionally, good friends and encouraging words from adults are all important for helping children develop self-confidence, high self-esteem and a healthy emotional outlook on life.
The basics for a child’s good mental health include:
- Unconditional love
- Self-confidence and self-esteem
- The opportunity to play
- Encouraging and supportive care
- Safe and secure surroundings
- Appropriate guidance and healthy boundaries
Whatever you do today, we hope you will open your window or go outside and enjoy the fresh air and sunshine. You’ll be glad you did!
