We’ve come a long way from shutting our kids in dark rooms and starving them as “punishment”. However, even in the 21st-century many kids and adults suffer through mental health issues. Mental health is more complicated than physical health because it’s harder to recognize and more difficult to treat.
As a pediatric psychologist once said, “The emotional and psychological well-being of a child is the stepping stone for their success as an adult.”. Now the reason behind a lot of kids facing mental health issues is because their parents don’t address it far too often enough, and they don’t take the initiative to find out for themselves as to why they’re depressed, lonely, or having eating disorders.
These issues are mainly caused by society. In our society today it is very difficult to talk about harsh topics like depression or anorexia because parents won’t expose their kids to these harsh topics, leaving them to figure out what’s the cause of their sadness or problems. A way that kids can overcome these problems is by talking to the school counselor, a responsible friend, or an adult. Kids need to understand that the majority of the people that they are scared to tell their problems to or ask for help would help them if only they knew. And if someone ignores your symptoms then talk to someone else because these aren’t something that should be ignored or hidden away. if these things keep being hidden away in the dark away from young people’s eyes these issues are just going to get worse and worse to the point where the majority of the people in this world are going to have some mental health issue. We shouldn’t be afraid to tell their parents what they’re feeling or that they don’t feel happy. Another thing you can do is research well about what you are feeling and follow the advice of the doctors and other people that have similar issues, however, do the tips and tricks that you think works best for you, because, at the end of the day, it’s you that knows your body the best. Reach out to people, tell them what you’re going through, and ask for help.
Do things that make you feel good and talk to your friends about these things. Don’t ignore them, talk to them, and convey your feelings and see how they reciprocate. Get more active, find something that’s your passion, and pursue it. Doing physical exercises also help you, it will release endorphins in your brain that make you feel better and happier. Also, eat healthier, what you eat has a major impact on your brain. Stay away from things such as caffeine, alcohol, trans fats, and foods with high chemical preservatives/hormones. Another important thing to eat properly, skipping meals is not advisable because it brings your energy levels down, makes you procrastinate more, and produces less activity in your brain, making you more depressed. It is also crucial to get some sunlight because it is proven that exposure increases serotonin levels.
Now the most important thing is to not think negatively about yourself. As humans, we are wired to always think negatively, however, if we start to change this and become more positive we will start to feel much happier in life. Now, this is a difficult thing to do. You can start by taking confidence classes or just doing simple exercises to boost your mental well-being. Keep reminding yourself that you’re perfect just the way you are and love yourself. Find something or someone to keep reminding you of that whenever you don’t feel like loving yourself.
Slowly but surely it will become a habit and you’ll start to feel more positive towards yourself, become less insecure and more confident in your skin? It will change the way of looking at what is happening, and once you have good confidence you will have a healthy lifestyle and at least a healthy mind so as someone famous once said: “A healthy mind resides in a healthy body.”. Now if these things don’t work, you should consult a professional to get their outlook, and if needed get some medication because slowly or with confidence friends a good support system, and medication you will be able to regain your mental health and become a better version of yourself.
Authored By – Janaki Sankar