Today is International Youth Day!
Every year on August 12, we celebrate International Youth Day. IYD was created by the United Nations in 1999, with the first event being held on August 12, 2000. It is intended to provide a chance for governments and others to highlight concerns affecting young people all over the world. Since 2000, around the world, youth organizations, national and local government representatives, concerts, workshops, and cultural events take place during IYD to draw attention to a given set of cultural and legal issues involving youth.
Each year the UN has a new theme that raises awareness on different issues affecting youth.
This year’s team is “International Youth Day 2022: Intergenerational Solidarity: Creating a World for All Ages”. It is all about collaborating to foster successful and equitable intergenerational relations and partnerships to ensure “no one is left behind.”
Here at PsyMood, “we believe no one should be left behind especially when it comes to mental health”. Youth is defined as people between the ages of 15 to 24. It is no secret nor surprise that this is the age group that tends to be affected by mental health issues the most. It is estimated that 1.2 million children and youth in Canada experience some sort of mental illness and by the age of 25, it is estimated that 20 percent of Canadians will have developed a mental illness.
The most prevalent mental health disorders seen in youth are generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety, depression, trauma, eating disorders and PTSD. Many different factors contribute to these mental health conditions. The most common one is traumatic events that can trigger mental health problems, these triggers can be small or big depending on the moment in one’s life. Moving to a new home, changing schools, familial separation, death in the family, and feeling different from family members or peers are just some examples of triggers. Some youths may also be diagnosed with long-term illnesses. In these instances the youth may have family members with a background of mental health issues, the youth were abused, or the youth experienced poverty, these youths are even more predisposed to develop mental health conditions.
So, what can young people do to access the right kind of help? Plenty of resources available to everyone, including youth, can help people experiencing mental health conditions.
Here are 5 Tips That Can Help You Maintain Good Mental Health As a Youth
Talk to Someone
It is very important to talk to someone about how you are feeling. You can talk to parents, friends, and even counsellors. If you need further mental support you can book a session with a Mental Health Specialist. With the right diagnosis and early intervention, you can find the right ways to treat your condition and work your way to feel better. And if anytime you need more information on the topic of concern, we have partnered with UMind. They have a wonderful online mental health resources library that provides professional documents that can aid your mental health journey. Don’t forget to mention PsyMood when you sign up.
Being in Good Physical Health
It is no secret that having a good diet, regular exercise, and the right sleep schedule are the three pillars of good mental health. Numerous studies suggest that keeping up with all three of these will help prevent mental health conditions, especially for youth’s physique. Believe it or not, our bodies and brains continue to develop up until the age of 25. Having healthy habits is crucial to both our physical and mental health.
Make Time for Fun
Sometimes we forget to make time to do things we like, and that can take a toll on our overall mental health, especially on youth. Taking a break and doing things you enjoy can really boost your mental health and combat mental health conditions. Studies show that doing a fun activity can reduce stress, boost our serotonin, and improve our brain health. Having fun is kind of like hitting the reset button, you’ll just feel relaxed, happy, and less stressed. So take some time to do something fun either indoors or outdoors, like play a board game or video game, see some friends or kick back at home and binge-watch your favourite shows.
Create a Safe Space
Having a safe space at home is very important because our physical environments directly affect our mental well-being. Creating a safe space at home that you can go to when you feel stressed or overwhelmed. This can be a game changer. The space can be a quiet place in your home that you can fill with items that you like, such as cozy blankets, lights, candles, books, and plants.
Accessing Help in a Crisis
In a time of crisis getting the right help is crucial. Here in Canada, there are many resources available that can help youth experiencing a mental health crisis. Youth can access help during a crisis by contacting the Kids Help Phone available 24/7. Schools and post-secondary institutions often have access to trained counsellors that are available in crises during school. PsyMood is also here to help in times of crisis. Visit PsyMood’s crisis website for tips and information on procedures to follow in a crisis.
PsyMood is a digital tool designed to help you find the support you need in the language that you are most comfortable with. PsyMood considers cultural background, geographical location, interests, and personal needs, amongst other factors, to pair you with service providers for either online or in-person therapy sessions.
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