Health – for most of us, is physical fitness. People understand that everyone is different in terms of height, weight, built and so on but we are unable to accept that people may vary in their mental abilities as well. If someone specifically talks about Mental Fitness, people in our region become offensive for no reason. Why? What’s wrong?
Let’s discuss what’s mental health actually? Mental health refers to a person’s overall psychological well-being. It encompasses their emotions, thoughts, and behaviors and how they interact with the world around them. Good mental health allows a person to feel good about themselves, have healthy relationships, and cope with the challenges of life.
What happens basically is, from an early age we start labeling a child as Active or Lazy. When we being the parents or teachers start criticizing a child with negative remarks, it is the time when all the negative thoughts start cultivating.
When we being the role models, shout and say DON’T SHOUT; when we finds the solution of everything in strictness and hand raising then what else we should expect from the kids to do when they grow up.
Basically on the roads what do you think adults are doing when they accidently hit their vehicles? They all of a sudden raise their hands to each other. But why? Because they have been taught throughout their lives that solution is shouting at and hitting each other.
Do you think such people are mentally sick? To some extent yes because someone with good mental health will always come to dialogue. Unfortunately, we haven’t been taught this way. It’s been ages this system is going this way.
Another reason for depression and anxiety in students can be the continuous comparison of students at school. We should know that every child is a star and teacher/educator’s job is to make them shine with their continuous efforts. Teachers should not be comparing students, it is just like comparing one’s DNA with other. Obviously, this makes no sense, just likely comparing students with each other is senseless as well.
However, we need to be polite as a caregiver or educator and should teach with patience. We need to maintain a good balance between leniency and discipline. We need to communicate with our students and make them learn that solution lies in positive discussions and communication only.
It can be the other way as well, instead of parents or educators it can be school fellows as well. These days bullying is one of many reasons that is creating depression, anxiety and stress in students at early age.
Solution to all such depressive behaviors lies only in good mental health. People with good mental health always give respect to each other because they have been given respect throughout their lives from their educators and family.
Now how can we achieve or ensure good mental health in our children and teenagers?
There are many ways that parents, caregivers, and educators can promote good mental health for children and teenagers. Here are some tips:
There are many ways that parents, caregivers, and educators can promote good mental health for children and teenagers. Here are some tips:
- Encourage physical activity: Physical activity is crucial for good mental health. Encourage children and teenagers to engage in regular physical activity, whether it’s through sports, or other activities.
- Ensure a positive home environment: A positive home environment is essential for good mental health. Create a safe, supportive, and nurturing environment for your children and teenagers. Here parents and all immediate family members have to play their role positively.
- Teach healthy coping mechanisms: Teach children and teenagers healthy coping mechanisms to deal with stress and anxiety, such as deep breathing, meditation, or yoga.
- Monitor screen time: Excessive screen time can be detrimental to mental health. Monitor children and teenagers’ screen time and encourage them to engage in other activities.
- Encourage social interaction: Social interaction is crucial for good mental health. Encourage children and teenagers to spend time with friends and family. Again parents need to keep a check on friends as well.
- Seek professional help: If you suspect that your child or teenager is struggling with mental health issues, seek professional help. Mental health professionals can provide support and treatment for a range of mental health conditions.
Good mental health is crucial for children and teenagers to lead happy and healthy lives. As parents, caregivers, and educators, it is our responsibility to prioritize their mental well-being and provide them with the support and resources they need to thrive. By fostering a positive home environment, encouraging physical activity and social interaction, and seeking professional help when needed, we can promote good mental health for children and teenagers.
Written by: Hareem Khizar (Writer and Educationist)
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