In honor of Child Mental Health Week, the Wisconsin Department of Children’s Mental Health has recommendations and resources inspired by the state’s high school students.
On April 12, young people gathered to discuss their mental health needs at the Mental Wellness Student Leadership Summit, hosted by the Department of Children’s Mental Health. These students are considered leaders in school mental health and are part of his four peer-led, peer-centered groups across the state focused on promoting mental health and suicide prevention: Hope Squad, Sources of Strength, REDgen, NAMI Raise Your). voice.
In anticipation of a weeklong children’s mental health awareness campaign, Gov. Tony Evers proclaimed a state proclamation naming May 5-11 as Children’s Mental Health Week.
“Doing what’s best for our kids is what’s best for our state, and part of that is making sure our kids can bring their fullest and best selves to the classroom,” Evers said in an email. told the Journal Sentinel. “We have a lot of work to do to ensure that our children have the mental and behavioral health supports they need to succeed. But I will always be at the forefront of this issue. I am amazed by the young people who tell their colleagues, classmates, parents and loved ones, and everyone they can, how important it is to take care of ourselves and each other.”
It comes at a time when Wisconsin’s youth are facing increasing stressors, with more than half (52%) of high school students reporting anxiety. Almost half (48%) of LGBTQ+ youth say they have seriously considered suicide. One in four female students (25%) say they have seriously considered suicide, and more than one in three female students (34%) report feeling sad almost every day. and a sense of hopelessness.
“Too many children are suffering, and the data in Wisconsin are alarming,” Children’s Mental Health Director Linda Hall said in a video promoting Children’s Mental Health Week.
What do young people want adults to know about youth mental health?
Students may not want adults to come up with solutions for them. Instead, they want adults to listen to them when they’re ready and, importantly, to leave them alone when they need to.
One student also said she wants adults to know that crying and expressing emotions does not mean overreacting to a situation. Emotions are “valid and deserve to be heard.”
Most of all, young people don’t want to be painted with a broad brush. No two young people are the same and each needs a different touch.
But Hall said the bigger point for adults to take action is how they show up, listen and connect with young people.
“Talk to the children you see in your daily life. Reach out and ask how they are doing. “Listen to their answers.” Action is one of the best ways to connect with them,” Hall said.
How do young people help each other?
There are countless ways for young people to meet each other, but communicating directly can make a big difference. Another element is the importance of surrounding yourself with positive friends, which is also a source of strength mantra.
Another type of wisdom comes in the form of unity. As one student said, “You are not alone. Ask people for help!”
And while it is easy to assume that young people’s feelings may be judged, student leaders made it clear that expressing their feelings is more important than fearing judgment.
Strategies for students include “surround yourself with people you feel safe with,” “get a pet,” “dance,” “scroll on your phone,” “go outside and get some fresh air,” and “read the Bible.” It included quotes such as “Read.” ”
Other strategies for young people, especially when feeling anxious, depressed, or lonely, include breathing intentionally, playing casual games, listening to music, watching childhood movies, talking to friends, and going outside. This includes going out, writing in a diary, etc.
7 day action plan
These Children’s Mental Health Agency action plans are for May 5-11 during Children’s Mental Health Week, but can be implemented at any time.
- Sunday: As you reflect on your own journey with mental health and wellness, ask yourself how you have overcome feelings of anxiety, despair, stress, and loneliness in the past.
- Monday: Ask open-ended questions during communication. Increasing your curiosity about other people’s experiences allows you to dig deeper than you would otherwise.
- Tuesday: Practice active listening. Keep in mind how someone is feeling as they describe the day’s events, and try to reflect some of that emotion.
- Wednesday: How does your school, community, or workplace center youth voices and perspectives? What would a youth advisory board look like in the context of your environment?
- Thursday: How do you react when the going gets tough? The Department of Children’s Mental Health encourages participants to learn from youth-led strategies.
- Friday: Share your vulnerability and what you’ve learned from your personal mental health journey with someone you’ve never opened up to before.
- Saturday: Reach out to a young person in your life, whether it’s a neighbor or a family friend. Let them know you are someone they can reach out to.
Natalie Eilbert covers mental health issues for USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin. She welcomes story tips and feedback. She can be reached at the following address: neilbert@gannett.com Or visit her Twitter profile at: @natalie_eilbert. If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988 or text “Hopeline” to the National Crisis Textline at 741-741.
