Mental Health and Well-Being Blog: May 2021

Teenagers and Mental Health 

For the month of May, we are focusing on the world of teenagers and pre-teens health, including behaviour, communication & relationships, healthy lifestyle, mental & physical health, school and education.

Additional Resources: 

• raisingchildren.net.au provides free, reliable, up-to-date and independent information, including videos, articles and apps. They are funded by the Australian Government, reviewed by experts and non-commercial, so you know you can trust them. Their website has sections specifically designed for pre-teens, teens,  grown-ups, and mental health resources. Designed for busy families and full of tips and tricks for you to try, their content is easy to find and easy to digest. You’ll find the answers to hundreds of parenting questions, where and when you need them. The articles, videos and interactive resources are tailored to different ages and stages, taking you from nurturing a newborn to raising a confident, resilient teen – and helping you to look after yourself as a parent too.

• Browse through our titles at West Gippsland Libraries. We have titles available on raising confident teens, starting high school, managing digital devices and all of the tricky parenting topics.

• Check out this list of the top 10 blogs for parenting teens from Understanding Teenagers. 

• Health Direct has a list of resources for young adults to help manage their mental health. 

• The World Health Organization states that the ‘consequences of not addressing adolescent mental health conditions extend to adulthood, impairing both physical and mental health and limiting opportunities to lead fulfilling lives as adults’. To read more, please visit their website. 

• Mom Junction has a list of 27 Team Building Games and Activities for Teenagers. While the teens may roll their eyes, team building activities are a fun way to let your teen learn the most basic interpersonal skills needed to survive in a team, along with helping them to develop critical thinking and leadership skills, build relationships and sharpen their communication skills! 

• Did you know that 9 out of 10 teens aren’t doing enough physical activity? This article from ABC News has ideas from experts with ways to reduce screen time and support your teen to become more active. 

• The Royal Melbourne Children’s Hospital has a helpful list of podcasts and resources that focus on the impact COVID19 has had on the mental health and well-being of teenagers and young people. 

If you or your teen are in distress, please seek help from your medical provider or one of the support services listed here (source: Reach Out.com)