Our kids
In the seemingly carefree world of social media, friends, and commitments, many young people carry an invisible burden: mental health issues. It is a silent fight that is often overlooked, but its impact is deep and far-reaching. Do you remember what it was like without your phone? How you used to play outside in primary school? Although it may sound cliché, making real contact, such as spending a night playing games or philosophizing with others, is becoming increasingly rare.
The pressure of performance culture
Young people are growing up in a world where performance is paramount. Whether it's academics, sports, arts, or social status, expectations are high and competition is intense. Bullying or threatening via social media can appear in your life without warning, even without conflict. Constant pressure to perform and not make mistakes can lead to stress, anxiety, and even depression. It's crucial to recognize that not all successes are visible and that failure is a normal and educational part of life.
Social media and self image
While social media connects us to the world, it can also be a toxic breeding ground for unrealistic expectations and comparisons. Young people are exposed to a constant stream of filtered successes and perfection, which can undermine their self-esteem and self-confidence. It's important to promote a healthy relationship with social media and encourage young people to accept themselves as they are. But how often do we actually sit on our phones? This may be a “practice what you preach” situation. Set aside time for your kids without a phone.
Lack of understanding and support
Mental health issues are often overlooked or downplayed because they are not always physically visible. It's important to break the stigma around mental health and have an open conversation. It can be difficult for parents to determine whether a child is going through puberty or struggling with other problems. Let your child know you're there for them.
The importance of self-care and empathy
Promoting self-care is essential for young people. They must learn to listen to their own needs and set limits to maintain a healthy balance. Empathy is also a powerful tool. By listening and understanding, we can make young people feel that they are not alone. The part of self-care has become more accessible in recent years. While it's important to promote perseverance, young people should also learn that it's okay to ask for help when needed.
Fear of judgment
People who don't listen to themselves may fear self-reflection because of possible confrontations with uncomfortable truths or self-judgment. A lack of confidence in one's own abilities and decision-making can result in ignoring the inner voice. They can't take themselves seriously or believe that their own intuition and wisdom are valuable.
Loss of identity
By constantly following external signals and ignoring the inner voice, a person can lose touch with their true self. This can lead to confusion about personal values and goals. It is clear that mental health among young people is a complex and urgent problem. As a society, we need to work together to reduce pressure, increase understanding and provide support. Try talking to your kids about the benefits of communicating. Some children don't want to talk but will see that talking enlightens.
Building trust among young people
Especially when it comes to mental health issues, a careful and empathetic approach is required. Here are some ways to build a relationship of trust:
- Active Listening: Listen sincerely to what young people have to say. Give full attention, don't interrupt, and show understanding for their feelings.
- Showing Empathy: Show that you take their experiences seriously without judging. Young people can be reluctant to share their feelings if they fear condemnation.
- Consistency: Reliability is key to building trust. When you say you'll be there, make sure you're there.
- Respect Privacy: Let young people know that what they share with you remains confidential unless there is immediate danger to themselves or others.
Show your own vulnerability
Be prepared to be vulnerable yourself. This doesn't mean sharing your own problems, but showing humanity and understanding life's challenges can create a sense of belonging. When your child sees you as a powerful parent, it can sometimes seem like you're not acknowledging their problems. Show that you also make mistakes and that not everything is perfect all the time.
Making decisions together
Give young people a voice in their care and treat them as equals in the process of finding solutions. Build a ground of trust gradually. Showing consistency in your support is essential. Building trust is an ongoing process and requires patience and dedication.
Encouraging self-care and stress management
Supporting young people with mental health problems is an ongoing process. By making a common effort and fostering a culture of understanding and care, we can make a positive change in the wellbeing of young people. It's important to recognize where you've made mistakes yourself. If they name them, that may sound ridiculous to you, but it's a small effort to admit that. This can make a child feel heard and seen.
The children are not only important to us, but also to the future. The more they stay on their own path, the more we can learn from them again. We need to realize that the world can be a lot darker for young people now than it was for the previous generation. With the right help, support, and empathy, we can help them get through this.
A bad home situation can be just as harmful as a perfect home situation where a child does not have the space to develop.