World Teen Mental Wellness Day: History & How to Participate

World Teen Mental Wellness Day 2022 is on Wednesday, March 2nd, and our Florida mental health rehab is doing what we can to show support. World Teen Mental Wellness Day is a day that aims to raise awareness concerning mental illness among teens and young adults as well as provide education that breaks down the stigma surrounding mental illness. Now, more than ever, mental illness in young adults and teens is on the rise, and the future of our world needs our help. Whether you or someone you know struggles with mental illness, here’s a backstory of Teen Mental Health Awareness Day and how to participate.

History of World Teen Mental Wellness Day

First created by the clothing chain Hollister, World Teen Mental Health Awareness Day was the first day of its kind dedicated to mental illness among the teen demographic. Mental health refers to the state of well-being in which one realizes his or her abilities, can cope with the normal stressors of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and can contribute to his or her community.1 Although the exact origin of mental health is unknown, it’s been around for centuries, and even some mental health disorders were considered the work of supernatural forces in certain religions and cultures.

Although science has thankfully evolved since then, and the topic of mental illness is better understood and recognized in today’s society, this hasn’t stopped the stigma and prejudice that often follows delicate and life-changing conditions like depression, anxiety, OCD, and others. Despite the many strides we’ve taken in the field of psychology and understanding mental health, there’s still much to learn.

Even for those who do not have a mental illness, mental health is crucial, specifically referring to overall emotional well-being, the ability to live a full life, and the flexibility to manage whatever life throws at them. Considering this, the teen demographic is among the most impacted by mental illness.

World Teen Mental Wellness Day encourages important conversations about mental illness, which many people fail to understand. Many are unaware of the prevalence of mental health disorders among teens and adolescents, and the stigma associated with disorders like depression and anxiety can discourage them from asking for help. Teenage mental health awareness day in March encourages open conversation and awareness concerning mental illness among teens all across the globe.

Common Signs of Mental Illness in Teens

Did you know that 7.1% (4.4 million) of children in the United States ages 3 to 17 years have been diagnosed with anxiety, and 3.2% (1.9 million) have been diagnosed with depression?2 Without treatment, many of these children grow up to become teens with mental health disorders. According to the World Health Organization, one in seven 10 to 19-year-olds suffers from mental illness, with behavioral and anxiety disorders leading causes of illness and disability among adolescence._3>/sub>

As a result of this rise in teen mental illness, suicide is the fourth leading cause of death among 15 to 19-year-olds.3 If not treated, mental health disorders may progress into the adult years. If this occurs, Banyan can help. If you or a loved one are struggling and are over 18 our treatment center in Boca Raton, Florida, encourages you to receive mental health care for yourself or a loved one

Because early detection is important when it comes to catching mental illness early, our facility is also sharing some common signs of mental illness in teens that can help you spot it before it’s too late:

Excessive worrying or fear
Feeling excessively sad or low
Sleeping too much or not enough
Change in energy level
Mood swings
Emotional outbursts
Avoiding friends and social activities
Decreased interest in activities once enjoyed
Changes in appetite
Suicidal ideation or talking about death frequently
New onset of guilt or shame
Changes in concentration
Impaired performance at school
Inability to perceive changes in one’s own feelings, behavior, or personality (”lack of insight” or anosognosia)
Hyperactive behavior
Frequent nightmares
Frequent disobedience or aggression

Although our Boca Raton Banyan rehab only offers mental health treatment for adults ages 18 and older, we can provide you with resources to guide you in the right direction. If you’re an adult with mental illness or know someone who is, we offer inpatient mental health treatment for various disorders, including depression, anxiety, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and more.

Ways to Participate in World Teen Mental Wellness Day

Remember that mental illness is more common than you know. These disorders are usually surrounded by stigma and prejudice mainly because they’re not always outwardly obvious. However, keep in mind that we lose thousands of people to suicide every year, stigmas are harmful, and prevention is possible. With that in mind, below are some ways you can participate in World Teen Mental Wellness Day.

Show yourself love: Being a teenager is difficult enough. Add a worldwide pandemic to the mix, and it’s understandable for anyone to get emotionally overwhelmed. Take time out of your day to show yourself kindness and engage in activities like meditation, yoga, reading, and journaling to get to know your mind and decompress on stressful days.
Join the movement: Hollister Co. created World Teen Mental Wellness Day as part of their Hollister Confidence Project, which aims to stand by and help teenagers with mental health disorders. Find out how you can support the movement and use the hashtag #WorldTeenMentalWellnessDay for your social media posts.
Reach out to teens: If you know any teens, check in on them frequently. Sometimes people just need someone to talk to and confide in, and simply asking how someone’s day is going or reminding them that you’re around can make a huge difference. If their situation seems concerning, maybe let a family member know. In any case of emergency or immediate threat, call 911.
Get help for yourself: If you’re a teen who’s struggling with their mental health, don’t hesitate to reach out for help. There is no shame in getting therapy or seeking professional guidance. Go to your doctor and talk to them about your symptoms so they can diagnose you properly and create a treatment plan that meets your needs.

If you or someone you know needs help now, you should immediately call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 or call 9-1-1.

Remember that you are loved and important. If you or someone you care about needs a mental health program, don’t wait to get help. Contact Banyan Treatment Centers in Boca at 888-280-4763 to find out about our adult mental health services and how we can guide you in the right direction.

Sources:
1. WHO - Mental health: strengthening our response
2. CDC - Data and Statistics on Children's Mental Health
3. WHO - Adolescent mental health