Key To A Better Future for Adolescents

Key To A Better Future for Adolescents

K is for Key for #BlogchatterA2Z – Key To A Better Future for Adolescents. India has over 1.4 billion people, with 253 million between 10-19. This young India is a demographic asset, but the mental health of these youths is often overlooked. There is an urgent need to focus on youth mental health in India. Globally, there is an awareness of youth health, yet we do not give mental health any importance in India. Adolescence is tough, and we need better support systems.

Here is a list of activities adolescents can adopt for holistic well-being:

Regular exercise: Walk, cycle, swim, gym, yoga or any sport

Healthy and nourishing diet

Good night’s sleep

Avoid caffeine as it escalates anxiety and frustration.

Practice positive affirmations regularly – I love myself, I love my body I am good, I am abundant, and I can face any problems.

Learn good manners. Use the magic words like “please,” “thank you,” and “sorry.”

Develop discipline and dedication and overcome delaying.

Avoid negative talk and a toxic environment.

Learn to appreciate yourself and let go of the guilt.

Be happy and stop judging yourself.

Play an instrument, listen to music, read, talk to positive people, or get a pet.

Begin keeping a journal and doodling

Regular journaling helps teenagers develop better thinking abilities and concentration. It is a self-help practice for mental healthcare of any age group.

A teenager’s confidence and self-esteem depend on their emotional well-being. The Indian government’s mental healthcare program aims to increase awareness. It also offers a round-the-clock phone support system.

Understanding Teen Mental Health in India

Indian parents have to move out of their comfort zones and understand the magnitude of the mental health of teenagers. They need to understand the psyche of their teenagers and adopt a modern parenting style.

Parents have to stop using judgemental language or comparing siblings or peers.

Steps needed to follow to have good mental health as a teenager and prevent mental health conditions:

Pranayama and meditation

Our ancient practices of Yoga and Pranayama in India are the best for stress management. My grandsons have a yoga class at Guadalajara, Mexico but in India, it is still not on the cards.

Some of the breathing exercises for the mental healthcare of teenagers in India are:

Humming bee exercise (bhrahmari pranayama)

Alternate nostril breathing exercise (Nadi shodhan pranayama)

Sudarshan kriya

OM Chanting

Join Community Groups with shared Interests

Being part of a group with like-minded people, engage in community activities is beneficial for mental well-being. Helping others, whether people or animals, releases dopamine that relaxes the mind and nerves.

Points to Remember for Parents and Adults

Helping with mental health isn’t a quick solution. Parents should be open about anything their teenager wants to talk about. There should not be a blame game or try to justify things. Struggling teens need parents to show love and support.

It’s key for Indian parents and adults to take the mental health of teenagers seriously. There should be no shame if their teenagers are struggling mentally. Equal importance needs to be given to mental health as to physical health issues. Let’s work together to end taboos and make mental health a public health priority.