Times are Weird: 4 Mental Health Tips for Teens
By: Melissa Lopez, E-File Coordinator
Times are weird right now for everyone, regardless of age. Here are some tips for keeping your Mental Health on track:
1. Limit Social Media
The easiest way to limit social media is to cut down on the time you spend on it. “But TikTok!?” you may ask, and my response will be “TikTok away!” SO, if cutting back on social media time isn’t for you then cut back in different ways. You can temporarily “hide” or “unfollow” people, friends or family who aren’t being the most inspirational or constructive at the moment, but who you don’t want to permanently unfriend. This link will show you how to unfollow people without hurting their feelings (on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook): https://thenextweb.com/basics/2019/01/04/how-to-quietly-ditch-people-you-follow-on-facebook-twitter-and-instagram/
2. Talk to someone
If you feel comfortable, talk to your parents, either about how you’re feeling , or if it’s possible for them to get you to a mental health professional. If you do not feel comfortable reaching out to your parents, maybe reach out to a friend. Most likely your friends may currently be experiencing or have experienced your same feelings, or they’ll just be willing to listen. If parents or friends are not an option you can Live Chat or call the National Suicide Prevention Life line at 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/chat/. For a more local response you can call **ASK (275).
3. Create a schedule
Create a schedule every day when you wake up and make sure you set goals for yourself. Your goals can be as small as “Eat breakfast today” or as big as “Finish my college application”. Also, your schedule doesn’t have to be a productive schedule, again take baby steps if you need to. Throw in a couple hours of binge watching, doing your nails, or playing video games. Just make sure you have a reasonable and attainable goal and go for it!
4. Learn Something New
Maybe take this summer break to learn something new! Learn to play a new socially distanced sport like Frisbee golf, or tennis. You can even do something like learn a new TikTok dance and execute it. You don’t have to post it, just give yourself a job well done for learning it. Follow a makeup tutorial step by step, or put on some Bob Ross and make a million happy little accidents along the way to a beautiful masterpiece. The world is your oyster!
Mental Health Resources for Teens & Young Adults
The National Council on Mental Health
National Allicance on Mental Illness