May is Mental Health Awareness Month!
May was first declared as Mental Health Awareness Month in 1949. On May 7, 2006, Children’s Mental Health Awareness Day was chosen as a special day during this month to focus on the mental health needs of children and is acknowledged every year. This month, let’s explore the importance of children’s mental health and how essential it is to a child’s healthy development.
Navigating today’s complex world can be tough, especially for girls and teenagers. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), 1 in 6 children or teens today will experience a mental health condition at some time. Parents are advised to be more vigilant than ever to check in on their children. Watch for signs like irritability, disruptions in relationships, changes in school performance, or substance abuse. Those can be signs that your child is struggling with mental illness. It’s also important to have frequent conversations with your children and check in often to make sure they’re doing okay. Having open conversations can be crucial.
Many organizations, including Girl Scouts, are dedicating resources and services to promote and support resilience and positive mental health, building girls’ self-confidence and equipping them with tools to help them cope with challenges and stressors.
“New activities and trainings recently released by Girl Scouts give girls and their families, caregivers, and volunteers the essential tools to support emotional intelligence, mental health and wellness, and to proactively practice self-care,” says Girl Scouts of the Colonial Coast Vice President of Member Engagement Terri Washington.
Designed for girls in 4th to 12th grades, Girl Scouts’ mental wellness patches help girls learn about self-care, build healthy habits, safely explore their feelings, and how to seek support and resources in a safe and intimate setting. Along the way, they learn what mental health is, how to combat stigma, and how to take care of their own mental wellness as they navigate a challenging world.
Washington added, “I’ve seen firsthand how Girl Scouting gives girls long-lasting advantages. Trying new things, exploring the outdoors, forming strong social connections with peers and adults, and having activities to look forward to — these foundational aspects of Girl Scouting are also key components of improving mental health and building girls’ resiliency.”
See for yourself how Girl Scouts are learning to care for their mental wellness; check out the free mental well-being activities and resources at girlscouts.org/mentalwellness and, if you’re not already a member, consider joining this month for a big boost to your mental health!
