May is National Mental Health Awareness Month. Since 1949, a month has been dedicated to increasing awareness of mental health issues in children and adults. You can help raise awareness through social media, participating in volunteer opportunities in Utah, and learning about mental health illness. The ultimate goal is to offer support and educate the public about mental health in order to increase public awareness, reduce stigma, and advocate for greater access to mental healthcare in our society.
How You Can Focus On Mental Health Through Mentorship
Children’s mental health includes cognitive, emotional, and behavioral well-being. One in six U.S. youth aged 6-17 experience a mental health disorder each year. ADHD, anxiety, and depression are the most commonly diagnosed mental disorders. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, for teenagers, 15.1% of youth ages 12-17 reported having a depressive episode.
Utah Governor Spencer Cox declared Monday, May 1st, Children’s Mental Health Awareness Day throughout the state. This day will provide attention to Utah’s youngest residents’ mental health and well-being. The Children’s Center Utah stated, “For the third year, a day in May is dedicated to children’s mental health! We invite you to commemorate this day with us and raise awareness of the critical need for additional resources for Utah’s children and families facing mental health challenges..”
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Utah (BBBSU) is committed to the mental and emotional well-being and success of youth throughout Utah by providing mentors for children and teens. According to a youth.gov article, mentorship offers a lens for promoting children’s mental health by focusing on protective factors in their environment.
Many kids face severe mental health issues. Through mentorship, youth struggling with mental illness or facing risk factors can have a consistent, caring friend. A positive role model in a child’s life can positively affect their mental health.
As a mentor in the BBBSU program, you make it easier for a child to open up about their mental health. Once they do, you can take the necessary steps to ensure they receive the help they need. If you are looking for volunteer opportunities in Utah, consider becoming a mentor with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Utah.
How Mentoring Relationships Improve Mental Health For Kids And Adults
Mentorship relationships improve the mental health of both kids and adults. They are highly beneficial connections that can last a lifetime which is a reason to consider looking for volunteer opportunities in Utah like Big Brothers Big Sisters of Utah.
One way that mentorship benefits kids and adults, according to the Department of Education, is identity development. A child who does not know who they are or have a vague sense of self may face mental health issues. The same goes for adults.
Adults often have more life experience and a stronger self-identity than children. The adult can use the experience to help the mentee discover their identity, self-worth, and potential. Mentoring relationships also affect lifestyle choices. Mentors can offer guidance that helps the kids make more positive choices, causing them to partake in less risky behaviors and improve their mental health.
For further information on becoming a role model and Big to a local youth, visit https://bbbsu.org/be-a-mentor/.
