Masters of Mental Health

Many young people are in distress, we heard on the World Day of Mental Health. This year was dedicated to young people.

But what is mental health anyway?

The psychologist Niki Jakol from the Velenje Health Center says that we could also say »emotional health«. This consists of well-being, successful overcoming of problems and satisfaction with oneself.

She has 10 tips on how children and young people can become a mental health master:

1. Get enough sleep each night (10 hours for children aged 12 years or less, and 8 hours for those older).
2. Move! Every day move and be physically active for at least an hour.
3. Take care to get healthy food.
4. Hang out with friends, classmates and relatives. Do something fun together!
5. Talk about your problems.
6. Do things that make you happy. Think about what sets you free, makes you, what you enjoy.
7. Be kind to yourself as you would talk to your best friend. When you’re successful, you can be proud. When you are not, do not forget to learn from mistakes.
8.  When you feel emotion, anger, or disappointment, try to express them. You can talk to someone, record them in a diary, draw, or dance.
9. Make a lot of time each day for activities without a cell phone, tablet or computer.
10. Also encourage others to take care of their mental health.

With regular attention, the psychologist’s advice certainly helps.

If you think this won’t work for you, clinical psychologist from Velenje Health Center Maša Naraločnik Sinur suggests:

Sometimes it can be helpful if you talk to your friends.

Parents can be very understanding.

If neither your friends nor family listens to you, talk to your friends counsellor or call Tom telephone on 116 111. You can also talk to your doctor. If they won’t be able to help you, they will at least tell you where to go for help.

Take care of yourself!

Points to Consider

1. Do you take care of your health?
2. What about your mental health?
3. How would you help a friend in need?

***

The original version of this article was published on October 11th.

English translation courtesy of JL Flanner, Total Slovenia News, an English language website with news from and about Slovenia.