4 Self-Care Tips for Teen Mental Health

Among youth in the United States (6-17 years old), one in six will face a mental health disorder in any given year. Learning how to utilize important self-care tools can help children, teens, and young adults better manage their mental health and wellness. 

While self-care can look different for everyone, here are 4 simple and effective tools that can help teens focus on their mental health - from Shadi Taheran, a Community Health Worker at Mental Health Partners. 

1. Deep breathing 

Deep breathing allows more oxygen to get to your brain, activating the parasympathetic nervous system. This allows your body and brain to feel more relaxed and decreases feelings of stress and anxiety. 

Deep breathing can include: 

Studies have found that exercise reduces feelings of depression and anxiety. This is because exercise increases blood flow to your brain and activates parts of your brain related to mood and motivation.

3. Journaling

Some of the benefits of journaling include: 

• Helping prioritize problems, fears, and concerns 
• Tracking symptoms day-to-day so that you can identify sources of trauma and learn ways to better control them 
• Providing an opportunity for positive self-talk and identifying negative thoughts and behaviors

4. Gratitude 

Research shows that taking moments to find things you are grateful for can reduce stress and increase overall physical and mental health. Learn more about the benefits of gratitude.