One in five adolescents have, or will have, a serious mental illness. 50% of all lifetime cases of mental illness begin by age 14. Beginning mental health and self-care practices early can help promote better mental health in young people.
Many adults who experience mental health struggles showed symptoms as children that were not addressed, according to the National Institute of Mental Health. Some signs in children that may need to be discussed with a health professional are if they often talk about fears/worries, have difficulties making friends, have frequent tantrums, have nightmares or trouble sleeping, or struggle academically, etc.
Other signs in older children that may need to be discussed with a health professional include having low energy, losing interest in what they enjoy, engaging in risky behavior, over-exercising/dieting, substance abuse, isolating themselves, getting too much or too little sleep, etc.
Not every behavior is an indication that there may be a mental health struggle, however the earlier the signs are acknowledged, the more effective treatment can be.
Here at Vikara Village, we aim to provide a safe space for pre-teens and teens to connect with community, make new friends, and learn mind-body techniques they will carry with them throughout their lives. Our out-of-school-time program, Purpose + Peace EBB (Excel Beyond the Bell), is for middle school youth (grades 6-8) to help build a healthy sense of self, community, and belonging through mind-body practices, like movement and art.
Find out more about this program on our Programs page!