For many people, January can feel like a fresh start and a chance to start anew. When routines finally begin to get back into place, it is an opportune time for youth, families, and educators to check in on mental well being. Feeling anxious, stressed, or overwhelmed is more common than many individuals realize, and it is completely understandable. The good news is that supportive resources and caring guidance are readily available.
January is also recognized as Mental Wellness Month, a time that focuses on the small, everyday choices that support emotional well being. For young people, this can include learning how to notice feelings early, finding safe ways to talk about stress, and building habits that help the mind feel calmer over time. Mental Wellness Month is not about having everything figured out. It is about reminding youth that their feelings matter and that support is available before things start to feel overwhelming. Learn more about Mental Wellness Month and why it matters here.
Small steps really can make a meaningful change for a child looking for ways to calm anxiety, a family searching for mental health support, or an educator hoping to strengthen mental health awareness.
Why Youth Mental Health Matters
The statistics don’t lie. It’s been found that around 1 in 5 adolescents experience symptoms of anxiety or depression. While this number is high, many of them never receive the support they need. (kff.org) Truth be told, mental health challenges are very common, and feeling overwhelmed does not mean someone is failing.
Simple Strategies to Support Mental Well Being
Even small, steady habits can show noticeable improvements. Mental Health America (MHA) recommends several simple yet practical approaches that are easy to try both at home or even in the classroom:
- Move the Body: Physical activity has been known to naturally reduce stress and can boost overall mood. Things like a short walk, dancing around the living room, or stretching between tasks can make a difference.
- Breathe: Slow and intentional breathing can help calm a racing mind. A simple rhythm of inhaling for four counts and exhaling for six can help thoughts settle.
- Prioritize Sleep: Regular and consistent rest supports focus, emotional balance, and overall mental well being. Maintaining predictable bedtime routines can be incredibly helpful for teens and adolescents.
- Connect: Spending quality time with friends, mentors, trusted adults, or peers reminds youth they are not alone. Connection is shown to reduce feelings of isolation and grow a sense of belonging.
- Practice Mindfulness: Mindful moments do not have to be long and thought provoking. Paying attention to various sounds in the room, noticing how the body feels, or giving full attention to a small task can help the mind slow down.
- Express Creativity: Art, music, writing, and other creative outlets give youth safe ways to dive deeper into their emotions and release stress.
- Set Small Goals: Setting achievable short term goals builds confidence and gives youth a sense of control while facing stressful situations.
Programs That Offer Ongoing Support
Western Youth Services provides programs that intertwine skill building with personal connection for youth, families, and educators:
- Therapeutic Counseling: Supports youth as they look inward at their emotions, practice coping strategies, and strengthen resilience in a caring and safe environment.
- Group Workshops: Encourage positive peer connection, emotional regulation, and problem solving skills through shared learning/activities.
- Family Support Sessions: These sessions promote healthy communication and stronger relationships at home, which can lead to a stable foundation for youth.
These programs give young people a chance to learn new strategies with trained professionals and develop lasting techniques to aid in mental health support.
Resources for Extra Support
When challenges start to feel a bit too big to manage alone, there are many places to turn:
- 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline – Call or text 988 for immediate support.
- National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) – Provides education, peer support groups, and additional guidance.
- Crisis Text Line – Text HOME to 741741 at any time, day or night.
- Western Youth Services Programs – Find therapy, workshops, and family services at www.westernyouthservices.org
These resources raise mental health awareness and ensure that youth, families, and educators have the support they need during difficult moments.
Checking in on mental well being is a sign of strength. Small actions such as a mindful breath, a conversation with a trusted adult, or taking the first step toward help can lead to lasting change.
This new year, Western Youth Services encourages youth, families, and educators to focus on simple daily habits, take advantage of supportive resources. Even small steps can lead to a calmer mind and a brighter year ahead.
Sources:
- https://www.betterhelp.com/advice/current-events/january-is-mental-wellness-month-ways-to-prioritize-your-mental-health/
- https://www.kff.org/covid-19/roughly-1-in-5-adolescents-report-experiencing-symptoms-of-anxiety-or-depression/
- https://mhanational.org/resources/31-tips-to-boost-your-mental-health/
- https://www.westernyouthservices.org/
- https://988lifeline.org/
- https://www.nami.org/
- https://www.crisistextline.org/
