Positive mental health
In this info sheet
Too often, people associate mental health with mental health disorders. But did you know “mental health” is something we all have? And did you know we have the power to influence it?
During adolescence, teens experience a wide range of intense emotions, which sometimes make them seem unstable. Their mental health can have ups and downs.
As a parent, you can help them take care of their mental health.
To better understand
What does having positive mental health mean?
Having positive mental health means generally feeling good! Feeling good enough to face life’s challenges and participate in activities. Feeling good enough to thrive in different areas of life: family, school, work, friendships, hobbies and more. It also means, quite simply, enjoying life on a daily basis!
Mental health and physical health go hand in hand. When you improve your physical health, you also improve your mental health. And when you improve your mental health, your energy levels and overall well-being improve, too!
It is natural to go through periods of stress, anger, despondency, or sadness. And adolescence is a period that requires a lot of energy and adaptation from both teens and parents.
What things influence teens’ mental health?
Resilience is a key component of positive mental health. Being resilient means having the personal and social resources to overcome challenges while staying balanced. This includes:
- Being able to manage your emotions;
- Acquiring self-knowledge;
- Maintaining healthy lifestyle habits.
To find out more about personal and social resources (or skills), visit the Social skills page.
A teen’s mental health is also influenced by the support they receive from those around them. While friends play an important role, the support they get from their parents is just as essential.
Finally, life experiences also have an impact on mental health. For example:
- Feeling safe at school;
- Having access to enjoyable leisure activities and new opportunities;
- Engaging in activities that promote personal growth and self-discovery, such as volunteering or a job, etc.
It’s important to remember that the teen years come with a lot of upheaval and intense emotions. Don’t be alarmed if your teen experiences ups and downs. But if you notice changes in their behaviour that last for several weeks, there are resources available to help you decide whether to be worried and seek support. Examples of worrying changes include:
- Quitting activities they usually enjoy;
- Isolating themselves;
- Eating less than usual;
- Sleeping a lot more or less than usual.
If your teen is talking about death and dying, take it seriously. Call your local suicide prevention centre (1-866-APPELLE) for guidance and support.
To better support
Communication
- Reach out to your teen, while respecting their need for privacy and the fact they might not want to tell you everything. Let your teen know as often as possible that you’re open to talking.
- Use indirect communication when dealing with more sensitive topics. For example, you can get the conversation started by bringing up a movie, a current event, or a character from a favourite show.
- Listen to what your teen is going through, ask questions,and normalize their emotions and doubts.
- Give your teen information about what they’re going through, by talking to them directly or recommending a book or a website.
Supervision/Guidance
- Accept that your teen will make mistakes; these are learning opportunities.
- Agree on rules for a sleep schedule.
- Take time to get to know their friends and show an interest in them.
Support
- Encourage your teen’s efforts. Celebrate their wins and achievements. Tell them you believe in them.
- Help your teen come up with solutions to problems on their own.
- Encourage your teen to pursue interests outside of the home, spend time with friends, have hobbies, exercise, and participate in activities.
- Let your teen know it’s okay to ask for help if they’re having a hard time. Offer your support.
At home
- Make sure each family member has their own space.
- Agree that each family member should be allowed to be themselves.
- Pay attention to your own lifestyle habits and how you handle conflicts and challenges. You are a role model for your teen. Try to act in the same way you’d like them to act.
- Make sure to plan fun times together—and time away from screens.
In brief
If you want to have good mental health, you need to take care of it!
Ressources et outils pratiques
For support
General resources
If you are concerned about a situation, do not hesitate to reach out to a support worker or a healthcare professional:
To learn more
Books and websites for teens:
- Ça roule by Danie Beaulieu, Québecor (French only)
- Stress N’ Go
- Youth In Mind Foundation
Books and websites for parents:
- Hors-Piste – Centre RBC (French only)
- Mouvement Santé mentale Québec (French only)
- Guide info-famille du CHU Ste-Justine (French only)
- La santé mentale des enfants et adolescents : comment la préserver et l’améliorer by Yvon Labbé, Éditions chez Béliveau Éditeur (French only)
- Par amour du stress by Sonia Lupien, Éditions Va Savoir (French only)
References
Institut national de santé publique du Québec. (2024, 26 juin). Promotion de la santé mentale et prévention des troubles anxieux.
Julien, D. (2021). Quels sont les liens entre un environnement social favorable et la santé mentale positive des jeunes? Résultats d’une enquête auprès des élèves du secondaire du Québec (publication no. 69). Institut de la Statistique du Québec.
This info sheet has been written in collaboration with:
Élise Cadieux-Lynch, Social worker and partnership liaison officer, Aire ouverte Brossard, CISSS de la Montérégie-Centre
Émilie St-Onge, Planning, programming and research agent, Programme national de prévention des troubles anxieux Hors-Piste, CISSS de la Montérégie-Centre
Latest updates: december 2024
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