Higher levels of resilience are linked to lower instances of mental health problems, so it tracks that building resilience is an incredibly important undertaking. Working on resilience from a young age can help improve how kids grow and cope, and there are many ways to do so:

1. Social-Emotional Skills
   Social-emotional skills are a vital part of building resilience. Learning about emotions and how to process them from an early age can help young people empathize, problem-solve and self-regulate. It can start from the beginning, with books and play utilizing age-appropriate explanations that inform and teach as they grow. For older children and teenagers, understanding the biology of human emotion and how the brain and body work together can bring it all together. As they learn the purpose and outcomes of things like goal setting, self-regulation techniques and open communication, students of any age can improve their emotional intelligence, their understanding of themselves and of those around them.
2. Positive Self-Talk
   Instead of ruminating in a cycle of doubt and negative-self talk, encourage a more positive reframing. Instead of negative thoughts, teach how to replace them with positive, empowering statements. Affirmations can help here, with the repeated messaging eventually overtaking the negative internal dialogue.
3. Supportive Learning Environments
   Anywhere a student spends an extensive amount of time – the classroom, their home, at practice – should be a supportive, welcoming atmosphere. When expectations are clear, a routine is set and communication is encouraged, students will feel safer and more comfortable being themselves.
4. Practical Strategies
   Teach, practice and implement practical strategies that help students achieve the goals they set out to achieve. Model what it means to break a large goal into smaller steps, celebrating each bit of progress and evaluating failures instead of allowing them to dictate the next step. By showing ways to move through challenges, you’re teaching resilience, patience and problem-solving.
5. Communication
   Young people may find it hard to relate to others on principle. Make sure the students in your life know you are available, nonjudgemental and trustworthy. Provide open lines of communication in a variety of ways that invite open dialogue and honesty. This may look like a weekly check-in, a text line, a casual conversation, or anything in between. Just knowing that someone is available can be enough to ease worries for the time being.

The signs a student is struggling with mental health are the same as an adult who is struggling. They can be dismissed as stereotypical teenage behaviors, but it’s important to watch closely at what the youth of today are going through. These are traditional signs someone is going through a mental health situation:

• Persistent sadness
• Feelings of hopelessness
• Loss of interest in things
• Difficulty concentrating
• Excessive worry or stress
• Changes in sleep or eating habits
• Anger, irritability and restlessness
• Mood swings
• Unexplained physical symptoms
• Talk or thoughts of self-harm and/or suicide

Once you notice changes in your child or teen’s behavior, it’s time to have a conversation with them. Be calm, comforting and compassionate as you let them know you’re there for them and offer helpful suggestions. Encourage healthy habits and consider seeking professional help.

Therapy is helpful for people of any age, working to identify specific mental health concerns, establish triggers, manage emotions and improve coping skills. Sillon Wellness is proud to offer a large team of licensed therapists that use evidence-based treatments to help people work through their problems to come out on the other side.