What is Mental Health?
Mental health involves caring for your emotions and thoughts, similar to how you maintain your physical health through diet and exercise. It encompasses experiencing happiness, tranquility, and navigating life’s fluctuations. At times, we may require support from family, friends, or professionals to keep our minds healthy, akin to seeking assistance when we are physically unwell.
Why is Mental Health for Kids Important?
Children with good mental health feel loved, safe and secure in their environments. They also feel happy and positive about themselves most of the time. They’re kind to themselves during tough times or when things don’t go the way they expect. This means they feel OK about trying new or challenging things.
“You, yourself, as much as anybody in the entire universe, deserve your love and affection.”
– Buddha
When you spread your happy emotions with others, that is a healthy way to express them. You are being kind and spreading joy.
Sharing your comfortable emotions with others is kind and you can brighten someone’s day. When we have uncomfortable emotions, we often do not know what to do with them.
Sometimes, we do not feel very kind when we have uncomfortable feelings. It is okay that you are feeling those emotions, but it is not okay to hurt yourself or others. We just need to work through them in a positive way. Think of some activities which help you to feel better. There are positive ways to deal with your emotions, such as:
- Go for a walk
- Take a break
- Color
- Draw
- Play a game
- Play with a friend, pet, toys, or sibling
- Cry
- Take some deep, slow breaths
- Talk to someone you trust
- Read a book
- Play a sport
- Go outside
Parents, check out our RESOURCES page for more information.
Mental Health Disclaimer – The contents of this site is for informational purposes only. The information presented by this program is not an attempt by Troop 1582 (nor Girl Scouts of the USA) to practice medicine or to give specific medical advice, including, without limitation, advice concerning the topic of mental health. Therefore, the information from this program should not replace consultation with your doctor or other qualified mental health providers and/or specialists. If you believe you or another individual is suffering a mental health crisis or other medical emergency, contact your doctor immediately, seek medical attention immediately in an emergency room, or call 911 or 988 (the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline).