March 2nd is World Teen Mental Wellness Day, dedicated to promoting the physical, mental, emotional, and social wellbeing of teens. More than ever, teens are facing unique challenges that challenge mental wellbeing, including academic pressure, social media, cyberbullying, mental health stigma, and uncertainty for the future. Thus, World Teen Mental Wellness Day celebrates mental health awareness, education, and the importance of providing tangible and present support to teens.

Anxiety, depression, and suicide rates are increasingly common among teenagers; however, it can be difficult to reach out and seek support. We can help support our teens by hosting and encouraging open conversations about mental health, making mental health resources readily available, creating a healthy perspective on therapy and counseling, and creating safe spaces for dialogue about mental struggles in our families, schools, and communities.

Sometimes, a teen finds it easier to confide in a friend. It’s important to recognize that some of teenagers’ biggest supporters and advocates are friends. However, it can be scary to navigate a friend’s mental health crisis alone. Teens can help their friends by checking in regularly, sharing and promoting beneficial mental health resources through social media, and leaning on the support of trusted adults and mental health professionals for help and advice.

Today, we encourage you to make an impact! Whether that’s checking in with a friend, sharing a mental health resource on social media, or starting a conversation about mental health with your family or friends, every small action creates change. By fostering open dialogue, we can reduce stigma surrounding mental health and empower teens for a brighter tomorrow.