World Teen Mental Wellness Day, March 2, aims to raise greater awareness of mental health issues among teens, as well as provide education about removing stigmas surrounding preventative mental health.

Mental Health covers a lot of areas, including emotional, psychological, and social well-being. Our mental health affects how we feel and act and helps to determine how we handle stress, relate to others, and make choices.

You can find out more about World Teen Mental Wellness Day and how to recognize it through The Hollister Confidence Project, a program that encourages teens to be comfortable in their own skin and the project encourages others to spread the message to their friends and community (www.informnny.com).

For the first 12,000 public posts on Instagram or Twitter using the hashtag #WorldTeenMentalWellnessDay, $1 will be donated to the Hollister Confidence Project. This is all being supported by Abercrombie & Fitch and BC2M, according to www.globenewswire.com, in an effort to remove stigmas associated with mental health.

According to www.globenewswire.com, Gen Z has the worst mental health wellness of any generation. Reportedly, 91% of teens are stressed about school, family, friends, health, and money. Nearly two-thirds of Gen Z say they want to achieve a better and happier life, which includes a stronger health care routine. Mental health, according to 94% of the responders, is considered very important to their well-being.

Puberty also plays a massive role into mental health. According to theconversation.com (https://rb.gy/zcweqc), “puberty has long been recognised as a transition point in which many emotional and behavior problems emerge. These include depression and anxiety, substance use and abuse, self-harm and eating disorders.”

Having strong mental awareness helps prevent later mental health conditions, supports a solid family structure, promotes a more productive economy, and more.

Mental wellness can be enhanced through a variety of methods. Exercising, meditating, and listening to music can all help ease the stresses of the pandemic.

While it may be difficult to recognize the power that is in your own hands when it comes to positive mental health, there are things you can do to support your own mental health on World Teen Mental Wellness Day.

• Ask for help when dealing with a mental health issue
• Live a healthy lifestyle that helps keep your mind balanced
• Study and practice different coping skills for managing mental health
• Surround yourself with people that are healthy

If you are struggling with Mental Wellness and need someone to talk to, feel free to contact Solano Behavioral Health at 707-784-8539.