In recent years, mental health and its impact have taken center stage. For teenagers, things like school work, extracurriculars, and college applications are interchangeable with the word “stress.” The pandemic exacerbated stress levels as students were forced to mesh their school life with their home life. That is why it is important to be not only physically healthy but mentally healthy as well.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, “Mental health includes our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how we think, feel, and act. It also helps determine how we handle stress, relate to others, and make healthy choices.” (https://bit.ly/3HZh5Uo) Good mental health is key to preventing chronic diseases and conditions like stroke, cancer, and heart disease. However, mental health and illnesses are commonly stigmatized and downplayed, which makes it difficult for teenagers to find adequate resources and seek the help they need.

Hollister Co.—yes, the clothing company—realized this when they founded World Teen Mental Wellness Day in 2020. It is celebrated annually on March 2. To spread the word, use #WorldTeenMentalWellnessDay and #TeenMentalWellnessDay.

Additional Resources For Teens:

• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 800-273-8255
• Crisis Text Line: 741741
• The Trevor Project: 866-488-7386
• Trans Lifeline: -877-565-8860
• The National Runaway Safeline: 800-786-2929
• S. National Domestic Violence Hotline: 800-799-7233
• Rape Abuse and Incest National Network (RAINN): 800-656-4673