School’s out for summer! But for some teens, the break can be a time of anxiety and isolation. On “What’s Trending” hosts Jessica Reyes, Patricia Wu, and guest therapist Dr. Jude Black unpack how parents can support their teens’ mental health during Summer break.
Get Outside
Summer is the perfect opportunity for teens to spend time outdoors. Sunlight stimulates the production of mood boosters like serotonin. To get your teens away from their phones, Dr. Jude advises to talk to your teens about what they like to do like camps, outings, or clubs.
Social Connections
With school out, teens might feel isolated without daily interactions with friends, which raises mental health risks like depression and anxiety. Dr. Jude says you can tap into what’s available in your community to keep social connections alive. Maybe it’s churches, volunteer work, or simply having a friend over.
Daily Schedule
Creating a daily schedule can give teens the structure they need to lower anxiety and keep a healthy sleep routine. Dr. Jude says as humans we thrive on structure so it’s important to focus on keeping them active, engaged, and connected. Be sure to learn their language by being present and engaged so you can cherish your moments with them before it passes by.
For more insights from Dr. Jude Black, follow her on Instagram or LinkedIn!
