Mental health is something we all have. Just like our physical health, it can change over time and be influenced by our experiences, relationships and environment. Yet despite growing awareness, mental health is still often misunderstood.
Many people associate mental health solely with mental illness, but the two are not the same. Mental health refers to our overall emotional, psychological and social wellbeing. It affects how we think, feel, cope with challenges, build relationships and make decisions. Everyone has mental health, regardless of whether they have a diagnosed mental health condition.
For young people, maintaining good mental health is an important part of healthy development. Adolescence and early adulthood bring significant physical, emotional and social changes, alongside increasing responsibilities and expectations. Navigating friendships, education, family life and future aspirations can feel exciting, but also overwhelming at times.
It’s completely normal for young people to experience periods of stress, worry or sadness. These emotions are part of life and help us build resilience. However, when difficult feelings become persistent, begin affecting daily life or make it hard to cope with everyday responsibilities, additional support may be needed.
Looking after mental health
Looking after mental health isn’t about avoiding difficult emotions. Instead, it’s about developing healthy habits that help young people manage life’s challenges and recover from setbacks.
One of the most important foundations of good mental health is sleep. Quality sleep supports emotional regulation, concentration, learning and physical wellbeing. Encouraging a consistent bedtime routine and reducing screen use before bed can help improve both sleep quality and overall wellbeing.
Physical activity also plays a vital role. Regular movement, whether through sport, walking, dancing or simply spending time outdoors, has been shown to reduce stress, improve mood and increase confidence.
Strong relationships are equally important. Feeling connected to family, friends and trusted adults gives young people a sense of belonging and emotional security. Creating opportunities for open conversations, shared activities and quality time together can strengthen these relationships.
It’s also important to encourage balance. In today’s digital world, many young people spend significant amounts of time online. While technology offers many benefits, taking regular breaks from screens and making time for hobbies, creativity and face-to-face connection can support emotional wellbeing.
How parents can help
Parents play one of the most important roles in supporting their young person’s mental health.
Creating a home where emotions can be discussed openly helps young people feel safe to share when they’re struggling. Rather than trying to immediately solve every problem, listening with empathy and curiosity often helps them feel understood.
Parents can also model healthy habits by looking after their own wellbeing, demonstrating positive ways to manage stress and showing that asking for support is a sign of strength, not weakness.
It’s equally important to recognise when changes persist. If your young person becomes increasingly withdrawn, loses interest in activities they once enjoyed, experiences ongoing changes in sleep or appetite, or seems unable to cope with daily life, it may be appropriate to seek advice from a healthcare professional.
Every day matters
Looking after mental health isn’t something we only do during difficult times—it’s something we can nurture every day through healthy routines, supportive relationships and open communication.
