Ways to Care for a Young Person in 2019

The New Year brings with it a feeling of a fresh start and new opportunities. But for young people struggling with mental illness, fresh starts and new opportunities can feel far out of reach. 

New Zealand has some of the worst statistics when it comes to young people regarding mental health and youth suicide. In the face of such scary statistics it's easy to feel powerless and overwhelmed, especially if you know a young person struggling with depression, anxiety or self-harm.

There are an increasing number of social services available offering cures for mental health. We believe these services are helpful, and counseling is powerful. A young person needs these services to go hand in hand with relationships within their world like an uncle, aunt, grandparent, neighbour, or older cousin, who can take them to their counseling session and grab an ice cream with them on the way home. 

In order to be successful, a young person needs 6 significant adults in their life (other than their parents) who love them, care about them, and think the world of them. No matter your age, never underestimate the positive influence you can have in the life of a young person simply by being present and letting them know that you care about them. This reminds us of an old African proverb, it takes a village to raise a child.

As you think about the coming New Year and New Year's resolutions that come with it, think about a young person in your life, and how you might begin to care for them more in 2019.

Take them out to a cafe or for ice cream.
Ask them about the highlight and lowlight of their week.
Give them a phone call or send them a card on their birthday.
Write them letters that remind them of good qualities you see in them.
Go to their sports games and dance shows and music recitals.

It's the little things that often make a big difference.

We'll spend the next few weeks looking at ways we can be significant adults. Make sure you're signed up for our weekly emails, or like us on Facebook to be a part of the conversation.