Mental health challenges, such as anxiety, depression, and mood disorders, often start in childhood. Early prevention efforts can lower the chance that these challenges become severe while promoting resilience and healthy development.
Prevention includes:
- Encouraging supportive environments
- Teaching coping skills and addressing challenges early
- Building strong, positive relationships at home, school, and within the community to create a sense of belonging and safety for young people.
- Promoting emotional intelligence and resilience through programs that teach problem-solving, stress management, and self-awareness
- Providing access to mental health resources, such as counseling services and school-based programs
- Creating a culture of support with reduced stigma around mental health and open communication about emotions to normalize seeking help