Today is Bell Let’s Talk day - where we’re encouraged to check in with ours and others mental health, and to talk about it.
This year’s focus is youth mental health, and the Foundry in Terrace - which provides mental health supports to youth - has provided us with some tips for staying mentally healthy in 2025.
- Take time to engage in activities or hobbies that they enjoy, or even learn a new one!
- Connect with loved ones; family and friends who may live far away.
- Take breaks when needed, especially breaks from technology to reduce screen time and foster real-life interactions.
- Spend time in nature. We live in such a beautiful place. Learn about and explore the natural world.
- Create a supportive home environment where young people feel safe to express their feelings and seek help when needed. Foster open communication between youth and guardians.
- Encourage regular physical activity, even a short walk around the block.
- Promote healthy eating habits and hydration.
- Don’t underestimate the importance of adequate sleep; sleep hygiene has a huge impact on mental health.
- Learn about the different support services available to youth and families, both locally and regionally. Foundry services, for example, are available on site in Terrace as well as online anywhere via the Foundry BC App.
- Live in compassion and curiosity; remember that parents/guardians were once teens, grappling with many of the same fundamental (school/friends/romance/parents) challenges your youth is trying to navigate.