Mental health isn’t an optional part of life. It’s just as important as eating a healthy diet and getting exercise. If you don’t make mental health a priority by engaging in healthy practices, chances are good you could face obstacles later that are much harder to manage.
Think about mental health from every vantage. Whether you’re thinking about your own wellbeing right now, that of your child, or even how well your elderly family and friends are doing, put some focus each day on building mental wellbeing. To do that, you need to better understand what’s happening at various stages of life that could impact your stability.
At Willow Creek Behavioral Health, we’re here when you need us. If you’re feeling unsafe or just need someone to talk to, call us now. You can also walk right in for an assessment at any time.
Early and Middle Childhood Mental Health
For many people, habits, beliefs, thought patterns, and overall mental well-being form in the first decade of life. Mental health in childhood needs to focus on development and emotional milestone management.
That often includes:
- Learning healthy social skills
- Determining how to express yourself when things aren’t good
- Understanding the mental well-being of others in school, social environments, and the community
If your child is struggling with mental health during these years, they may be socially withdrawn, suffer angry outbursts, or engage in self-harm. Many times, anxiety, depression, and more complicated conditions begin to show signs early on. Get your child into mental health treatment as soon as possible.
Adolescence Mental Health
Getting older doesn’t mean being able to manage mental health challenges. Those between the ages of 12 and 17 often face intense pressure and social development. During this time in their life, they are likely to form critical decision-making skills. Some of the most important components of mental health in adolescence include:
Brain development and growth, which is directly influenced by the environment and experiences
Physical and emotional challenges can become teaching opportunities or difficult periods of working through disorders
Exposure to poverty, violence, and social challenges often demand mental health support, but many kids do not get it
During this time in a person’s life, there is a significant amount of vulnerability. The risk of developing a mental health disorder is high. Parents may find it hard to know when teens need mental health support. If your child is pulling away or exhibiting signs of mental illness, use effective communication with teens to truly understand what’s happening. We can help you.
Young Adulthood and Mental Health
Those first few decades of adulthood pose numerous challenges and opportunities. Mental health during this time must support growth, building good communication skills, and maintaining good habits. That often means overcoming big challenges such as entering the world after college, finding and building a life, and starting a family. Mental health during this time should focus on:
- Support and good communication with friends and close family members
- Being able to express concerns and worries in a healthy manner
- Avoiding dangerous situations involving substances or violence that can impact mental health for years to come
Over those years, the risk of complications rises when a person isn’t able to reach out for help. They just don’t have the support system they need or the ability to communicate those needs.
Middle Adulthood and Mental Health
For those who are beyond those early years, perhaps around the age of 30 and up, mental health challenges don’t often fade. Many people are facing stress from jobs, decisions made previously, and parenting. There’s a great deal of demand on you, and that pressure can lead to depression, anxiety, and trauma. During this time, mental health should focus on:
- Providing yourself with positive outlets for communicating about concerns
- Building a network of support and providing that support to others
- Navigating challenges with the help of a therapist (you don’t have to do this alone!)
Mental health requires an active process to maintain it. That means engaging in activities to help you remain happy and confident.
Seniors and Mental Health
Seniors are at a critical risk for developing worsening mental health conditions. Depression isn’t a normal part of aging, even though it can seem to be. About 4% of all older adults struggle with depression, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. That’s likely a significantly underreported figure.
Common challenges for senior mental health include:
- Being alone more often
- Serious illness development
- Limitations on physical mobility
- Retirement and no longer having an active lifestyle as a result
- Grief and social isolation
Seniors benefit from mental health that’s engaging, including spending time with others, learning new things, and expressing feelings in a meaningful manner. If you’re an older adult facing serious mental health concerns, reach out to us for immediate help.
Put Your Mental Health First
Find the time to sit and think about your mental wellbeing right now. If you’re not confident in it, it’s time to seek help. Contact Willow Creek Behavioral Health for the support you need.
