Boys Town Promotes Mental Health Awareness on World Mental Health Day: 5 Expert Tips to Support Your Family’s Mental Health
Boys Town, Neb. – In celebration of World Mental Health Day on October 10th, Boys Town is committed to raising awareness about the importance of mental well-being and providing families with tools to help children and teens thrive emotionally. With over 100 years of experience supporting families, Boys Town offers expert advice and resources to help parents prioritize mental health at home.
World Mental Health Day is a global initiative dedicated to spreading awareness about mental health issues and encouraging people to seek support. This year’s theme, "It is Time to Prioritize Mental Health in the Workplace", encourages people to focus on mental health support at work while recognizing the importance of emotional wellness in every area of life.
Why It’s Important:
Mental health directly impacts how we handle stress, make decisions, and connect with others. Sadly, mental health struggles, especially in children, are often overlooked. These challenges can lead to anxiety, depression, and other serious conditions if left untreated. Boys Town’s mission is to help families recognize and address these issues early.
“Mental health needs to be treated with the same importance as physical health,” said Nick Zadina, Manager of Hotline Training of Boys Town National Hotline. “Our resources are designed to help parents build emotional strength in their children, which is crucial as mental health concerns continue to rise.”
5 Expert Tips for Supporting Mental Health
Boys Town experts offer these tips to help families foster emotional well-being:
- Encourage Open Communication: Create a safe, non-judgmental environment where your children feel comfortable discussing their feelings. Regular check-ins help normalize mental health conversations and can reveal early warning signs.
- Establish Healthy Routines: Consistency in daily routines helps children feel more secure. Prioritize healthy sleep, balanced nutrition, and regular physical activity, all of which contribute to emotional resilience.
- Teach Stress Management Techniques: Introduce coping strategies like deep breathing, journaling, or mindfulness exercises. These tools help children manage stress and handle life’s challenges more effectively.
- Limit Screen Time and Social Media: While technology is essential, too much screen time—especially on social media—can negatively impact mental health. Encourage tech-free time and help your children set healthy boundaries.
- Model Self-Care: Children learn by example. Make self-care a priority for yourself, too. When kids see you manag-ing stress in healthy ways, they’re more likely to follow suit.
How Boys Town Can Help
If you or your child are struggling and things are not improving, it’s okay to ask for help. You do not have to take these issues by yourself. Families can access Boys Town’s comprehensive resources and mental health services, including:
- Boys Town National Hotline®: Available 24/7 at 1-800-448-3000 for children, teens, and parents seeking confidential support.
- Telehealth Counseling: Offering convenient and secure virtual therapy options for individuals and families.
- Common Sense Parenting® Program: Workshops focused on improving parent-child communication and emotional health.
This World Mental Health Day, Boys Town encourages parents, caregivers, and educators to prioritize mental wellness in their families and communities. By taking proactive steps, we can create safe, supportive environments where children thrive.
For more information on Boys Town’s mental health resources or to schedule an interview with a Boys Town mental health expert, visit www.boystown.org.
About Boys Town:
For over a century, Boys Town has been a beacon of hope, transforming the lives of America's children and families through innovative youth, research, and healthcare programs. Boys Town provides compassionate, research-proven education, prevention, training, and treatment for behavioral and physical problems in multiple locations throughout the United States, with a comprehensive array of services. In 2023, more than 715,000 children and families across the United States were impacted by Boys Town programs. You can find more information about Boys Town online at www.boystown.org.
