Dr. Benedicto Borja P'11, P'13 engaged with Maryvale parents to empower them to cultivate future leaders as part of the 10-year celebration of the Patricia J. Mitchell '65 Leadership Institute. His presentation was titled "Beyond the Eyerolls: Helping Your Teens Thrive with Emotional Wellness."
He explained that academic pressure, social media influence, peer pressure, and family conflicts can challenge teenagers' emotional wellness. These challenges can be a potential for anxiety, depression, or stress-related issues.
So how can we effectively communicate with teenagers when they are going through something challenging? Dr. Borja says to actively listen using open-ended questions, show genuine interest without judgment, validate their feelings, and create time to connect.
Suppose you feel like your child is having persistent sadness, withdrawing from activities, or experiencing sudden mood and/or behavioral changes. In that case, Dr. Borja encourages you to seek help for your child from a school counselor or mental health professionals.
Dr. Borja supplied some helpful resources:
- Websites: kidshealth.org, mentalhealth.gov
- Hotlines: Suicide Prevention Lifeline (1-800-273-TALK), Crisis Text Line (Text HOME to 741741)
- Local Resources: First Call for Help (410-685-0525 or 211), Grassroots Crisis Line (410-531-6677)
Dr. Borja also encouraged parents to be mindful of their emotional wellness. He suggested that parents practice self-care through hobbies and relaxation, build a support network with friends or other parents, and model healthy emotional habits for their children.
