Kids are getting more stressed out these days. A recent study of 4–17-year-olds in Australia found that fourteen percent of children and adolescents were identified as having mental health problems, while closer to 1 in 4 young Australians show signs of anxiety and depression.
While these statistics are alarming as parents, there are considerably more protective factors for our kids as well. Jess Shaw, founder of Loving Loudly and a keen mental health advocate knows all too well the pressures facing our kids today, being a mother of 3 boys herself. In conjunction with specialised support and open communication, there is a range of tools and aids these days to support your teens’ mental well-being.
Gifts to support your teen
Here are her Loving Loudly top 3 gifts for your stressed-out teen:
- Gratitude journals (from $12.99)
Research shows that by practicing gratitude daily you can not only increase your levels of happiness but also have a positive effect on your health and well-being. The Gratitude Journal is filled to the brim with happiness and self-care tips, inspirational quotes, acts of kindness and personal challenges, as well as beautiful hand-drawn colouring pages by some amazing artists.
- Mind Your Head by Juno Dawson ($18.99)
Juno Dawson has written an engaging, factual and funny book, with added information and support from clinical psychologist Dr Olivia Hewitt. Covering topics from anxiety and depression to addiction, self-harm and personality disorders, Juno and Olivia talk clearly and supportively about a range of issues facing young people’s mental health – whether fleeting or long-term – and how to manage them, with real-life stories from young people around the world.
- Motivational Tattoos ($10)
Add some fun and colour into their daily routine to help inspire, encourage and embolden them with some temporary motivational tattoos. Loving Loudly offer a range of products and gift packs to help navigate mental health issues.
The products above can also be found in the Teen Toolbox ($52.99) and Teen Spirit Care Pack ($36.99). For these products and more visit www.lovingloudly.com.au as well as Loving Loudly on Facebook and Instagram.
If your teen is experiencing mental health issues and you need support please call Lifeline 13 11 14 or your teen can call 1800 55 1800. We also have a list of local resources to support teens and their families in crisis here.
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