How to promote good mental health

The mental world of your young person is beyond your control as a parent. 

 However, it is possible to provide a space and tools to help them become aware of their own mental health. Below is some information that may help you open up this discussion with your teenager.

Definition of mental health

Mental health is a sense of well-being that allows you to cope with everyday challenges. It' s a state of well-being and balance that is accessible to everyone. Mental health allows us to develop our full potential by taking care of ourselves and being equipped to cope with our environment. Moreover, adopting healthy lifestyle habits to regulate one's mental health remains the best long-term strategy.

Distinction from mental illness

Many factors can influence mental health: bereavement, separation, job loss, moving, financial difficulties, etc. These circumstances can cause problems without developing into a mental illness.

Mental illness manifests itself through symptoms that have an impact on a person's general functioning. These are changes in behaviour that last over time and without any sign of improvement. 

How mental health is built

Mental health is constructed through a number of factors. These are varied and are linked to the different aspects of life. And no single factor determines a state of mental health. In other words, it is the interplay between many factors that shapes mental health.

Each person has positive and negative factors. The more positive factors there are, the more stable mental health is. Conversely, the more negative factors there are, the more likely it is that you will feel tired or restless.

Positive factors

Positive factors promote good mental health by acting as stabilizers. They provide a sense of well-being and help us to maintain healthy functioning, in our activities and projects. Examples that positively affect mental health include:

• A supportive family environment
• Access to health care
• A sense of security
• Recognition
• Ability to seek help
• Recognizing emotions
• Managing stress

Negative factors

On the contrary, negative factors undermine mental health stability. When facing these moments of vulnerability, personal tools can be helpful in dealing with these obstacles. Examples of external and internal factors that negatively affect mental health include:

• Denial
• Devaluation
• Withdrawal
• Exclusion
• Instability
• Immigration
• Living in a stressful environment

Categories of mental health factors

As outlined above, factors can be social, psychological, or physical. The following list identifies the factors that have the greatest impact on mental health.

Social factors

Social factors relate to a person's relationship with their environment and support network. Social support is the factor with the most direct and positive effect on mental health. The presence of a social network provides positive experiences. Meaningful interpersonal relationships provide stability, security, and a general sense of well-being.

Physical factors

It is well known that the body and the mind are connected and influence each other. Good physical health promotes good mental health. The goal is to strive for a certain balance. Sleeping well, exercising, and having a varied diet are examples of this.

Physical factors, however, do not only include our habits, but also our genetics. This means that we have some control... albeit limited!

Psychological factors

Psychological factors refer to personality traits, internal strengths, and strategies that a person has developed to thrive. For example, stress management, resilience, personality profile, or emotion management tools.

Mental balance

It is impossible to avoid all sources of stress, so mental health is a question of balance! Remaining kind to yourself and lowering your expectations are important because the transition to more positive habits can be a complicated one. Our children have no better role model than their own parents! So, what will you try to teach your teen about mental health?

References (in French)

Mouvement Santé mentale Québec
Institut nationale de Santé Publique du Québec, Synthèse des connaissances sur les champs d’action pertinents en promotion de la santé mentale chez les jeunes adultes
Association québécoise pour la réadaptation psychosociale, Déterminants sociaux en santé mentale : histoire et enjeux contemporains