Did you know that March 2nd is World Teen Mental Wellness Day every year? According to an article from BetterHelp, World Teen Mental Wellness Day, “was established to raise awareness, decrease stigma and spark very important conversations around the topic of mental well being and to make those experiencing mental health challenges aware of available resources.” The article notes that 1 out of every 7 individuals ages 10-19 is coping with a form of mental illness, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). That’s over 14% of older tweens and teens across the globe!
It comes as no surprise that many of today’s teens struggle with their mental health. This probably has a lot to do with the realities of living in a rapidly changing, post-pandemic world, where social pressures are everywhere and loneliness has reached a cultural fever pitch. But what if you’re facing an unexpected pregnancy in addition to the normal challenges of being a teen? (As though either of these wasn’t difficult enough on its own!) If that’s where you find yourself today, know that it’s possible to stay mentally and emotionally healthy during this hard season of life. And know that you don’t have to navigate these circumstances on your own.
Avenue Women’s Center is here to help! We’re a first-step pregnancy clinic with multiple locations in Chicagoland, and we provide free pregnancy services to support those of all ages who are coping with an unexpected pregnancy. Empowering people to make informed pregnancy decisions with confidence is our passion.
Learn more about our free, confidential early pregnancy services!
You Have a Lot on Your Plate
If the subject of this blog resonates with you, you undoubtedly have a lot going on right now. Chances are, you’re in the process of figuring out life and gaining more independence from your parents. You probably feel like you can’t take on any more responsibilities because there are a lot of things you hope to still do in life. These are ordinary (but often stressful) aspects of getting older. If you’re coping with an unexpected pregnancy on top of them, sustaining your mental and emotional wellness may seem like an impossible goal. But it’s not!
Tips for Prioritizing Your Mental Health
There are steps you can take to maintain your mental wellness during any season of life, no matter how overwhelming your circumstances may feel. Consider these tips with a realistic (and positive) point of view. These suggestions won’t get rid of all your problems, but they will empower you to cope with your struggles and stress more effectively.
- Care for yourself (mentally, emotionally, physically, etc.). In the middle of a stressful situation, it’s easy to put your mental and emotional needs aside. Caring for your mental health may seem like a lower priority than trying to solve your problems. But the truth is, self-care may be essential to figuring out what to do. And it’s easy to find ways to take care of yourself! You can take a moment to practice gratitude, go for a walk in nature, or simply take a bubble bath. Check out some of our other blogs for more self-care ideas!
“8 Methods for Self-Care during Pregnancy”
“Prioritizing Self-Care During Seasons of Change”
- Lean on others. These “others” may be trustworthy friends or family members. They may be people who help for a living, like professional counselors, medical professionals, educators, or pregnancy consultants. For some, it means drawing strength from a Higher Power or spiritual practice.
- Get informed. Seek knowledge from reliable sources to better understand what you’re facing and what your options are. Avenue Women’s Center can be incredibly helpful in equipping you with information about your unexpected pregnancy. In addition to offering emotional support, we’re here to help you learn about all your pregnancy options and resources through a pregnancy consultation. Our free limited medical ultrasounds can offer insight into whether your pregnancy is likely to continue or how far along you are. All of this info is helpful to let you know about your health and what options you have available to you.
Caring for your mental health doesn’t always mean getting rid of the difficulties you’re facing. Sometimes, mental wellness means pushing through the struggles – even learning and growing in the process. Don’t lose confidence in your ability to meet the challenge of this unexpected pregnancy with courage. You may feel like you’ve been forced to mature very quickly – and that’s tough! But you have what it takes to discover your own best outcome- no matter your age or season of life! At Avenue Women’s Center, we see you, and we see the circumstances you’re facing. We believe that you can discover the pregnancy option that’s best for you.
Reach out to learn more and ask us your questions!
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Reference:
BetterHelp. (2024, February). 10 Ways to Support Your Child On World Teen Mental Wellness Day. Retrieved from: https://www.betterhelp.com/advice/teenagers/15-activities-to-support-your-child-on-world-teen-mental-wellness-day/
The information provided here is general in nature. It is not a substitute for a consultation with a medical professional. Before any medical procedure, it is imperative that you discuss your personal medical history, risks, and concerns with your doctor. If you have questions during or after a procedure, your doctor should be immediately contacted. Avenue Women’s Center is not an emergency center. If you are experiencing severe symptoms, such as bleeding and/or pain, seek immediate medical attention. Contact your physician, go to an emergency room, or call 911.