Mental health alternatives event for teens and parents set March 2
The Mental Health Alternatives Project for Teens and Parents will host a free event from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., Wednesday, March 2, at Lefty’s Alley and Eats in Lewes. Registration is required.
Approaching the third year of the global pandemic, it’s apparent how stressful this kind of life event can be, on not only adults but also its extreme impact on teens.
The teenage community was struggling with mental health issues before the pandemic. Mental illness is becoming increasingly common among teenagers throughout the United States and globally. Recent studies indicate that approximately one in five teens ages 12 to 18 suffer from at least one diagnosable mental health disorder.
Teens are dealing with major depression, feelings of anxiety and hopelessness. According to a CDC study from May 2020 to March 2021, rates of suspected suicide attempts were more than 50% higher among girls ages 12 to 17.
Supporting a teen who is struggling with mental illness can be challenging, but there are ways to make the difficulties less disruptive to both individuals’ lives and family functioning. Amy Casas, Diane Winiarczyk and Elizabeth Sanchez, co-founders of the Mental Health Alternative Project, made it their mission to bring awareness to the need for a variety of alternative options for families to support their children who are struggling with anxiety, depression and other mental health issues.
Some research has shown approximately 50% of all lifetime cases of mental illness will develop before age 17. Unfortunately, teen mental health issues are often overlooked or written off as “typical teen angst,” that will go away on its own. Teens need good mental health to develop in a healthy way, build strong relationships, adapt to change and deal with life's challenges. It takes a community support them and let them know they have options when they need help the most.
During an informative and fun evening March 2, attendees can learn about many practitioners who are providing a variety of mental health resource options for teens and families,
The Cape community is filled with a selection of modalities, mentors and practitioners specializing in teenagers with proven results to improve and support their mental health and wellness. Specialists include life coaches, mindfulness mentors, health coaches, equine therapists, martial arts instructors, yoga teachers, shamans, massage therapists, sound healers, spiritual teachers and belly dancers. Modalities include EFT tapping, meditation, fitness, dance, movement, float tanks and more.
For more information and to reserve a spot, go to magnificentmamas.com or contact Elizabeth Sanchez at 610-417-0776 or Elizabeth@ElizabethAsanchez.com.
