DULUTH, Minn. (Northern News Now) – With an increase in suicide rates among teens, being able to identify a mental health crisis is key for prevention.
More than 1,700 participants attended the largest conference for children’s mental health. The DECC in Duluth was filled with workshops, speakers, and exhibits all spreading awareness for both children and childcare providers.
The 28th annual Child and Adolescent Mental Health Conference is an event for everyone who works with or cares for infants, children, adolescents and their families.
“A lot of children and families are really dealing with mental health and are in a mental health crisis. And are trying to figure out resources or even families just trying to figure out where to start,” said Jazlynn Paige, a keynote speaker.
Paige works as a licensed school psychologist and sees kids struggle with mental health every day. She stresses the importance making them aware of what they’re feeling.
“I’d rather get to them young; I’d rather teach them the skills that they need at a younger age so maybe they won’t need me as much as an adult,” said Paige.
Leaders at the conference also stress the importance of making sure childcare providers also know where to start.
“We have to make talking about mental health common language and it’s not just talking about mental health but it’s what do I do next,” said Kathy Flaminio, CEO and founder of Move Mindfully.
The Move Mindfully organization prioritizes the importance of incorporating physical activity to help with mental health.
“In classrooms they will integrate simple breathing exercises in morning meetings and maybe after math we’re going to rub our hands together and shake them out because that was hard,” said Flaminio.
Flaminio said the best part about incorporating these techniques into daily routines is that not only are the youth getting these practices, but the adults are doing them too.
May is National Mental Health Awareness Month and integrating these techniques into a reoccurring schedule could be the first step in helping someone dealing with a crisis.
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