Skills for Mental Health, by Dr. Brad Schwall

What do children and youth need to be mentally healthy and socially and emotionally intelligent? 

Encourage skills for handling emotions, problem-solving, and being resilient.  Be in tune with your child.  When your child faces emotional struggles that persist and substantially interfere in his or her normal functioning, talk to your school counselor, a therapist, or other mental health professional.  Nurture good mental health, but be aware that even children can face depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues.  Help your child develop the social and emotional competencies outlined by the Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning (www.casel.org) to help him or her develop mental health and strength and social and emotional intelligence.   

Self-awareness

• Being aware of and understanding one's mood and feelings
• Identifying emotions
• Recognizing strengths, needs, and values
• Having a sense of self-efficacy, believing, "I can do this."
  

Social Awareness

• Being able to take the perspective of others
  
• Showing empathy for the feelings of others
  
• Appreciating diversity
• Respecting others

Responsible Decision Making

• Identifying problems and analyzing situations
• Problem-solving
• Showing personal and ethical responsibility

Self-management

• Controlling impulses and managing stress
• Being self-motivated and self-disciplined
  
• Setting goals and having organizational skills

Relationship Management

• Communicating effectively, engaging with others socially with positive interactions, and building relationships
• Working cooperatively
• Negotiating, refusing peer pressure, and managing conflict
• Seeking and providing help