Programme Welcomes Sir JK’s Voice on Teen Mental Health

Press Release – Youth Health Programme Welcomes Sir JK’s Voice on Teen Mental Health

“Sir John Kirwan’s insights into teenage mental health are spot on,” says Zane Scarborough, Director of Attitude Programmes for Schools. “His new book, ‘Stand By Me, will help many parents give their young person the support and understanding they need, and get them through the depression and anxiety that is so common amongst teens”. Attitude is the largest independent provider of mental health programmes to New Zealand schools, with more than 92% of high schools and a growing number of intermediates receiving presentations and teacher resources. They encourage mental and emotional resilience, something Kirwan strongly advocates in his book. “Sir John has squeezed so much wisdom out of his own battle with depression and he’s mixed that in with the practical advice of some excellent psychologists. I welcome this book: it will encourage a lot more attention to mental health in schools but it will also enhance the most crucial asset young people have: their relationship with their parents”, says Scarborough.

Attitude Programmes for Schools are a division of The Parenting Place. “The work we do in schools complements what we encourage parents to do in the home,” say Parenting Place writer and researcher, John Cowan. “Teachers plus parents are an awesome combination for promoting good mental health in young people, and Sir John’s book gets them on the same page. Sir John has said that teenagers need to be taught resilience and ways to cope with stress alongside mainstream subjects such as English, maths and science. That’s what we attempt to do through our Attitudeprogrammes, and it’s something our seminars and courses for parents teach as well. The release of “Stand By Me” is timely: Term Four is just starting and that is a time of maximum stress for many young people: exams, final assessments and the uncertainty of deciding what they will do once they leave high school.”

Cowan admits it can be difficult for parents to get close to their teenagers. “At the very time they would benefit so much from your support, teens can be at their prickliest. They may not invite you into their world,” he says, “but they need your interest and love. The big thing: don’t get offended!”

Other tips for communicating with and supporting your teen include:

• Keep the doors of communication open – be available, and realise teens are often more comfortable texting than talking!

• Refrain from lecturing, teaching and nagging. Keep your tone friendly and listen to their ideas and opinions.

• Keep them connected to the family. Chores, family outings, expressions of gratitude, problem solving together and actively seeking out their opinion are all ways of helping them feel they belong.

• Let them know you always expect to know where they are, who they are with and what time they will be home. Though it conflicts with their desire for increasing liberty, they actually feel more secure knowing an adult is looking out for them.

• Keep their dreams alive. Remind your kids of their value and capabilities. Believe in the future for them.

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