I am so inspired by my clients, particularly my kid clients.
The ideas, experiences, imagination, and insights that kids share with me are gifts that I cherish every time I have the chance to work with them.
One of those kids who inspire me the most is a talented, intelligent, good-looking, and fun 10-year-old boy who has a very interesting blog, and has kindly agreed to give me an interview and share about his counselling experiences:
- What are some of your passions?
In my free time, I like doing art, skateboarding, making music and writing.
- Doing things that make you happy is important to you. Why is that, and how is that related to your self-care plan?
Doing things that make me happy helps my mental health, and in my self-care plan, I need to take care of my mental and physical health. In my self-care plan I do things that make me happy (mental health) and have a balanced diet (physical health).
- What motivates you to go to counselling?
Meeting with Cristina helps me think positively and resolve problems I may be having.
- What advice would you give to kids who may be feeling sad or anxious, but aren’t sure if they should talk to a counsellor?
I think going to a counsellor is a great decision. It really helps to have someone to talk to, and counsellors have lots of ways to help. I would not hesitate to reach out for help.
I love how this young person sees the importance of taking care of both his physical and mental health.
Understanding that these are two dimensions of our wellbeing, and that seeing a counsellor is as normal as taking your vitamins, or doing physical exercise, can set us up for a healthy future.
The Mental Health Week (May 3-9) aims to promote a better understanding of mental health, and is making available various resources online.
Youth Mental Health Canada, a community-based, youth-led non-profit organization, reports that “an estimated 1.2 million children and youth in Canada are affected by mental illness – yet, less than 20 per cent will receive appropriate treatment” or support, and that “70% of mental health problems have their onset during childhood or adolescence” *.
Understanding what mental health is, and the ways to care for it, can help change that trajectory.
“We All Have Mental Health” (below) is an educational video for kids with helpful tips, so please feel free to share it with the young people in your life. For mental health resources and a toolkit for adults, check out the Mental Health Week website.
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