December 14, 2024
Physical, emotional, and mental growth happens faster during adolescence than any other stage of life, and staying connected to your teen’s mental health is very important at this age. In fact, a CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) report from 2023 showed that 40% of students had persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness. If you or your teen find that you are overwhelmed with mental health or substance use challenges, there are several treatment options or steps you can take. Group activities are one of the proven solutions to these challenges. This blog will explain the benefits and provide examples of group activities for adolescent mental health.
Benefits of Group Activities for Adolescent Mental Health
Group activities for teens are beneficial for several reasons. They help teens form connections with peers so they feel less isolated, have a safe space to explore their thoughts and emotions, have an opportunity to learn and practice strategies for managing stress, and develop resilience through problem-solving skill development. Groups may not always consist of peers that are facing the same exact mental health challenges because each teen’s experiences are unique; however, having an opportunity to connect through lived, similar experiences is what matters most. Peer support is linked to improvements in mental health that include greater happiness, improved self-esteem and effective coping strategies, and reductions in depression, loneliness, and anxiety.
Examples of Group Activities for Adolescent Mental Health
There is no shortage of group activities that support the benefits explained in the previous section. Here are a few types of group activities that your teen could consider.
Creative Activities. Art, music, and drama are just a few examples of creative activities that could support adolescent mental health. Each of these provides teens with an opportunity for self-expression, even if they don’t have or aren’t comfortable expressing themselves through their own words. Drawing, painting, and sculpting can be great outlets, and music has the power to impact our emotions. These activities are great because they can be done in large groups, small groups, or even individually.
Mindfulness Activities. This includes activities such as yoga, guided meditations, and other activities that help one find calm in a busy life. Mindfulness can have tremendous benefits on mental health, including countering the effects of bullying.
Team-Building and Outdoor Activities. These activities encourage collaboration and communication and help build connections among participants. Examples include group challenges that must be completed together, such as puzzles, projects, or outdoor and adventure activities. Ropes courses or adventure expeditions provide an exciting but safe opportunity for adolescents to face challenges, build their self-esteem, and connect and rely on each other. Nature walks or non-competitive games that encourage being outside and physical movement are also good activities for mental health and can bring in elements of creativity and mindfulness on occasion.
Willow Hills Wellness and Adolescent Mental Health
The benefits of group activities for adolescent mental health are significant and have been proven to support traditional therapies. Parents, educators, and anyone involved in supporting adolescent mental health are encouraged to incorporate group activities like these as appropriate. At Willow Hills Wellness, we believe in the power of group activities that provide an opportunity and environment for teens to connect, build self-esteem, and express themselves.
Willow Hills Wellness is committed to providing compassionate and comprehensive mental health and substance abuse treatment for teens in our serene and supportive environment. We focus on helping teens treat current symptoms and equip them with valuable skills to manage their mental health in the long term. Group support and activities can help teens foster healthier lives and equip them for future challenges or crises.
We understand that every teen is unique and no family or situation is the same. If you or your teen have been looking for support and guidance for mental health issues, know that you are not alone. Please contact us today to learn how our program can help.