CandleX is proud to have successfully organized our mental health for teens Workshop, 3 years in a row with Elite Scholars China! This event is our effort to continue our mental health for teens program.
On Sunday, May 27, we traveled to the ESC Center to speak to a group of 13 students. These young adults are all international school students that will departing to the US in September for university. After a taxing junior year, they are all excited to get a taste of college life. However, the curiosity comes with traces of inevitable uncertainty. After all, it will be the first time these teenagers will be living truly independently.
To better the transition into college, Melena, being the workshop facilitator from CandleX, spoke to these students about what to expect, coping strategies and the importance of wellbeing. She even recommended some apps that are handy when it comes to making friends and meeting new people.
One of the main points she touched upon was the idea of ‘Culture Shock.’ This was especially relevant and useful for the students because they will be living abroad and will be immersed within a foreign culture. The difference between habits and culture will become immediately apparent, and the best way to adapt to this is to be open-minded and cautious of one’s own words and actions.
Another tip Melena gave was the importance of learning how to say no. College is not only difficult because of its academic workload, but also because of its social demands. The environment of needing to conform in order to fit in makes many young adults vulnerable to peer pressure. Figuring out one’s personal moral standards is vital in knowing when to saying “no,” and having the admirable courage to say no is something one learns through the four-year experience.
It is students’ responsibility to take care of their personal health. Not only physical, but also mental wellbeing. In difficult times where students may need to seek help- whether it is depression, suicidal tendencies or just negative thoughts- it is crucial knowing where and who to turn to for help. Universities do provide Mental Health support, with therapists students may wish to speak to. If not, students may choose to speak to a close friend either in college or from home, their parents or a trusted teacher or professor. American schools try their best to provide as much resources as they possible could. From residential advisors, academic advisors to upper classmen to professors, the sources one may seek for help from is vast and almost-endless. Sometimes it may seem as if nobody will understand, or worry that you will be a burden to others, but speaking out and seeking out is critical to healing and improving mental wellbeing.
Learning progressive relaxation is key to maintaining a stable and healthy mindset. Take a few minutes each day just to yourself: slow down, breathe, relax. Sunbathe, read a book, do something you love. It may seem insignificant at the time, but in the long run, the positive effect will prove to be unbelievably immense.
If you want to invite us to provide mental health services, please contact us at : info@candlex.cn
