Making Mental Health a Daily Priority: Tips for Ourselves and Our Youth

At Mental Wellness Center, we believe that caring for mental health isn’t a once-a-year event— it’s an everyday commitment. In a world full of stressors, especially for children and young people, it’s critical that we prioritize emotional well-being just as seriously as we prioritize physical health. Drawing from the insights of Dr. Vivek Murthy, the U.S. Surgeon General and author of Together: The Healing Power of Human Connection in a Sometimes Lonely World, we offer practical ways to keep mental health at the forefront of our daily lives, both for ourselves and for the next generation.

What We Can Do for Ourselves

In Together, Dr. Murthy reminds us: “Loneliness and weak social connections are associated with a reduction in lifespan similar to that caused by smoking fifteen cigarettes a day.”

Prioritizing mental health starts with strengthening our connections to others and ourselves.

Here are ways to make that happen:

  • Cultivate Meaningful Relationships:
    • Spend quality time with friends and family, focusing on being fully present.
  • Create Tech-Free Spaces:
    • Set aside certain times of the day—like meals or bedtime—to disconnect from screens and connect with people.
  • Build Mindful Routines:
    • Daily practices like journaling, meditation, or even quiet walks can significantly boost emotional resilience.
  • Seek Professional Help When Needed:
    • Therapy and counseling are not just for crises—they can be vital tools for ongoing wellness.

What We Can Do for Our Children and Youth

Dr. Murthy emphasizes that building emotional skills in children is as essential as teaching them math or reading: “Children are remarkably resilient, but they need our help to develop the skills and environments that support their mental well-being.”
Ways to support children’s mental health include:
  • Model Emotional Openness:
    • Talk about your own feelings openly and calmly. It teaches children that emotions are normal and manageable.
  • Encourage Real-World Connections:
    • Prioritize playdates, family gatherings, and team activities to nurture healthy social skills.
  • Limit Digital Overload:
    • Support healthy tech habits, ensuring that online time doesn’t replace real-life interaction.
  • Promote Sleep, Nutrition, and Exercise:
    • Physical health is deeply intertwined with emotional health.
  • Check In Regularly:
    • Ask open-ended questions like, “How are you feeling today?” rather than just “How was school?”

Resources Recommended by Vivek Murthy and Other Mental Health Leaders

National Resources:
The Surgeon General’s Advisory on Youth Mental Health: Offers detailed guidance and resources for supporting young people.
The Jed Foundation (JED): Focused on protecting emotional health and preventing suicide for teens and young adults.
Mental Health America: Offers mental health screenings and a wide range of resources for all ages.
The Child Mind Institute: Provides expert guidance on children’s mental health and learning disorders.

Local Santa Barbara Resources:

Mental Wellness Center: Explore our youth programs and family support services designed to nurture mental health in our community.
Family Service Agency of Santa Barbara: Counseling and mental health support for children, adults, and families.

CALM (Child Abuse Listening Mediation): Therapy and prevention services focused on building safe, supportive environments for children.

Mental health is not something to be addressed only in crisis; it is a daily practice, a community priority, and a gift we give to ourselves and our youth. As Dr. Vivek Murthy teaches, strong human connections and compassionate support systems are at the heart of healing and resilience.
At Mental Wellness Center, we are here to support your journey every step of the way. Explore more resources, programs, and support opportunities. Together, we can build a healthier future—one day, and one connection, at a time.