Enhancing Coping Mechanisms and Emotional Regulation
The role society can play in addressing challenges and strengthening the resilience of young people can be through empowering youth to recognize, manage and learn from difficult emotions. Through building strong relationships with peers and supportive adults, practicing techniques to manage emotions, taking care of body and mind, being attentive to use of social media and technology and seeking help when needed (OSG, 2021).
Other protective factors for mental health mentioned in literature are maintaining a healthy diet and regular physical exercise which can be viewed as part of a holistic approach to health promotion and protection in the population (WHO, 2012).
Results from the study conducted by Varma et al. (2021) supports the need for telehealth for reducing stress, and improving mental health and sleep disorders. As such, digital therapeutics are thought to improve accessibility and affordability of mental health services.
Social and emotional learning programmes are linked to mental health benefits and well proven to positively influence students’ emotional well-being, social functioning and academic performance. They are also associated with a reduced risk of depression, anxiety and stress; and prevention of suicide, harmful substance use, antisocial behaviour and health-risking sexual practices (Greenberg et al., 2017).
Psychosocial interventions for social and emotional learning
Emotional learning goals
Examples of emotional learning goals are emotional regulation, stress management or mindfulness. Interventions used to achieve a specific goal could be:
- techniques to improve one’s ability to manage and respond to emotions effectively.
- techniques to control levels of stress, especially chronic stress, that interferes with everyday functioning.
- activities to enhance abilities to pay attention purposefully, in the present and without judgment.
Cognitive learning goals
Examples of cognitive learning goals are problem solving or drug and alcohol knowledge. Interventions used to achieve a specific goal could be:
- techniques to identify and act on a solution to a challenge or difficult problem.
- education about the use of drugs and alcohol, and their effects
Social learning
When it comes to social learning, interpersonal skills or assertiveness could be chosen areas to improve on. Interventions used to achieve a specific goal could be:
- improving skills to develop or improve close, strong and positive relationships with others.
- improving skills to communicate one’s viewpoint, needs or wishes clearly and respectfully.
Physical activity
Physical activity could also be a learning goal which could include opportunities to engage in sports or physical activity, either individually or in teams.