Gold Award Candiate Samantha has focused on mental health awareness for her project. She has written the following article explaining the importance of her topic.
Mindfulness Where it Matters
In a post-pandemic world, the mental health challenges faced by children have become increasingly urgent. COVID-19 amplified stress, anxiety, and depression among youth, with the U.S. National Library of Medicine identifying the virus as a "universal stressor" that has intensified mental distress. Compounding this issue, excessive social media use has created further strain, with children and adolescents who spend over three hours daily online doubling their risk of mental health problems, including depression and anxiety.
The challenges faced by children are not limited to Arizona but extend across the United States and globally. According to the World Health Organization, 10% to 20% of children and adolescents worldwide experience mental health disorders, with anxiety and depression being the most common. During the pandemic, emergency department visits for mental health-related concerns among children aged 5 to 11 in the United States. rose by 24%. Additionally, nearly 60% of Americans. teens report feeling pressure from social media to look a certain way, contributing to body dissatisfaction and heightened mental health issues. These statistics underscore the need for accessible and effective mental health solutions for children worldwide.
To combat these pressures, experts highlight the protective benefits of physical activity and mindfulness practices, such as yoga, which can reduce anxiety, enhance mental clarity, and build resilience. Inspired by this need, I developed a project to teach mindfulness to Girl Scouts, providing them with tools to manage stress and nurture emotional well-being. My efforts have provided young girls with actionable techniques, such as breathing exercises and positive habits, to help them manage stress, regulate emotions, and cultivate self-awareness. Inspired by my personal journey of using yoga and mindfulness to recover from the mental toll of the pandemic, I aimed to offer others the same opportunity for growth and resilience.
To ensure sustainability, my project provides long-term resources for the Girl Scout community. Each participant learned mindfulness techniques that they can practice independently, fostering lasting mental wellness. Additionally, I have created lesson plans for patch programs that Girl Scout leaders can use to continue teaching mindfulness for years to come. By empowering individuals and creating enduring educational materials, my project ensures that the tools for mental well-being are passed down within the Girl Scout community, leaving a lasting legacy of mindfulness where it matters most.
