While depression can be challenging to manage, mentoring can provide young adults with a supportive and non-judgmental environment to talk about their feelings, set goals, and develop skills to manage their challenges. If you’re a parent struggling to help your child with depression, here are some tips on how to convince them to try mentoring.
- Understand the Benefits of Mentoring
Mentoring can provide young adults with a positive, non-judgmental role model who can offer guidance, support, and encouragement. A mentor can help young adults build self-confidence, set goals, and develop coping strategies to manage their depression.
Research has also shown that mentoring can have a positive impact on mental health outcomes. A study published in the Journal of Primary Prevention found that mentoring can reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety in young adults. Other research has found that mentoring can improve academic and career outcomes, and increase self-esteem.
- Frame Mentoring as an Opportunity
When discussing mentoring with your young adult, it’s important to frame it as an opportunity to try out rather than a commitment. Emphasize that mentoring offers an opportunity to help them set goals, rise above their challenges, and create success makers to build slow, steady micro-successes.
- Finding the Right Mentor
Not all mentors are created equal, and it’s important to find the right match for your young adult. Our mentors specialize in working with young adults with all sorts of challenges including depression.
When introducing your young adult to our mentoring program, try saying something like this:
“I just spoke to a life coach named Ken Rabow, he is not a therapist, it is not talk therapy, it is action based and he works on whatever you feel you need help with. I think he could really help you find your own way.
I would like you to try it, and if you find (after one month) (after one hour) that it’s not for you, then we can look for something else together.
One of the things he mentioned, is that he asked me to stop having discussions with you on what you should and shouldn’t do, and let the mentor and you work on that together.
What do you think?“
- Emphasize Confidentiality
Confidentiality is a crucial aspect of mentoring. Emphasize to your young adult that anything they share with their mentor will be kept confidential, unless there’s a risk of harm to themselves or others. This can help your child feel more comfortable sharing their feelings and concerns with their mentor.
- Provide Ongoing Support
Helping young adults rise above depression is only the beginning of what we do as mentors. We help our mentees find success in all aspects of their lives.
Conclusion
Mentoring can be a powerful tool for young adults with depression. By providing a supportive and a non-judgmental environment, we help young adults develop skills and strategies to manage their challenges and achieve their goals. If you’re a parent struggling to help your child with depression, consider suggesting mentoring as a valuable resource to support their mental health and well-being.
Remember to approach the topic of mentoring with empathy and understanding, and to listen to your young adult’s concerns and preferences. Mentoring young adults help them navigate life’s challenges and achieve their goals.
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