During The Post-Pandemic Youth Mental Health Emergency, Storytelling Proves to Be One Effective Solution

While Parents And Psychologists Scramble To Rectify The Developmental Setbacks Children Experienced During The COVID-19 Quarantine, One Simple Solution May Be To Utilize The Art Of Storytelling

CHARLESTON, SC / A​CCESSWIRE / March 21, 2023 / Mental health issues among children have become so severe that the Biden administration recently declared a youth mental health emergency. Sobering reports like the 2022 Mental Health America study show how the number of children who experienced a massive depressive episode increased by 306,000. As the youth mental health crisis worsens, many experts say the root cause is the fallout of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Psychologists have long linked poor cognitive development with excess screen time and isolation as it stunts child development, cognitive processing speeds, verbal intelligence, and attention spans. Now, as children across the United States return to school, many educators are witnessing their students struggle with emotional maturity, brhttps://pr.report/ApgLMRXjain development, and social skills.

Yet, one antidote to alleviate social isolation symptoms may lie in something surprisingly simple: storytelling. Sherrika Myers, the founder and executive director of Every 1 Voice Matters, notes how storytelling can equip children with coping skills and develop higher brain health to better navigate the world.

"Storytelling is powerful," Myers says. "It helps children improve listening and communication skills; it cultivates empathy, and it can prepare children to navigate hurdles in their lives." And as a proven activity to boost self esteem, Myers claims storytelling can help students thrive both inside and outside the classroom.

She's not alone in her thinking. Many experts cite how engaging with stories is one of the best ways to improve brain health as doing so boosts memory retention, increases empathy, and bolsters self-esteem.

Since at-risk kids have an even higher chance of becoming maladjusted, Myers notes how paramount it is to use these tactics to level the playing field. "Storytelling helps children see themselves as winners early on in life, and can help kids handle life's ups and downs with ease and grace," Myers says. Telling stories shows different cultures and possibilities, so at-risk youth can gain access to seeing their unlimited potential.

Though storytelling is a proven method to combat developmental and learning issues, many school counselors overlook the health benefits. While it can be tempting to believe children will "grow out" of poor behaviors or learning issues, Myers says many times the problem only worsens with age. As a result, parents must act when they notice their child struggling.

Simple storytelling exercises present educators with a solution to combat childhood developmental issues born out of the Covid-19 crisis. By developing a positive mindset, improving self-esteem, and equipping children with better cognitive functions, Myers suggests that storytelling helps children become better students and better individuals. Ultimately, storytelling may reduce social isolation symptoms, improve brain health naturally, and unlock students' potential to empower them to achieve their goals.

ABOUT

Every1VoiceMatters.org uses the power of storytelling to teach at-risk youth coping skills and improve self-esteem so they can better navigate the world. While many children are feeling the impacts of the United States mental health crisis, storytelling offers an alternative, cost-effective, and fun way to lay the groundwork for developing successful coping strategies. To learn more visit, every1voicematters.org. For additional information, visit Every 1 Voice Matters on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, or YouTube.

CONTACT

Sherrika Myers
843.345.7105
Every1voicematters@gmail.com

SOURCE: Every 1 Voice Matters