Did you know that storytelling can support teens in improved mental health and academic success? I was honored to speak to a small but passionate group of caring Montessorians at the Utah Montessori Conference this weekend in Salt Lake City about this important subject. I’ll recap our conversation briefly here.
As we reflected on the disturbing facts that more than 30 percent of teens have an anxiety disorder, 20 percent of teens will experience depression by age 17, and suicide is the fourth leading cause of death in teens, we were inspired by the science that shows storytelling has incredibly protective and healing effects on teens and adults. We also discussed how helping tweens and teens learn to share and write their personal stories early and often prepares them for writing powerful college essays. We talked about how personal internal stories shape teens’ (and our) decisions and teens’ (and our) actions. Using Inquiry Based Stress Reduction can be a powerful tool to turn any internal negative stories into empowering ones.
Finally, we discussed how storytelling creates peaceful, connected communities. By the end of our time together, sharing our stories, I felt a little happier, more hopeful, and more peaceful surrounded by these committed, good-hearted people. Find some people. Share your stories. Encourage young people in your life to do the same. You — and they — will be glad you did.
In honor of the child,
Dana