A Strengths-Based Approach to the Mental Health Crisis Among Adolescents
By Steve Gahagen
When coaching and training young people to understand and use their strengths, I’ve witnessed their confidence soar and their ability to build meaningful relationships grow. Shifting the conversation from what they lack to what they already have creates a profound and positive change in mindset.
While strengths assessments are not diagnostic tools for mental health conditions, they contribute to mental well-being in several important ways, especially for youth:
Self-Awareness:
Identifying natural talents and abilities clarifies what young people do best, boosting self-esteem and confidence—critical foundations for mental health.Resilience Building:
Knowing and applying their strengths gives youth a sense of purpose and direction, helping them bounce back from adversity.Improved Relationships:
Recognizing their own strengths can lead to greater appreciation of others’ strengths, fostering empathy, cooperation, and healthier social connections.Goal Setting and Achievement:
Understanding their unique abilities helps young people set realistic, meaningful goals aligned with what comes naturally to them.Reduction of Stress and Anxiety:
Embracing their strengths alleviates pressure to excel in areas where they may struggle, reducing self-criticism and stress.Coping Strategies:
Leveraging innate talents encourages creative problem-solving, supporting better mental health outcomes.
Given the shortage of counselors to meet the growing mental health needs of youth, our vision at Play to Your Strengths is to mobilize a broad community of mentors, educators, and volunteers trained to deliver strengths-based guidance. For many young people, this approach can be a vital change agent—transforming feelings of hopelessness into hope and inspiring them to imagine new possibilities for their lives.
Questions to Consider:
Of the bullet points listed, which do you think is most important for young people in overcoming mental health issues?
How could a focus on what young people have, instead of their problems, be helpful?
How will you be more intentional in helping young people see what they have instead of what they’re missing?