Spring is finally here! May is a time of warmer weather and sunshine with flowers blooming, trees budding, and birds reappearing. It is a busy month to get out and see nature unfold! And just as nature becomes busy again, many of us feel that busyness in our lives as well. Being overly busy and exhausted may lead to an increase in stress and/or decreased self-esteem, potentially triggering more serious mental health disorders. How timely that May is Mental Health Awareness month.

Our country is in the middle of a youth mental health crisis, and girls are at
its epicenter. For youth, half of all mental health conditions start by age 14,
but most cases are undetected and untreated. Some girls express discomfort confiding in friends or family about their mental health because they don’t know how to ask for help, feel the people in their life aren’t educated on the subject, or are worried about their reactions. And 70% of American teens suffer from loneliness.

The good news is that Girl Scouts has a role to play in ensuring the well-being of our girls. By participating in Girl Scouts, girls grow their perseverance, self-esteem, and sociability, leading to lower rates of depression, aggression, and obesity, as well as greater life satisfaction. Girl Scout programming helps girls focus on tangible, interest-piquing tasks that can offer a break from the stressors of their lives. With the support of troop leaders and the comfort of being in a safe space, girls form a community that fosters positive mental health.

Continue reading to learn about how, together, we are tackling mental health for girls with programming, the outdoors, and mentors. With your help, we are building girls of courage, confidence, and character and empowering girls to make the world a better place. Thank you for contributing to healthier women!

P.S.: You have probably noticed a new look in our newsletter. We hope you like it and continue to enjoy the updates we bring to you each month.

Yours in Girl Scouting,