Ohio 4-H shifts focus to mental health

If you are a 4-H alum or had kids in the program, you know that the H's in 4-H stand for head, heart, hands and health. In the new year, many of us focus on our physical health as a goal or resolution, but what about mental health? Ohio 4-H is starting the new year with a focus on mental health, as January has been designated Mental Health Month. As the country grapples with a global pandemic, economic downturn and conversations on racial injustice, youth are experiencing added stressors and seeking new ways to cope. This month, the Ohio 4-H Healthy Living Team designed a variety of activities for youth and volunteers to better understand the importance of positive mental health. Resources include virtual training opportunities for volunteers, tip sheets, "Healthy Body, Healthy Mind," a 4-H special interest club and more. The Ohio 4-H Healthy Living Team is a group of 4-H professionals who focus on health issues and youth. Results from a 2020 survey commissioned by the National 4-H Council encouraged the team to focus on mental health. The Harris Poll survey found that 7 in 10 teens are struggling with their mental health in the wake of COVID-19. More than half of those surveyed shared that the pandemic increased their feelings of loneliness, with 64% believing it will have a lasting impact on their mental health. This effort was the first to examine the impact this unprecedented public health crisis has on U.S. teens. Read more at https://4-h.org/media/new-survey-finds-7-in-10-teens-are-struggling-with-mental-health/ Hancock County 4-H is doing its part to support healthy living both physically and emotionally. The county 4-H professionals in Auglaize, Hardin, Hancock and Madison counties are partnering up to offer Healthy Bodies, Healthy Minds 4-H SPIN Club (special interest). The club will be held virtually through Zoom from 5:30-6:30 p.m. Tuesdays, beginning Jan. 19. The club will run for six weeks, with each week focusing on fun hands-on activities that will help our minds and bodies be healthy. Topics will include mindfulness, yoga for kids, healthy snacks and much more. This club is being offered statewide, so there will be opportunity to meet new people. Participants should be between the ages of 8-18 and do not have to be in 4-H. To enroll, contact Cassie at the Extension Office 419-422-3851 or email her at turner.280@osu.edu. There is no fee for this program, but you will need access to the internet. A list of events, links to resources, and registration details for 4-H Mental Health Month is at https://go.osu.edu/MentalHealthMonth As we move into 2021 knowing there will be challenges along the way, take time for yourself and your family to talk and process, and understand that it's OK to not be OK. Mental health is no different than physical health — you have to take care of yourself to be healthy, and seek help when you need it. Turner is Extension educator for 4-H Youth Development with OSU Extension-Hancock County.