Helping Teens Improve Mental Health by Finding Happiness

Students and educators alike have been facing increased hardship this school year, navigating hybrid and remote learning environments while balancing schoolwork and other responsibilities. While people of all ages struggle with stress, research shows that teenagers are experiencing more anxiety than other age groups due to the pandemic.

Even before COVID-19, many teens struggled with academic stress, now compounded by the absence of critical social development over the past year. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 63% of young adults have reported symptoms of anxiety and depression since the onset of the pandemic.

Mental Health Awareness Month: A Focus on Youth

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, a timely opportunity to highlight the importance of supporting the social-emotional wellness of America’s youth. Educators and communities are increasingly sharing self-care and wellness resources to help students better understand and manage their emotions.

Experience Happiness: A Science-Based Wellness Program

One impactful initiative is Life’s Good: Experience Happiness, a nationwide program promoting social-emotional learning (SEL) and mental health education for youth. Backed by research from the University of California, Berkeley, the program focuses on six teachable skills:

Mindfulness
Human connection
Positive outlook
Purpose
Generosity
Gratitude

According to John I. Taylor, Senior Vice President at LG USA, “Students who practice happiness skills are better able to cope with stress and demonstrate positive behaviors toward their peers, teachers, and their work.”

Widespread Support and Impact

The program is supported by digital resources and key partners including Be Strong, CASEL (Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning), Discovery Education, Inner Explorer, and the Greater Good Science Center.

To date, over 4 million students across the United States have learned these skills, thanks in part to educators who prioritize SEL in the classroom.

"Helping students cultivate self-confidence, manage stress and maintain their well-being so they can thrive has never been more critical."
– Beth Meyer, VP of Corporate & Community Partnerships, Discovery Education

Celebrating Superhero Teachers

In recognition of their dedication, 50 educators were honored as "Superhero Teachers" this spring for teaching the six happiness skills and going above and beyond to support student well-being during these challenging times.

Dr. Laura Bakosh, Co-Founder of Inner Explorer, adds, “Teachers are championing practices like mindfulness to support students’ mental health. The LG Experience Happiness program will continue playing a pivotal role in reaching more youth and educators.”

As these students grow, they’ll be better equipped to manage their emotions, become self-aware, and lead happier, more fulfilling lives.

🔗 Learn more at: lgexperiencehappiness.com

Helping Teens Improve Mental Health by Finding Happiness