Healthy Habits: Mental Health Interview with Jadell Lee

I had a chance to interview Jadell Lee, Mental Health Advocate and Dance Educator the topic of mental health care in our youth.

The pandemic has cause depression and anxiety to rise tremendously, and our children are suffering from it.  Their development is changing due to social distancing and online learning, and we need to ensure that we nurture and raise our children to set them up for happiness and success.  Jadell Lee is using his platform as a dance educator to address the mental health crisis in our youth.

Why is improving confidence such a powerful force in our lives—and for children? 

 

·  As a professor, one thing I share with my undergraduate students is confidence is key—something you own, cultivate and build over time. Your confidence is the backbone of your greatness, passion, and purpose. It inspires motivation—encouraging you to move or act on things you otherwise would not. And, in improving your confidence, you are creating opportunities to grow in multiple areas of your life—mentally, emotionally, physically, and spiritually. In developing confidence in our children, we help them grow in the areas of human engineering and personality—their abilities to build sustainable relationships and lead which are all things that contribute a prosperous long term mental health. For instance, As a teenager, I lacked confidence resulting in a low self-esteem and challenges building relationships—making friends. It also impacted my ability to see or feel worthy of love, affection, and affirmation as it eventually leads to depression. When I became a dancer, I found my confidence hidden within my passion to create, move and emote on stage. Through this, I discovered my confidence is important because you can put it into everything you do. 

 

What is social-emotional learning and how can parents and caregivers strengthen those skills in their kids' lives?

 

 

• As a form of personal development, Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) is where people—especially young adults and children, grow in the areas of engagement, learning, and motivation by developing self and social awareness, self-management, responsible decision making, and positive rapport building. As an educator, I have learned to promote SEL by encouraging effort—regardless of the outcome, embrace creative choices to help foster self-esteem and confidence, and embrace learning methods relevant to the individual. In addition, I discovered by cultivating a safe and inclusive environment where my students are taught to view failure as growth opportunities while feeling supported, they are more likely to try again. 

 

 

What makes dance such a great activity for building confidence and mental health?

 

·        Dance promotes confidence. Through my own experience dancing, it taught me to believe in myself, to embrace the good and the bad about myself and served as a gateway to my passion of helping others grow into greater versions of themselves. Dance allows you to connect with your body promoting a stronger understanding of yourself.  This mind and body connection is the first step in embracing your entire self, and it encourages growth in your identity.  A strong identity encourages strong self-esteem.  Not only that but committing to something and putting a bit of yourself into something gives you pride.  You'll start to take pride in your work ethic, your commitment, resulting in pride in yourself.

·        Dance also provides great support for mental health.  It's fun, but it also promotes memory, cognitive function, and it can even ease anxiety.  There is such a focus on being "in the moment" when dancing, that any troubles that are looming over your head will leave for those blissful moments.  It provides a healthy escape from negative thoughts and other stresses.

 

If people are nervous or worried that they might not like dance, what are some ways they can find a supportive setting?

 

·     Some of the ways a person can find a supportive setting if they are nervous or worried they might not like dance would be to take a class with a friend, research class reviews regarding the experience, and use word of mouth to learn positive feedback and gain encouragement to attend a class.   Also, look for a beginner-level or intro class.  Chances of you or your child being the only true beginner in the class is highly unlikely.  If you're still nervous to go to your first actual dance class, you can find plenty of beginner guides on youtube or even watch a class before attending. 

Preparing dancers for the center stage of life, Mental Health Advocate Jadell Lee is a professional dance educator, touring adjudicator, published author, and speaker who brings a fresh perspective of life to audiences across the country. He is represented by Go 2 Talent Agency, Assistant Director of CRU Dance Competition, touring faculty with Thrive Dance Experience, and guest master instructor for Abby Lee Dance Company. He is the author of Your First Position: A Simple Guide to Self-Discovery, Activation & Breakthrough, a book written to help his readers shine a light on their own journey through social-emotional learning.