Tenth International Conference on Health, Wellness & Society

Abstract

The overall health and wellness of adolescent girls requires our immediate attention. In order to enhance their overall health and wellness, this cohort requires special focus. Specifically, gender inequality negatively impacts the self-esteem of girls, a decrease can be seen as early as the age of six. The cultural impacts of gender inequality are in part to blame for this decrease. Research furthers that social stigma and gender inequality have an impact on anxiety levels as well as self-esteem. During adolescence, girls are twice as likely as boys to suffer from anxiety. Eighty percent of diagnosable anxiety that could be treated goes untreated. When left untreated, this has the potential to lead to decreased self-esteem, depression, and loss of opportunities, and overall decreased wellness. With suicide on the rise for adolescent girls, this cannot be ignored. This is a health crisis that Social Work and related health fields have to address. One such program is Growing Strong Women, Growing Strong Communities. It utilizes gardening activities in conjunction with psychoeducation to enhance the self-esteem, self-image, and well-being of young girls. The program provides education as well as support creating the necessary foundation from which to build and sustain this necessary self-concept. In conjunction with the curriculum in the garden, a podcast showcases not only the curriculum topic for the week, but a conversation with an expert in the community who can speak to the topic. Involving the community creates community ultimately enhancing overall wellness.