Key Tips to Enhance Emotional Intelligence 

by Dr. Fred Harvey, Medical Director of Functional Medicine Florida   

The well-being of adolescents and young adults is in jeopardy, as a mental health crisis has emerged in recent years. The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated emotional difficulties, causing  suicide rates to increase in the United States. Particularly alarming is the sharp rise in suicide rates among young adults, between the ages of 18–24, non-Hispanic Native Americans, Alaskan Natives, and non-Hispanic Black youth.  

While the pandemic is a contributing factor, it also is crucial to recognize the continual impact of nutrient deficiencies, toxic food, excessive sugar or caffeine consumption, and environmental toxicity. Unfortunately, the Western medical system often fails to address these underlying causes of emotional difficulties.   

The Importance of Emotional Intelligence: 

Emotional intelligence, a crucial attribute often neglected in our society, plays a vital role in helping to address these challenges. When young adults are able to connect their minds and hearts, emotional intelligence enables them to identify and express their feelings, which nurtures effective communication with others. This ability to communicate about emotions allows for a deeper understanding of one another’s experiences.    

Motivating The Teen Spirit: Empowering Teens: 

Recently, I had the privilege of witnessing the profound impact of emotional intelligence training. Motivating The Teen Spirit is an organization committed to assisting teenagers with emotional intelligence resources and support.  

I went to their inaugural MTS summer retreat, a transformational five-day, four-night camp. During this time, 30 teenagers were given a safe environment to explore and understand themselves. They learned authentic communication techniques to express their inner thoughts and feelings. The transformations I witnessed were both astonishing and inspiring.  

It is my fervent hope that emotional intelligence training of this kind can be integrated into schools, juvenile justice systems and faith-based communities, empowering our nation’s youth to thrive and succeed.  

  Here are several impactful themes I encountered over the course of my experience at Motivating the Teen Spirit. These techniques hold value for teenagers and other individuals of all ages. If we collectively embrace these methods, we can all reap the health benefits and enhance our emotional well-being:  

As we navigate this mental health crisis affecting adolescents and young adults, it is crucial to recognize the importance of emotional intelligence. Motivating The Teen Spirit demonstrates the power of emotional intelligence training to equip teenagers and foster their personal growth. Moreover, it’s vital to enhance emotional intelligence with skills such as self-awareness, mindfulness, empathy, effective communication, emotional regulation, seeking support, practicing resilience, empowerment and continuous learning.  

Anyone can benefit from these transformative methods—no matter their age. So let us embrace emotional intelligence as a fundamental tool to promote emotional wellness, stronger connections, and a brighter future for our youth and ourselves. Together, we can cultivate a society that thrives on empathy, understanding, and resilience.