Teens Stock photos by Vecteezy
In a previous post, I shared various statistics about youth mental health. While what we know isn’t exactly good news, there are actionable steps to take to support our youth.
- Increase awareness and reduce the stigma. We need to do a better job with our willingness to talk about mental health and not perpetuate the idea that mental health issues are shameful, to be ignored or embarrassing. When more people talk, more will follow.
- Advocacy. We need more change in policy. Get informed about what is happening in local, state and national politics. Talk to your federal and state legislators. Organizations like Mental Health America (www.mhanational.org) and National Alliance on Mental Health (www.nami.org) are good sources of resources.
- Support organizations in the community that support mental health programs and resources for youth.
- Educate yourself about mental health. The better you are able to recognize struggles your child might be having, the sooner you can seek help and support.
- Encourage and support schools’ efforts to screen student’s social and emotional well-being so that they too can take action to support students.
Suicide and Crisis Hotline: dial 988.
Crisis Text Line: Text “MHA” to 741-741
If you’re looking for support for you or your child, I offer a free 15 minute consultation.
