Resources and Support
Mental health challenges in children and adolescents can impact the way children typically learn, behave, or handle their emotions, causing distress and problems getting through the day. We hope to continue to raise awareness of those living with mental or behavioral health issues and reduce the stigma so many experience. To that end, we want to share the following important information and resources:
Tips for Conversations
- The main priority is to continue to communicate care. Be consistent. Check in often. A caring presence in your child’s life is a key protective factor for many adolescent risk-taking behaviors.
- Listen with your full attention nonjudgmentally.
- Ask open-ended questions:
- How are you?
- What thoughts or feelings are you having?
- Resist the urge to offer quick fixes and solutions to challenges; this can shut down conversation.
- Instead, consider validating and supporting shared feelings.
- Follow your child's cues using phrases like, “Tell me more about that,” “I want to understand more about what that’s like for you,” and “When that happened, how did you feel?”
Resources
- Mental Health Community Committee (Resources for Various Mental Health Needs)
- 211 for Community Resources for Basic Needs (Housing, Food Insecurity, Finances, etc.)
- Article: Warning Signs in Youth Mental Health
- Article: “Risk factors, protective factors, and warning signs for Suicide”
Important Numbers
- Safe2Say - 1-844-723-2729
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline - #988 (Call or Text)
- Centre for Community Resources - Call 1-800-643-5432; walk-ins are available
- 911 for emergencies