Mental health has never been more important.
Mental health includes our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how we think, feel, and act. It also helps determine how we handle stress, relate to others, and make choices. Mental health is important at every stage of life, from childhood to adolescence to adulthood.
In 2021, the American Academy of Pediatrics, the Children’s Hospital Association, and the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, declared a “national emergency” in child and adolescent mental health. The rates of childhood mental health concerns were already steadily rising over the past decade., but according to these groups, the pandemic as well as the issue of racial inequality have exacerbated the challenges.
________________________________________________________________
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
You can call or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org for yourself or if you are worried about a loved one who may need crisis support.
988 serves as a universal entry point so that no matter where you live in the United States, you can reach a caring, trained counselor who can help.
988 offers 24/7 access to trained crisis counselors who can help people experiencing mental health-related distress:
- Thoughts of suicide
- Mental health or substance use crises
- Emotional distress
- Other reasons to connect
________________________________________________________________
St. Luke’s Penn Foundation Programs
St. Luke’s Penn Foundation offers a variety of mental health programs to support children and adolescents and their families. We also partner with 63 schools to offer a school-based therapy program called YESS! (Your Emotional Strength Supported).
Additionally, we offer school-based education and prevention programs for both students and educators. To learn more about these presentations, email Ryan.Schweiger@sluhn.org.
________________________________________________________________
Mental Health Information and Resources
Scroll down for information about youth mental health and practical tips and tools that you can use to support the mental health of children and adolescents in your life.
Get the Facts
Mental Health by the Numbers
Mental Health in Rural America
Warning Signs
Helpful Tips for Parents and Educators
Children and Mental Health: Is This Just a Stage?
Helping Children Cope with Trauma
The Teen Brain: 7 Things to Know
What Plays a Role in Developing a MH Condition
Language Matters
Maintaining Good Mental Health | Getting the Right Start |
Is it Stress or Anxiety? | Where to Start |
Do I have Depression? | Terms to Know |
My Mental Health: Do I Need Help? | How to Help a Friend |
Mental Health Conditions
ADHD in Children and Teens
Bipolar Disorder in Teens and Young Adults
Understanding Teen Depression
Suicide
FAQs About Suicide
It’s Okay to Talk About Suicide
Warning Signs of Suicide
Suicide Prevention and Awareness
Interactive Activities for Children
Stress Catcher
Get Excited About the Brain: A Coloring and Activity Book
Stand Up to Stress: A Coloring and Activity Book
FindHelp | Wellness 101 |
CDC | National Institute of Mental Health |
NAMI | SAMHSA |
WHO | Mental Health America |
SLPF Blog
5 Signs Your Child Might Be Getting Bullied
5 Ways to Foster Mental Wellness at an Early Age
5 Ways Parents Can Support Their Teen’s Mental Wellness
5 Ways to Help Your Child Mange Test-Taking Anxiety