Mental Health Toolkit

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline                   

The 988 Lifeline is a national network of local crisis centers that provides free and confidential emotional support to people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress 24 hours a day, 7 days a week in the United States. We're committed to improving crisis services and advancing suicide prevention by empowering individuals, advancing professional best practices, and building awareness.   

998 Suicide Website or call 988

Guilford County Behavioral Health Urgent Care Center           

The Guilford County Behavioral Health Urgent Care Center will provide timely access to mental health services for children and adolescents (ages 4-17) and adults presenting in a mental health crisis. The program is designed for those who need urgent behavioral health or substance use treatment and are not experiencing a medical crisis that would typically require an emergency room visit.       

Guilford County Behavioral Health Website

NAMI Guilford Teen and Young Adult Helpline NAMI Guilford is a family-based, grassroots support and advocacy organization that strives to act as the community hub for information relating to local resources and services for the friends and families of individuals living alongside a mental health condition, as well as for the individuals themselves.

As the local affiliate chapter for Guilford County and surrounding areas, NAMI Guilford works in conjunction with NAMI NC and NAMI. It works to provide as much support and information as possible to the community members it serves while following state and national policy and advocacy objectives.

NAMI Guilford Teen and Young Adult Helpline Website or call 1-800-950-6264 

Cone Behavioral Health Reidsville 

Cone Behavioral Health Provides innovative, evidence-based behavioral health care for children, adolescents and adults in the Reidsville and Rockingham County area.      

Crisis Line: 1-833-600-2054

The Hidden Opponent Mental Health Movement, created by teens for teens, focuses on teens experiencing stress or anxiety from academic, sports, or extracurricular commitments. We acknowledge the immense pressure teens face to succeed and aim to confront the hidden opponent of stress and anxiety. Statistics indicate alarming rates of stress among teen athletes, with around 70% feeling overwhelmed by sport performance pressure. Additionally, over 60% of high school students report significant pressure to excel academically. These pressures lead to anxiety, depression, and burnout, highlighting the urgent need to address teens' mental health needs in both academic and athletic realms for their overall well-being.

How Are We Confronting the Hidden Opponent?

• We offer Teen Mental Health First Aid training to all YMCA Teen program participants.
• Stress and anxiety management training is incorporated into our YMCA Teen Programs.
• Organization and time management trainings are provided to YMCA teen program participants.
• Anxiety management training is offered to all YMCA teen sports participants.

Try This at Home

1. Practice Mindfulness and Relaxation Techniques: Teens can reduce stress and anxiety by incorporating mindfulness and relaxation exercises into their daily routine. Resources like the Headspace app (https://www.headspace.com/) and the Calm app (https://www.calm.com/) offer guided meditations and breathing exercises to help manage stress levels and promote relaxation.
2. Establish Effective Time Management Strategies: Implementing effective time management techniques can help teens organize their tasks and reduce feelings of overwhelm. Websites like Trello (https://trello.com/) and Todoist (https://todoist.com/) provide digital tools for creating to-do lists, setting deadlines, and prioritizing tasks, enabling teens to manage their time more efficiently.
3. Engage in Physical Activity: Regular physical activity is an effective way to reduce stress and improve overall well-being. Teens can incorporate activities such as walking, jogging, yoga, or dancing into their daily routine. Websites like Fitness Blender (https://www.fitnessblender.com/) offer free workout videos and resources for teens to stay active at home.
4. Seek Support and Counseling: It's essential for teens experiencing high stress to seek support from trusted adults or mental health professionals. Online therapy platforms like BetterHelp (https://www.betterhelp.com/) and Talkspace (https://www.talkspace.com/) offer convenient and confidential counseling services tailored to teens' needs, providing a safe space to address stress, anxiety, and other mental health concerns.

Teen Mental Health Summer 2024 Reading List

1. "The Anxiety Workbook for Teens: Activities to Help You Deal with Anxiety & Worry" by Lisa M. Schab - This workbook offers practical exercises and strategies to help teens manage anxiety and worry effectively.
2. "The Teenage Brain: A Neuroscientist's Survival Guide to Raising Adolescents and Young Adults" by Frances E. Jensen and Amy Ellis Nutt - This book explores the neuroscience behind teenage brain development and provides insights into understanding and supporting teens' mental health.
3. "How to Raise an Adult: Break Free of the Overparenting Trap and Prepare Your Kid for Success" by Julie Lythcott-Haims - While not solely focused on mental health, this book discusses the impact of overparenting on teens' well-being and offers guidance on fostering independence and resilience.
4. "The Stress Survival Guide for Teens: CBT Skills to Worry Less, Develop Grit, and Live Your Best Life" by Jeffrey Bernstein and Marie Land - This book provides evidence-based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) techniques to help teens manage stress, develop resilience, and live a more fulfilling life.

Mental Health and LGBTQ+ Youth

Mental health challenges disproportionately affect LGBTQ+ youth, reflecting the unique stressors and discrimination they face. Studies indicate that LGBTQ+ youth are nearly three times more likely than their heterosexual peers to experience depression and anxiety. Additionally, they are at a higher risk for suicide attempts, with suicide rates among LGBTQ+ youth being significantly higher than those of their heterosexual counterparts. Discrimination, rejection from family and peers, and societal stigma contribute to these alarming statistics. LGBTQ+ youth often encounter barriers to accessing mental health support, including lack of culturally competent care and fear of discrimination from healthcare providers.

As a result, addressing the mental health needs of LGBTQ youth requires comprehensive strategies that address both individual and systemic factors, including promoting acceptance and inclusivity, providing affirming mental health services, and advocating for policies that protect LGBTQ+ rights and well-being.

1. Seek Support from LGBTQ+-affirming Mental Health Services: LGBTQ+ youth can access specialized mental health services that prioritize their unique experiences and identities. Resources such as The Trevor Project's TrevorSpace, which offers an online community and crisis intervention services specifically for LGBTQ+ youth, provide valuable support and guidance.
2. Build a Supportive Network: Cultivating connections with supportive friends, family members, or LGBTQ+ support groups can provide a sense of belonging and understanding. Organizations like GLSEN (Gay, Lesbian & Straight Education Network) offer resources and programs for LGBTQ+ youth to connect with peers and allies in safe spaces.
3. Practice Self-Care: Engaging in self-care practices, such as mindfulness meditation, journaling, or exercise, can help LGBTQ+ youth manage stress and maintain emotional well-being. Apps like Calm or Headspace offer guided meditation and relaxation exercises tailored to diverse needs.
4. Educate Yourself and Advocate: Empowering oneself with knowledge about LGBTQ+ rights, mental health issues, and available resources can be empowering. LGBTQ+ youth can access educational materials and advocacy resources from organizations like The Human Rights Campaign or The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) to advocate for their rights and access to mental health services.

Equitable Mental Health Care

Mental health disparities among youth of color in the United States highlight the systemic inequities and societal challenges they face. Studies reveal alarming statistics, with Black, Indigenous, and Latinx youth experiencing higher rates of depression, anxiety, and suicide attempts compared to their white peers. For instance, Black youth are 20% more likely to experience severe depression compared to white youth. Additionally, Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) youth face unique stressors, including pressure to conform to cultural expectations and the model minority myth, leading to underreporting and lack of access to mental health services.

Furthermore, structural barriers such as limited access to quality healthcare, cultural stigma surrounding mental illness, and exposure to racial discrimination exacerbate these disparities. Addressing the mental health needs of youth of color requires culturally competent and accessible services, anti-racist policies, and community-based interventions that center their experiences and promote holistic well-being.

1. Seek Culturally Affirming Therapy: Youth of color can benefit from therapy that acknowledges and respects their cultural backgrounds and experiences. Resources such as Therapy for Black Girls and Therapy for Latinx provide directories of therapists specializing in serving Black and Latinx communities, offering culturally sensitive support.
2. Engage in Community Support Groups: Connecting with peers who share similar cultural backgrounds can provide a sense of belonging and understanding. Organizations like The Steve Fund offer programs and resources specifically tailored to addressing the mental health needs of young people of color, fostering supportive community networks.
3. Practice Mindfulness and Self-Care: Incorporating mindfulness practices and self-care activities into daily routines can help manage stress and promote emotional well-being. Apps like Shine and Liberate Meditation offer guided meditations and wellness resources specifically designed for diverse communities, providing accessible tools for self-care.
4. Advocate for Mental Health Equity: Empowering themselves and their communities by advocating for policies and initiatives that address systemic barriers to mental health care. Platforms like the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) and the Mental Health America BIPOC Mental Health Resources offer advocacy resources and toolkits to support youth of color in advocating for mental health equity and access to culturally competent care. 

Mental Health and Unhoused Youth

Mental health challenges among unhoused youth are widespread and impact every state in the US. Statistics reveal that a staggering 20-40% of homeless youth experience mental health disorders, including depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Unhoused youth face unique stressors, such as trauma, substance abuse, and the constant struggle for survival, intensifying their mental health struggles.

1. Seek Out Available Mental Health Services: Unhoused youth can begin by exploring mental health services offered through local shelters, community clinics, or outreach programs. These resources often provide access to counseling, therapy, and psychiatric care, which can help address underlying mental health issues and provide essential support.
2. Engage in Self-Care Practices: Unhoused youth can prioritize self-care by incorporating mindfulness exercises, creative outlets such as art or music, and seeking social support networks. These practices can assist in managing symptoms of mental illness, fostering emotional well-being, and building resilience in the face of adversity.  

Advocating For Unhoused Youth

1. Advocate for Increased Funding and Resources: The general public can support unhoused youth by advocating for increased funding and resources specifically allocated to mental health services tailored to their needs. This includes lobbying for enhanced access to counseling, therapy, and psychiatric care within homeless shelters and community outreach programs.
2. Support Initiatives for Stable Housing Solutions: Supporting initiatives aimed at providing stable housing solutions for unhoused youth is crucial for improving mental health outcomes. Stable housing provides a foundation for addressing mental health challenges effectively and reduces the stress and instability associated with homelessness.
3. Promote Policies Addressing Root Causes of Youth Homelessness: Promoting policies that address the root causes of youth homelessness, such as poverty, family conflict, and lack of affordable housing, is essential. By addressing these systemic issues, we can prevent youth homelessness and create a more supportive environment for mental health and well-being.

Fostering Resilience at Home

Parents and guardians play a vital role in nurturing positive mental health practices within the family. By creating a supportive environment where open communication is encouraged, promoting healthy habits like exercise and sufficient sleep, and teaching coping skills and problem-solving techniques, caregivers lay the foundation for resilience. Quality family time strengthens bonds and instills important values. The home can become a nurturing space where children can develop emotionally, mentally, and socially.

Parent & Family Exercises (Try This At Home)

1. Don’t just talk, take action: Some teens find face-to-face communication overwhelming, feeling intimidated in every gesture and expression. Instead of bombarding them with questions during dinner, opt for a walk or a drive. Teens might find it easier to open up without the pressure of eye contact. Alternatively, you could write your questions or concerns in a notebook, allowing them time to think of their responses.
2. Lead by example with vulnerability: Encourage openness in your teen by demonstrating it yourself. Share a personal story of a mistake you made, highlighting the lessons learned and personal growth. By showcasing your own imperfections you indirectly convey acceptance of theirs, fostering an environment where vulnerability is embraced and meaningful sharing is encouraged.
3. Ask open-ended questions: Move away from questions with a simple "yes" or "no" responses. Instead of asking, "Did you enjoy the party?" or "Are you ready for your English exam?" opt for more open-ended questions like, "What was the party like?" or "How are you feeling about the English exam?" When met with a default "Fine," shift to prompts such as, "Tell me about your day" to prompt deeper conversation.
4. Prioritize listening over advising: Resist the impulse to immediately offer solutions when your teen discusses problems. Instead, practice active listening, pausing your own agenda to fully engage with your teen's words and emotions. Demonstrating genuine interest in their experiences fosters trust and strengthens your connection.
5. Create a judgment-free environment: Foster an atmosphere where your teen feels safe to share their thoughts and emotions without fear of judgment. Refrain from expressing opinions or engaging in power struggles when they confide in you. Instead, encourage further dialogue by asking them to elaborate on their feelings and perspectives. Embrace curiosity and respect for their autonomy, reinforcing that disagreement doesn't equate to criticism. By avoiding judgment, you nurture a healthy relationship and encourage ongoing communication with your teen.