Teens and young adults experience emotional swings that vary significantly, which is normal; however, if these emotional highs and lows interfere with their ability to function normally, it may be time to seek treatment. Kids and teens in need can reach out for assistance by dialing 988 or texting TALK to reach a trained crisis counselor, while parents, teachers, coaches, and other adults can become certified Youth Mental Health First Aiders to learn how to assist.
1. NIMH
The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) is the lead federal research institution for mental disorders and envisions a world in which mental illnesses can be prevented, treated, and ultimately eradicated.
NIMH supports research into the fundamental science of brain and behavior, connecting scientists with patients, providers, and the public. Their research centers address diverse populations with different clinical approaches. NIMH strives to ensure all Americans can access the help they require by strengthening the system of care. Their resources offer assistance both to people experiencing mental health problems and their loved ones.
2. JED Foundation
The JED Foundation protects emotional well-being and prevents suicide among our nation’s teens and young adults by equipping them with skills needed for successful living. Their work encompasses digital campaigns, research studies, and partnerships with schools and social networking initiatives so as to ensure our young people remain socially connected while having life skills essential for life success and understanding how to ask for assistance when necessary.
Sacred Heart University recently became part of JED Campus, a nationwide initiative that guides schools through a collaborative process of systems, program, and policy development with customized support in order to bolster existing student mental health, substance misuse, and suicide prevention efforts. They completed both the Healthy Minds Survey and self-assessment; additionally, working groups have been formed in key areas for improvement.
3. Mental Health Literacy
Mental health literacy (MHL) refers to an individual’s capacity to recognize and comprehend symptoms of mental illnesses, treatment effectiveness, and where to seek assistance. MHL also encompasses being able to nurture and maintain one’s own mental wellbeing by eating healthily, exercising regularly, and connecting with others.
Research supports that adolescents who possess high levels of MHL are more likely to seek mental health treatment if symptoms arise, which is especially important as youth are at an increased risk for mental illness (4, 5). Leidos and EVERFI are joining forces to offer teenagers in New York State’s FLX region access to Mental Health Literacy League resources that promote healthy habits while addressing mental illness or disorders.
4. National Suicide Prevention Hotline
Suicide Prevention Hotlines offer immediate crisis counseling, support, and referral services for anyone at risk of suicide. Often 24/7 and usually free, these hotlines offer text or online chat options as well.
Specialized service lines that target veterans and LGBTQ+ youth at high risk of suicide are particularly beneficial since they offer counselors who share similar life experiences. Language Matters resource (PDF). The National Institute of Mental Health is working to promote programs and practices for suicide prevention across health care settings, schools, community settings, criminal justice systems, and other areas.
5. National Alliance on Mental Illness
NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) is an organization made up of families, friends, and individuals impacted by mental illness who advocate for better lives for those who live with such conditions. NAMI Connection Recovery Support Groups provide weekly support groups for adults 18+ diagnosed with mental illnesses. Each session is led by trained facilitators with firsthand knowledge about living with mental illness.
The Family-to-Family education program offers a free eight-week course to family members and caregivers of those diagnosed with mental illnesses. Classes cover information from both a medical model perspective and NAMI volunteer instructors trained to deliver these classes.
6. National Alliance on Mental Health
The National Alliance on Mental Health is the nation’s premier grassroots mental health organization dedicated to improving the lives of those living with severe mental illness. Established in 1979, NAMI offers state and local affiliates, volunteers, and advocates who work in your community to raise awareness, provide support groups, educate the public, and advocate for changes in policy or legislation.
The NAMI Connection Recovery Support Group Program hosts weekly support groups for adults diagnosed with mental illnesses. In addition, their Family-to-Family Education Program offers a six-session course designed to educate family members of individuals diagnosed with mental illnesses. Both programs adhere to medical model approaches when teaching about mental illness.
7. National Alliance on Mental Illness Youth
Mental health conditions typically develop during childhood, adolescence, or young adulthood. The National Alliance on Mental Illness Youth offers resources tailored for adolescents and young adults that include downloadable coloring and activity books; presentations on mental health education for adolescents; and one-pagers with tips for discussing mental illness with trusted adults.
The Foundry Resource Center from BC Children’s Hospital also provides numerous health and wellness resources, such as self-check-in apps and virtual counselling appointments. Furthermore, they host podcasts that address key mental health challenges faced by adolescents and young adults, such as She Persisted and On Our Minds.
8. National Alliance on Mental Illness Teens
Suicide and self-harm are increasingly prevalent threats among teens with mental health conditions; therefore, providing resources that can assist teens in understanding mental illness is essential.
NAMI Teens provides online resources for adolescents and young adults, including helplines, peer networks, activities, and more. In addition, there is also a page dedicated to helping teens and young adults identify resources that will best suit them, including warning signs and how to assist someone experiencing crisis as well as videos on discussing mental health.
9. National Mental Health Association
NAMI (National Mental Health Association) is a non-profit that advocates for public policy to ensure everyone with mental illness has access to treatment. They specifically support mental health parity laws that mandate insurance providers cover mental healthcare equal to physical healthcare plans.
As well as working to increase public understanding about mental health conditions, Movember works to educate the public about them as well. They promote that having serious mental illnesses is not a choice or a weakness and offer free resources such as the Movember Conversations tool to facilitate difficult discussions with others. Furthermore, their Family-to-Family program offers six sessions of education tailored specifically for caregivers of individuals living with mental illnesses.
