If you or someone you know is in crisis and needs immediate help, dial or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, also available at (800) 273-8255. You’ll be connected to a trained professional counselor, and all calls are free and confidential. Phone lines are open 24/7.
If you need to be connected to mental health services in Riverside County, call the Helpline at (951) 686-HELP (4357). If emergency medical care is needed, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.
Experiencing mental health challenges might feel lonely, but if you’re going through it, know that you’re not alone. One in five adults in Riverside County are currently living with mental health challenges. The good news is, we have trusted resources to provide support and treatment.
Various tools such as medication, talk therapy, group support, and personalized wellness plans can provide new opportunities for health and well-being. When you’re ready to reach out for support, find the resources you need below.
Local Resources
Connect to Riverside County’s mental health support and start your journey to wellness today.
“Without warning or history I began to hallucinate and hear voices…. Dance, friends, medications, therapists and compassionate agencies assisted me in creating a new beginning.”
Joshua
“By getting into recovery and living it every day I was able to achieve all the things people told me I would never have, and today I believe anyone can do anything.”
Ashley
“Now that I am a woman in recovery six years clean, I don’t stand down – I trust my instincts.”
Christine
“By the age of 3 Anthony had been in 10 pre-schools. He received his first diagnosis – I didn’t want to believe it. Now I’m a parent partner and work with other parents to help them navigate the system and not feel isolated or alone.”
Christopher
“We dealt with normal challenges of parenting; crying, whining, throwing things. But, gradually the tantrums got worse and my son was changing.”
Debbie
“As recovery became my reality, helping others became my purpose. Giving back has given me permission to feel good about myself …It has given me hope for a better tomorrow.”
Doug
“If there is one thing I would like to say to a veteran out there, to one of my battle buddies, it’s that it takes courage to ask for help and it is ok to ask for help.”
Michael
“My coming out as a gay man was met with acceptance and unconditional love from most of my family, but mental illness was not something we talked about.”
Nancy
“I knew I needed help, but that felt like falling back. And I didn’t want to take medications.”
Paula
“As a Latina born into this kind of culture, mental health just wasn’t something we talked about. The overwhelming fear of not being able to talk about what was going on made it a dark place to be day after day.”
Pedro + Jose
“In the center of my journey with mental illness was my family’s love and their faith. They never stopped believing I could get better.”
Rachel
“I thought Marcellino’s high levels of energy was typical for a boy. I never would imagine they would diagnose him with ADHD. I felt lost and alone. After I found support, I felt like the sea was calm. Now we are ready for the next phase in my son’s life.”
Ricki
“Looking back at that day when I saw the nurse it was almost as if someone’s imagination was on top of mine. My family and I have learned to cope with my outbursts. My outlets now include reading, sculptures, writing, music, art and always staying positive.”
Sandy
“I always wanted to be the best, the first and now I know I am the best… the best at knowing myself.”
Back to School Toolkit
The Mental Health Back to School Toolkit is designed to assist teachers, school staff, community groups, and others who work with youth and young adults to open a conversation about mental health and wellness. Due to COVID, the world as we know has shifted, and it’s important that educators and community leaders are able to speak openly about mental health with students of all ages. The resources provided on this page will allow for educators to have these conversations with students in an online format in order to ensure physical distancing.
These quick and easy activities provide tools to use to welcome youth and young adults to a safe space where they can express themselves, find support, and get connected to resources. The aim of these activities and lesson plans is to support and empower students and teachers to care for their mental health and reduce stigma. The toolkit provides PowerPoints, lesson plans, and resources tailored by grade level to increase mental health awareness and social-emotional wellness.
Below, there are 5 different categories of materials to choose from, including materials geared towards elementary school, middle school, high school, and college aged children and young adults as well as resources for leaders. Simply navigate to the most applicable category to explore the materials and resources available to you!
Mental Health Toolkit Webinar:
Elementary School More
Affirmations
The aim of this lesson plan is to promote positive thinking and increase confidence and self-esteem in elementary-aged students. By teaching positive affirmations and self-talk, you can help children to change those words into more positive ones.
The aim of this lesson plan is to teach students coping skills to manage their emotions. It is recommended to reinforce these skills on a weekly basis by reintroducing coping skills in the classroom.
The aim of this lesson plan is to increase emotional intelligence and emotional regulation. Developing these skills during formative years provide the foundation for future habits to be formed later in life. In order to create a safe space for your students, allow them to recognize and acknowledge their feelings on a daily basis.
These selected activities are helpful strategies to reduce stress, anxiety, and anger in elementary-school aged children. Activities can be reinforced daily to assist students in feeling emotionally well.
The aim of this lesson plan is to help students learn to identify when a friend or someone they know may be in need of help and how they can connect them to that help.
The aim of this lesson plan is to create a safe space for students to talk about mental health. This includes exploring what mental health is, debunking myths about mental health and learning facts and how students can care for their mental health. Creating a space in which we can talk about mental health openly helps to reduce the stigma and encourages help-seeking.
The aim of this lesson plan is to teach and encourage the actions students can take in order to care for their mental, emotional, and physical health. Practicing good self-care and wellness is key to improving mood and reducing anxiety.
This one-pager provides educators and community leaders with ways in which they can recognize the warning signs of suicide in students, questions to ask and referrals and support available.
These selected activities are helpful strategies to reduce stress, anxiety, and anger in middle-school aged children. Activities can be reinforced daily to assist students in feeling emotionally well.
The aim of this lesson plan is to educate students about Mental Health through the Each Mind Matters program and film contest, Directing Change. Students will learn about mental health challenges that individuals may experience and how they can become creatively involved with ending the stigma and spreading awareness to their peers
The aim of this lesson plan is to educate students about Suicide Prevention through the Each Mind Matters program and film contest, Directing Change. Students will learn about Suicide Prevention and how to creatively become involved with ending the stigma and spreading awareness to their peers.
The aim of this lesson plan is to help high school students learn to identify when a friend or someone they know may be in need of help and how they can connect them to that help.
The aim of this lesson plan is to create a safe space for high school students to talk about mental health. This includes exploring what mental health is, debunking myths about mental health and learning facts and how students can care for their mental health. Creating a space in which we can talk about mental health openly helps to reduce the stigma and encourages help-seeking.
The aim of this lesson plan is to help students learn to recognize things that cause them stress, whether it’s external or internal and to recognize that some stress can actually be healthy. Learning strategies and tips to help manage stress can help to keep us physically and mentally healthy.
This one-pager provides educators and community leaders with ways in which they can recognize the warning signs of suicide in students, questions to ask and referrals and support available.
These selected activities are helpful strategies to reduce stress, anxiety, and anger in high school students. Activities can be reinforced daily to assist students in feeling emotionally well.
The aim of this lesson plan is to create a safe space to talk about mental health which includes exploring what mental health is, understanding the mental health continuum, how mental health is different from mental illness, and how mental illness can affect your overall mental health. This plan also provides learning tips to help care for students’ own mental health.
The aim of this lesson plan is to teach and encourage deliberate actions that students can take in order to care for their mental, emotional and physical health on a daily basis. Practicing good self-care and wellness is key to improving mood and reducing anxiety.
The aim of this lesson plan is to help college students learn to recognize things that cause them stress, whether it’s external or internal and to recognize that some stress can actually be healthy. Learning strategies and tips to help manage stress can help to keep us physically and mentally healthy.
This one-sheeter provides a list of resources and links, specifically for college students, that can help them manage stress, take care of their mental health and practice self-care.
This one-pager provides educators and community leaders with ways in which they can recognize the warning signs of suicide in students, questions to ask and referrals and support available.
These selected activities are helpful strategies to reduce stress, anxiety, and anger in college students. Activities can be reinforced daily to assist students in feeling emotionally well.
This one-sheeter provides an overview of what burnout is, the symptoms and ways in which to avoid it. It also provides a list of resources of how to take care of yourself if you are experiencing burnout.
This one-sheeter provides an overview of self-care, why it is important and how to apply it to your daily life. It also provides a list of resources through which you can learn more about self-care.
Help is available! Find easy access to mental health and suicide prevention resources by using the links provided here.
If you or someone you care about is in crisis and needs immediate help, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at (800) 273-8255 or 988. The phone lines are answered by trained professionals; the call is free and confidential. If you need to be connected to mental health services in Riverside County, call the Helpline at (951) 686-HELP. If emergency medical care is needed, call 9-1-1 or go to the emergency room of the nearest hospital. You may also call or walk into a Riverside County 24/7 Mental Health Urgent Care location. Whether you are in crisis or just need someone to talk to, all services are voluntary. Counseling and nursing, as well as, psychiatric medications are available. All locations are open 24/7 and everyone is welcome regardless of insurance type or ability to pay.
A free 24-hour hotline available if you or someone you know is in suicidal crisis or emotional distress. Press 1 for a dedicated line for veterans and their families.
The regional Inland Southern California Crisis and Suicide Helpline is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The phone lines are answered by trained professionals and the call is free and confidential.
The Suicide Prevention Resource Center (SPRC) provides prevention support, training and resources to assist organizations to develop suicide prevention programs, interventions and policies and to advance the National Strategy for Suicide Prevention.
This foundation is dedicated to reduce emotional distress and prevent suicide among college students. The website provides resources for students, professionals, parents and friends.
Suicide Prevention Action Network USA (SPAN USA)
SPAN USA is a national not-for-profit organization exclusively dedicated to understanding and preventing suicide through research, education and advocacy, as well as reaching out to people with mental disorders and those impacted by suicide.
Riverside County’s local suicide prevention strategic plan, Building Hope and Resiliency, is brought to action through the Suicide Prevention Coalition (SPC). The SPC is made up of eight sub-committees and workgroups. Each sub-committee focuses on a unique set of goals and objectives that work toward…
Survivors of Suicide
The Survivors of Suicide website was developed to help those who have lost a loved one to suicide resolve their grief and pain in their own personal way.
This U.S. Department of Health and Human Services document provides goals and objectives as a blueprint for the nation to take action to prevent suicide.
This two-page fact sheet is intended for the general public and provides a basic overview of suicide, including risk factors, prevention and additional resources.
This toolkit assists high schools and school districts in designing and implementing strategies to prevent suicide by promoting behavioral health. It includes tools to implement a multi-faceted suicide prevention program that responds to the needs and cultures of students.
Are you concerned about someone? Visit this website to learn the warning signs of suicide, find the words to offer help to someone you are concerned about and reach out to local resources. The website is part of the statewide suicide prevention campaign “Know the Signs” funded by the Mental Health Services Act (formerly known as Prop 63).
What’s Up Safehouse is a 24/7, free, anonymous mental health crisis texting line. Get immediate support from a licensed mental health professional. Dedicated to helping support the residents of Riverside County through issues surrounding anxiety, substance abuse, depression, school pressure, peer pressure, LGBTQ struggles, relational issues, suicidal thoughts, bullying, and any other issue that is causing trouble.
Text SHHELP to 844.204.0880 24/7 for immediate support and resources.
American Association of Suicidology This website offers a variety of fact sheets about suicide and suicide prevention, in both English and Spanish, including:
Surviving after Suicide A survivor of suicide is a family member or friend of a person who died by suicide. This website describes the common emotions and feelings of grief experienced by survivors of suicide and offers resources through the American Association of Suicidology.
LGBT Youth and Suicide (PDF): This fact sheet provides information about suicidal behavior, risk factors, protective factors and implications for suicide prevention among LGBT youth.
After a Suicide
Help is available! Find easy access to mental health and suicide prevention resources by using the links provided here. If you or someone you care about is in crisis and needs immediate help, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at (800) 273-8255 or 988. The phone lines are answered by trained professionals; the call is free and confidential. If you need to be connected to mental health services in Riverside County, call the Helpline at (951) 686-HELP. If emergency medical care is needed, call 9-1-1 or go to the emergency room of the nearest hospital.
Survivors of Suicide Loss (SOSL) reaches out to and supports people who have lost a loved one to suicide. Their goal is to give survivors a place where they can comfortably express themselves, find support, comfort, resources, and hope in a judgment-free environment. SOSL also focuses its efforts on promoting suicide awareness and prevention.
The AFSP Inland Empire and Desert Cities Chapter is dedicated to eliminating the loss of life from suicide by: delivering innovative prevention programs, educating the public about risk factors and warning signs, raising funds for suicide research and programs, and reaching out to those individuals who have lost someone to suicide.
As a part of AFSP’s growing nationwide network of chapters, we bring together people from all backgrounds who want to prevent suicide in our communities. Families and friends who have lost someone to suicide, vulnerable individuals, mental health professionals, clergy, educators, students, community/business leaders, and many others energize our chapter.
These tips from the Hunter Institute of Mental Health in Australia provide guidance for handling safe and effective conversations after a suicide death. They include basic tips on what to say and do for a person who lost someone close to them to suicide, as well as when you are worried someone you know may be thinking about suicide.
This website for suicidal individuals, their loved ones, loss survivors, and mental health professionals. It includes information on how to talk with children about the suicide, a comprehensive book list, and much more.
SOS: A handbook for survivors of suicide (PDF)
A pocket-sized quick reference booklet for suicide loss survivors from the American Association of Suicidology. The booklet may be downloaded freely or print copies can be purchased through the AAS website. Also available in Spanish.
In the aftermath of loss, it can be especially difficult to make sound financial decisions. This guide from the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention describes how to take inventory, settle the estate, work with advisors and set a year of financial milestones.
Surviving after Suicide (PDF)
A survivor of suicide is a family member or friend of a person who died by suicide. This fact sheet describes the common emotions and feelings of grief experienced by survivors of suicide and offers resources through the American Association of Suicidology.
What’s Up Safehouse is a 24/7, free, anonymous mental health crisis texting line. Get immediate support from a licensed mental health professional. Dedicated to helping support the residents of Riverside County through issues surrounding anxiety, substance abuse, depression, school pressure, peer pressure, LGBTQ struggles, relational issues, suicidal thoughts, bullying, and any other issue that is causing trouble.
Text SHHELP to 844.204.0880 24/7 for immediate support and resources.
Personal Stories: Suicidal Ideations
Anthony
“There is no shame in asking for help. There will be someone there to pick you up and walk with you until you can walk by yourself and find your own voice. ”
Chris
“For me the fear was grounded in stigma. Stigma was at the root of acting out, it was easier if someone feared me than have them think of me as a depressed, suicidal and scared kid.”
Christine
“By the age of 3 Anthony had been in 10 pre-schools. He received his first diagnosis – I didn’t want to believe it. Now I’m a parent partner and work with other parents to help them navigate the system and not feel isolated or alone.”
“By getting into recovery and living it every day I was able to achieve all the things people told me I would never have, and today I believe anyone can do anything.”
Anthony
“There is no shame in asking for help. There will be someone there to pick you up and walk with you until you can walk by yourself and find your own voice.”
Brandi
“The pain began to motivate me to succeed and take care of the symptoms of my mental health diagnosis and to stay clean a day at a time.”
Ashley
“Now that I am a woman in recovery six years clean, I don’t stand down – I trust my instincts.”
Mario
My eyes and mind were opened when I learned “once an addict always an addict” was a lie. I was empowered to believe in myself and that the responsibility for my recovery was mine.”
Pedro + Jose
“In the center of my journey with mental illness was my family’s love and their faith. They never stopped believing I could get better.”
Viki
“My life was pre planned and laid out for me. I got married, had a son and a white picket fence. Becoming an alcoholic was not part of the plan…The best thing that ever happened to me was being diagnosed with and treated for depression and anxiety.”
Help Others
Get Trained
Sign up now! Special trainings are available for members of the community to learn how to recognize the signs and respond to someone who may be considering suicide, experiencing a mental health challenge or developing a substance use problem. Learn more about each of the trainings and how you can Get Involved and Help Others today.
For upcoming training dates or more information, please register here. If you need further assistance, please email PEI@ruhealth.org or call (951) 955-3448.
safeTALK
safeTALK is a three-hour training that prepares participants to identify persons with thoughts of suicide and connect them to suicide first aid resources. Most people with thoughts of suicide invite help to stay safe. People who participate in this training will be able to identify people who have thoughts of suicide and move beyond common tendencies to miss, dismiss or avoid suicide. They will be able to apply the TALK steps (Tell, Ask, Listen, KeepSafe) to connect a person with thoughts of suicide to a suicide first aid intervention caregiver. Register here. Who: Anyone who might want to help; minimum age 15 years old Where: Various locations Cost: Free
ASIST
ASIST is a two-day, interactive workshop that prepares participants to provide suicide first aid interventions. ASIST caregivers complete the process that safeTALK helpers start, providing life-saving suicide first aid interventions. The workshop teaches the Suicide Intervention Model, a practical guide to doing suicide interventions. By participating in this training, people will be able to identity those who have thoughts of suicide as well as review the current risk and develop a plan to increase safety from suicidal behavior. Register here. Who: Anyone who wants to help further; minimum age 16 years old Where: Various locations Cost: Free
Youth Mental Health First Aid
Youth MHFA is an 8-hour training that introduces participants to unique risk factors and warning signs of mental health problems in adolescents, builds understanding of the importance of early intervention, and teaches individuals how to help an adolescent in crisis or experiencing a mental health challenge. Register here. Who: Anyone 18 years old and older who has regular contact with young people ages 12-18. Teachers, coaches, social workers, faith leaders, support staff, and community partners. Where: Various locations or prearranged at your location Cost: Free
Youth Mental Health First Aid
Youth MHFA is an 8-hour training that introduces participants to unique risk factors and warning signs of mental health problems in adolescents, builds understanding of the importance of early intervention, and teaches individuals how to help an adolescent in crisis or experiencing a mental health challenge. Register here. Who: Anyone 18 years old and older who has regular contact with young people ages 12-18. Teachers, coaches, social workers, faith leaders, support staff, and community partners. Where: Various locations or prearranged at your location Cost: Free
Mental Health First Aid USA
Adult MHFA is an 8-hour training that introduces participants to risk factors and warning signs of mental illnesses, builds understanding of their impact, and overviews common supports. Course uses role-playing and simulations to demonstrate how to offer initial help in a mental health crisis. Participants will be able to interact with a person in crisis and connect them with help. Register here. Who: Anyone who wants to learn how to help an individual who may be experiencing a mental health crisis. Minimum age is 18 years old. Where: Various locations or prearranged at your location Cost: Free
Building Resiliency and Understanding Trauma
Building Resiliency and Understanding Trauma is a 2-hour presentation that focuses on understanding and defining trauma and different trauma types; Impact of trauma on the brain; Child Traumatic Stress (CTS); Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs); Adverse Community Experiences and Resilience (ACE|R); Resiliency and being trauma-informed. Available in English and Spanish. Register here. Who: Anyone 15 and older who lives and/or works in Riverside County Where: Zoom Virtual Training Cost: Free
Mental Health 101
Mental Health 101 is a 1.5-hour presentation that focuses on understanding mental health; Understanding mental health vs. mental illness; Mental health spectrum; Stigma reduction; Risk and protective factors; Available resources. Available in English and Spanish. Register here. Who: Anyone 15 and older who lives and/or works in Riverside County Where: Zoom Virtual Training Cost: Free
Self Care and Wellness
Self Care and Wellness is a 2-hour presentation focused on understanding how stress affects you (psychological, spiritual, interpersonal and physical impacts); Strategies to help you manage stress and build resiliency; Practicing the different strategies through guided virtual activities; Available resources and how to connect. Available in English and Spanish. Register here. Who: Anyone 15 and older who lives and/or works in Riverside County Where: Zoom Virtual Training Cost: Free
Know the Signs
Know the Signs is a 2-hour presentation focused on understanding how to recognize the warning signs of suicide, how to find the words to have a direct conversation with someone in crisis and where to find professional help and resources. Available in English and Spanish. Register here. Who: Anyone 15 and older who lives and/or works in Riverside County Where: Zoom Virtual Training Cost: Free
Stand Against Stigma
The program is designed to reduce the effects of stigma surrounding mental health challenges in our community through the sharing of experience, strength, and hope. Stand Up Against Stigma provides a platform for speakers with lived experience of mental health and or substance use challenges to create mutuality through personal stories of hope and recovery.
During a 60-minute presentation our speakers will share about their journey in coming to learn about their own mental illness, what it looked like for them, and how they recovered. Presenters will provide community resources to enhance the public knowledge of how to navigate services through the mental health system and obtain appropriate support. The presentation will conclude with time for questions and answers. Register here. Who: Anyone who lives and/or works in Riverside County Where: Presentations are provided in person or virtually throughout Riverside County Cost: Free
Behavioral Health Commission
The Behavioral Health Commission encompasses volunteers selected by the Riverside County Board of Supervisors in partnership with Riverside University Health System – Behavioral Health and works to facilitate citizen and professional involvement in the planning process for county-provided mental health services. To become a member of the Behavioral Health Commission, complete the appropriate application by following the link above.
Riverside County Children’s Behavioral Health
Phone: (951) 358-4520
The Riverside County Children’s Behavioral Health Organization has several volunteer opportunities and programs. Some include a back to school backpack drive, a thanksgiving basket meal, and a snowman banner toy drive. There is also a youth volunteer program where youth have the opportunity to volunteer with various projects and are also at the outreach events in the community. Additionally, parents can be involved in parent classes and support groups.
2-1-1 Community Connect
Phone: (951) 697-4700
This information and referral hotline connects Riverside County residents in times of critical needs with those who can help. Every call is answered by a trained referral specialist who will connect individuals with the appropriate agency providing the services and information they need. Virtual volunteer opportunities with 2-1-1 Community Connect can be found here.
Trauma Informed Program (TIP) of Southwest Riverside County
Phone: (951) 698-2453
Trauma Intervention Programs Inc. (TIP) is a national non-profit organization founded in 1985. TIP has 14 affiliates serving over 250 cities across the nation. Each affiliate uses specially trained citizen volunteers to respond to traumatic incidents to support victims and their families in the first few hours following a tragedy. The Southwest Riverside Chapter is a dedicated group of typical everyday citizens helping everyday citizens in traumatic crises. Their group of helpful, supportive volunteers is here to serve the needs of anyone when requested by any first responder, hospital personnel, paramedic, or coroner’s office to bring emotional first aid to survivors, friends, and family in crisis.
TIP is looking for caring people willing to be part of a team of citizen volunteers trained to provide emotional and practical support to the victims of traumatic events. No experience is necessary. If you are a survivor of suicide loss ready to help others or a caring person ready to help, register as a volunteer here.
NAMI
NAMI is the National Alliance on Mental Illness which is a grassroots organization which strives to improve the lives of individuals and their families who deal with mental illness. NAMI was established in 1979 as has grown into a reputable and respected organization that continually makes strides in improving the lives of those affected by mental illness.
The three cornerstones of NAMI’s mission are; awareness, education and advocacy. They seek to educate the country about mental illness in order to reduce stigma so that treatment for mental illness can become a national priority, considering that 1 in 4 families is affected by mental illness but only half of these individuals receives treatment.
To become a part of this important process one can volunteer their time and services at NAMI.
Volunteer with NAMI by attending monthly educational meetings and participate in NAMI walk.
Become a NAMI member. Act as a voice of NAMI by joining their grassroots organization. As a member you are eligible to vote in all NAMI elections, receive important newsletters and a subscription to The Advocate, NAMI’s quarterly magazine.
Toolkit
Back to School Toolkit
The Mental Health Back to School Toolkit is designed to assist teachers, school staff, community groups, and others who work with youth and young adults to open a conversation about mental health and wellness. Due to COVID, the world as we know has shifted, and it’s important that educators and community leaders are able to speak openly about mental health with students of all ages. The resources provided on this page will allow for educators to have these conversations with students in an online format in order to ensure physical distancing.
These quick and easy activities provide tools to use to welcome youth and young adults to a safe space where they can express themselves, find support, and get connected to resources. The aim of these activities and lesson plans is to support and empower students and teachers to care for their mental health and reduce stigma. The toolkit provides PowerPoints, lesson plans, and resources tailored by grade level to increase mental health awareness and social-emotional wellness.
Below, there are 5 different categories of materials to choose from, including materials geared towards elementary school, middle school, high school, and college aged children and young adults as well as resources for leaders. Simply navigate to the most applicable category to explore the materials and resources available to you!
Mental Health Toolkit Webinar:
Elementary School More
Affirmations
The aim of this lesson plan is to promote positive thinking and increase confidence and self-esteem in elementary-aged students. By teaching positive affirmations and self-talk, you can help children to change those words into more positive ones.
The aim of this lesson plan is to teach students coping skills to manage their emotions. It is recommended to reinforce these skills on a weekly basis by reintroducing coping skills in the classroom.
The aim of this lesson plan is to increase emotional intelligence and emotional regulation. Developing these skills during formative years provide the foundation for future habits to be formed later in life. In order to create a safe space for your students, allow them to recognize and acknowledge their feelings on a daily basis.
These selected activities are helpful strategies to reduce stress, anxiety, and anger in elementary-school aged children. Activities can be reinforced daily to assist students in feeling emotionally well.
The aim of this lesson plan is to help students learn to identify when a friend or someone they know may be in need of help and how they can connect them to that help.
The aim of this lesson plan is to create a safe space for students to talk about mental health. This includes exploring what mental health is, debunking myths about mental health and learning facts and how students can care for their mental health. Creating a space in which we can talk about mental health openly helps to reduce the stigma and encourages help-seeking.
The aim of this lesson plan is to teach and encourage the actions students can take in order to care for their mental, emotional, and physical health. Practicing good self-care and wellness is key to improving mood and reducing anxiety.
This one-pager provides educators and community leaders with ways in which they can recognize the warning signs of suicide in students, questions to ask and referrals and support available.
These selected activities are helpful strategies to reduce stress, anxiety, and anger in middle-school aged children. Activities can be reinforced daily to assist students in feeling emotionally well.
The aim of this lesson plan is to educate students about Mental Health through the Each Mind Matters program and film contest, Directing Change. Students will learn about mental health challenges that individuals may experience and how they can become creatively involved with ending the stigma and spreading awareness to their peers
The aim of this lesson plan is to educate students about Suicide Prevention through the Each Mind Matters program and film contest, Directing Change. Students will learn about Suicide Prevention and how to creatively become involved with ending the stigma and spreading awareness to their peers.
The aim of this lesson plan is to help high school students learn to identify when a friend or someone they know may be in need of help and how they can connect them to that help.
The aim of this lesson plan is to create a safe space for high school students to talk about mental health. This includes exploring what mental health is, debunking myths about mental health and learning facts and how students can care for their mental health. Creating a space in which we can talk about mental health openly helps to reduce the stigma and encourages help-seeking.
The aim of this lesson plan is to help students learn to recognize things that cause them stress, whether it’s external or internal and to recognize that some stress can actually be healthy. Learning strategies and tips to help manage stress can help to keep us physically and mentally healthy.
This one-pager provides educators and community leaders with ways in which they can recognize the warning signs of suicide in students, questions to ask and referrals and support available.
These selected activities are helpful strategies to reduce stress, anxiety, and anger in high school students. Activities can be reinforced daily to assist students in feeling emotionally well.
The aim of this lesson plan is to create a safe space to talk about mental health which includes exploring what mental health is, understanding the mental health continuum, how mental health is different from mental illness, and how mental illness can affect your overall mental health. This plan also provides learning tips to help care for students’ own mental health.
The aim of this lesson plan is to teach and encourage deliberate actions that students can take in order to care for their mental, emotional and physical health on a daily basis. Practicing good self-care and wellness is key to improving mood and reducing anxiety.
The aim of this lesson plan is to help college students learn to recognize things that cause them stress, whether it’s external or internal and to recognize that some stress can actually be healthy. Learning strategies and tips to help manage stress can help to keep us physically and mentally healthy.
This one-sheeter provides a list of resources and links, specifically for college students, that can help them manage stress, take care of their mental health and practice self-care.
This one-pager provides educators and community leaders with ways in which they can recognize the warning signs of suicide in students, questions to ask and referrals and support available.
These selected activities are helpful strategies to reduce stress, anxiety, and anger in college students. Activities can be reinforced daily to assist students in feeling emotionally well.
This one-sheeter provides an overview of what burnout is, the symptoms and ways in which to avoid it. It also provides a list of resources of how to take care of yourself if you are experiencing burnout.
This one-sheeter provides an overview of self-care, why it is important and how to apply it to your daily life. It also provides a list of resources through which you can learn more about self-care.
"The pain began to motivate me to succeed and take care of the symptoms of my mental health diagnosis and to stay clean a day at a time.”
Chris
"For me the fear was grounded in stigma. Stigma was at the root of acting out, it was easier if someone feared me than have them think of me as a depressed, suicidal and scared kid."
Overcoming Stigma
Chris
“For me the fear was grounded in stigma. Stigma was at the root of acting out, it was easier if someone feared me than have them think of me as a depressed, suicidal and scared kid.”
Paula
“As a Latina born into this kind of culture, mental health just wasn’t something we talked about. The overwhelming fear of not being able to talk about what was going on made it a dark place to be day after day.”
Rachel
"I thought Marcellino’s high levels of energy was typical for a boy. I never would imagine they would diagnose him with ADHD. I felt lost and alone. After I found support, I felt like the sea was calm. Now we are ready for the next phase in my son’s life.”
2SLGBTQIA+ Voices
MIchael
“My coming out as a gay man was met with acceptance and unconditional love from most of my family, but mental illness was not something we talked about.”
Eating Disorders
Javier
“Upon meeting me, you probably wouldn't assume that I had challenges with emotional eating. In all honesty there was a time I weighed 298 pounds. Even many years later when I was a healthy 5’1, 160 pounds, the underlying reasons for my eating disorder had never been dealt with.”
Nancy
“I knew I needed help, but that felt like falling back. And I didn’t want to take medications.”
Veterans
Doug
"If there is one thing I would like to say to a veteran out there, to one of my battle buddies, it’s that it takes courage to ask for help and it is ok to ask for help."
Supporting a Loved One
Ashley
"Now that I am a woman in recovery six years clean, I don’t stand down - I trust my instincts.”
Christine
“By the age of 3 Anthony had been in 10 pre-schools. He received his first diagnosis—I didn’t want to believe it. Now I’m a parent partner and work with other parents to help them navigate the system and not feel isolated or alone.”
Christopher
"We dealt with normal challenges of parenting; crying, whining, throwing things. But, gradually the tantrums got worse and my son was changing.”
Rachel
"I thought Marcellino’s high levels of energy was typical for a boy. I never would imagine they would diagnose him with ADHD. I felt lost and alone. After I found support, I felt like the sea was calm. Now we are ready for the next phase in my son’s life.”
Surviving Abuse
Debbie
“As recovery became my reality, helping others became my purpose. Giving back has given me permission to feel good about myself …It has given me hope for a better tomorrow.”
Houselessness
Lydia
"Without warning or history I began to hallucinate and hear voices…. Dance, friends, medications, therapists and compassionate agencies assisted me in creating a new beginning."
Mario
"My eyes and mind were opened when I learned “once an addict always an addict” was a lie. I was empowered to believe in myself and that the responsibility for my recovery was mine."
