Mental Health Awareness

Mental health is a growing topic amongst the United States, with a particular need in supporting youth mental health. Mental health concerns are correlated with an increased risk for substance use, which is particularly concerning among youth whose brains are not fully developed.

Here are some easy ways to support youth mental health:

• Be a trusted adult: 21.1% Region 1 high school youth reported having anxiety or worry in the past year “always” or “almost always.” Most frequent sources of stress and anxiety included academics, post-high school plans, and schedule. 18.3% of Region 1 high school youth reported feeling sad or hopeless so much that it stopped them from doing usual activities 2 or more weeks in a row. 9.8% reported having considered suicide in the past year (Youth Voices Count Survey 2025). A trusted adult means giving youth an outlet to voice their concerns, talk through their struggles, and get help if they need it!
• Host a read-along of “Gizmo’s Pawesome Guide to Mental Health”  This clever book, teaches elementary-aged children about mental health, how to take care of it, how to identify a trusted adult, and how to reach out for health. By taking an upstream approach, children are given the tools to cope with stress and know who – and how – to talk to about their mental health.
• Be direct: Check in with youth about their mental health, early and often. If you notice any mood changes, irritability, anxiety, or other mental health concerns in your child, be sure to ask them about it directly. They may feel as though they need to hide their feelings, so opening up the conversation in a timely and direct way shows them that they can be honest and free-flowing about their feelings and experiences.