We believe that mental wellness is just as important as physical health. It's vital to recognize that feelings of anxiety or depression are common among adolescents, and reaching out for help is a sign of strength. This page offers resources to help parents and caregivers support their teens through various mental health challenges, including anxiety, depression, non-suicidal self-injurious behavior, suicide, and school-related stress. Remember: practicing self-care is important for parents and caregivers, too!

Here you'll find valuable information and support, including suicide and crisis lifelines, as well as local and national organizations that can help you find support or connect with a therapist. We also provide helpful tip sheets on distinguishing between typical and concerning behaviors and how to support a teen in crisis. If you believe your teen is in crisis, contact the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) for assistance.​

Understanding Mental Health in Adolescents

Anxiety
While an anxious feeling may be a normal response to challenging situations, chronic anxiety can be particularly difficult for adolescents. If you think your child is struggling, resources are available to help. Check out this resource on 9 Things Every Parent with an Anxious Child Should Try.

Depression
Clinical depression involves persistent sadness and loss of interest that interferes with daily life. Support and information are available to help you understand and assist a depressed teenager. Want to learn more about what to do if you think your teenager is depressed? Check out this article.

Non-Suicidal Self-Injurious Behavior & Suicide
It can be concerning to learn that an adolescent is engaging in non-suicidal self-injurious behaviors (like self-injury), or talking about suicide. Many teens cope with emotional pain in these ways, and resources are here to help you understand, respond, and find support. Knowing how to respond when a teen talks about suicide is crucial, and helpful guidance is available. To learn more about suicide suicide prevention in teens, check out this resource. For further insight on non-suicidal self-injurious behavior in teens, take a look at this article.

School-Related Stress
Academic pressures, like test anxiety or the intense workload of junior and senior year, can significantly impact a teen's mental health. Resources are available to help both students and parents navigate these stressful periods without adding to the pressure. Take a look at this resource on School Stress: How Student Life Affects Your Teen.
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Substance Use & Mental Health
It's important to understand the connection between substance use, such as alcohol and marijuana, and a teen's mental well-being. These substances can sometimes be used as coping mechanisms and can impact overall mental health. For more information on the links between substance use and mental health, check out this article. 

Getting Help & Finding Resources

Navigating the healthcare system to find mental health support and treatment can be challenging. The process often depends on insurance, income, family dynamics, and your teen's specific needs. For families seeking therapists, updated lists are often maintained by school prevention/intervention teams. A great first step is usually to contact your child's primary care provider for guidance.

For more resources and information, please visit the Community Resources page on our website.

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