Supporting teen mental health is an essential part of NCUFY’s mission! Not only can mental health struggles lead to substance use, but use of substances can also contribute to mental health struggles. Teens emotional well being is just as important as their physical health. The teen years are full of stressors that can challenge even the most resilient person – knowing when you or a friend need help and how to get it is important.
It’s also important to know how to safeguard or improve your own mental health. Building strong relationships or connections with other people and taking time to do things you love can help. So can identifying things that make you stressed or unhappy and figuring out ways to avoid them or balance with things that make you feel good.
Where Do I Start?
If you’re wondering how to take care of yourself or are worried about a friend, visit the interactive Resource Center on the JED foundation website where you can learn more about why you may be feeling how you are feeling or how you can deal with an issue you may be going through.
Get Immediate Help in a Crisis
Call 911 if you or someone you know is in immediate danger or go to the nearest emergency room.
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
Call or text 988; Llame al 988 (para ayuda en español)
Use Lifeline Chat on the web (English only)
The Lifeline provides 24-hour, confidential support to anyone in suicidal crisis or emotional distress. Call or text 988 to connect with a trained crisis counselor.
Next Steps – More Resources!
Resources and ideas from the JED Foundation
The Jed Foundation is a nonprofit that protects emotional health and prevents suicide for our nation’s teens and young adults, giving them the skills and support they need to thrive today…and tomorrow. Their website is full of supportive mental health information. Here are some
8 Ways to Take Care of Yourself When You’re Waiting for Mental Health Care
How to Tell Your Parents or Caregivers You’re Struggling
How to Tell Someone You Are Thinking About Suicide
How to Tell Someone, “I’m Depressed,” and Ask for Help
How to Take Care of Yourself By Connecting With Others
NCUFY Summer Interns Mental Health Resource Guide
A group of 2021 NCUFY summer interns spent some time putting together a mental health resource guide for their peers. The guide identifies various types of resources Chappaqua teens can access to support their mental health including hotlines, therapists, school counselors, parents and friends. It also shares some books and articles they found where teens can learn more about the topic of mental health. Access their guide here:Mental Health Resources for Teens