Did you know that more than 40% of teens said they persistently felt sad or hopeless?

Did you know that 98% of educators said mental health challenges are a barrier to children’s education? According to the Kids Mental Health Foundation, the leading organization promoting mental health for children in the United States, states, “For kids, building connections matters,” and “helping children and youth build healthy relationships helps protect their mental health.” 

Asset building: Building strong bonds and relationships with adults and friends at school, at home, and in the community provides youth with a sense of connectedness. This feeling of connectedness is important and can protect adolescents from poor mental health and other risks like drug use and violence. Learn more. 

Research shows that high-quality Expanded Learning programs create conditions consistent with long-term success for children and youth. The Quality Standards for Expanded Learning in California describe high-quality programs as rich with protective factors that promote positive physical, social, emotional, and academic outcomes. In case you missed it, check out one of our Fall ELO-P Workshops that focused on Creating Conditions for Children to Thrive through Expanded Learning.

Tools and resources to help educators and practitioners talk with young people about their mental health.

• Mental Health Resources for a Golden State of Mind – Check out these resources and tools to support the well-being of young people and those who care for them. Help raise awareness during May Mental Health Awareness Month by using our digital toolkit. Children and Youth Behavioral Health Initiative (CYBHI)
• Resources for Teachers & Coaches
• Resources for Parents & Caregivers
• CASEL’s 3 Signature Practices Playbook PDF
• Got 60 seconds? Take a mental health minute to learn about stress and anxiety in adolescents. YouTube Video
• Become a Mental Health First Aider Professional Development Opportunity 
• Safe Spaces: Foundations of Trauma-Informed Practice for Educational and Care Settings Office of CA Surgeon General
• If you or someone you know needs help now, call CalHOPE at 833-317-HOPE (4673), call the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 or visit 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline - The Lifeline provides free and confidential emotional support to people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, across the United States. Call or text 988 to connect with a trained crisis counselor. Para ayuda en español, llame al 988.

Lastly, as rewarding as youth work can be, it can also be hard on our mental health. It is not healthy to pour into others from an empty cup. Therefore, it is essential that educators and practitioners also engage in their practices and techniques to support their Mental Health and wellness. Learn more.