Mental Health - Prevention

Steps to help prevent and alleviate youth mental health issues.  

They say it takes a village to raise a child. It also takes all of us to support the mental health and wellness of our youth, and give them the resources they need to cope with stress and anxiety.

If we follow these guidelines, we can do our part to improve mental health for our kids.

Tips for parents and families

• Communicate openly, honestly, and without judgment.
• Supervise your child to support healthy decision making
• Spend time with your child and enjoy shared activities
• Be involved in school activities and help with homework
• Volunteer at your child’s school, if possible
• Communicate regularly with your child’s teachers and school administrators
• Seek mental health counseling for your child if they are depressed or anxious
• Advocate for mental health services at your child’s school  

Tips for schools and educators

• Create strategies to help prevent mental health problems and promote positive behavioral and mental health of students
• Help students cope with emergency events and their aftermath
• Provide safe and supportive environments, both in person and online
• Link students to mental health services and resources
• Integrate social emotional learning into curriculum
• Train staff to provide positive emotional support
• Support staff mental health
• Review discipline policies to ensure equity

Tips for healthcare professionals

• Ask adolescent patients about family relationships and school experiences as a part of their routine health screenings
• Encourage positive parenting practices
• Discuss these topics with parents:
  • Connecting with their children
  • Communicating effectively
  • Monitoring their children’s activities and health behaviors.
• Educate parents and youth about adolescent development and health risks