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Mental Health
Mental Health
Every child deserves to grow up in a safe, supportive, and nurturing environment. Navigating mental health concerns and understanding suicide awareness can feel overwhelming, but you are not alone. This resource page is designed to provide guidance, tools, and support to help you foster open conversations, recognize warning signs, and access professional help when needed.
Mental health issues in children are common; you are not alone.
There is help for those in crisis.
- 988 Suicide & Crisis Hotline 24/7 - Call or text 988 or visit 988lifeline.org
- Crisis Text Line Text TALK to 741-741 for free, 24/7 support via text
- Trevor Project Chat/call/text line for LGBTQ+ youth at thetrevorproject.org
- Trans Lifeline Peer support for individuals who are transgender. Call 877-565-8860 or visit translifeline.org
- American Foundation for Suicide Prevention
Mental Health Featured Resources
Advocates for Mental Health of MI Youth
Advocates for Mental Health of Michigan Youth, is a parent-led, grassroots organization working to improve mental health support for children and adolescents in Michigan. The website covers challenges in the system, advocacy efforts, parent training and resources, and media coverage.
Harvard Child and Adolescent Mental Health Series
Signs & Symptoms from the American Academy of Pediatrics
Some of the signs that may indicate that your child needs additional support include:
- Feeling "on edge" or "wound up" most of the time
- Worrying about things for no reason or having negative thoughts that are hard to control
- Feeling panicky or having physical symptoms like headaches, stomach pains, rapid breathing, fast heartbeat or diarrhea
- Avoiding activities because of fear or anxiety
- Changes in sleep habits (trouble sleeping or being tired during the day)
- Changes in eating habits (eating too much or too little)
- Being quick to give up on challenging tasks
- Struggling with schoolwork
- Spending more time alone
- Feeling sad or irritable
- Feeling guilty about things
- Talking about death or suicide
HealthyChildren.Org Resource Pages
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Healthy Children Podcast
Healthy Children: A Podcast for Parents from the American Academy of Pediatrics. Host Dr. Edith Bracho-Sanchez, a pediatrician and mother talks with top experts about how to help our kids be as healthy as they can be and thrive in today's world.
- Episode 37 — Lighthouse Parenting: Building Resilience & Guiding Kids Through Failure
- Episode 23 — How to Prevent Kids and Teens from Misusing Prescription Drugs
- Episode 20 – School Suspension & Expulsion: How These Punishments Affect Learning and Long-term Health
- Ep. 15 – How to Talk with Teens About Drugs & Alcohol
- Ep. 13 – Building Resilience in Children and Teens
- Ep. 3 - Helping Kids Navigate Social Media
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Healthy mental & emotional development
The page outlines four key building blocks for healthy mental and emotional development in children:
- Safe, stable, nurturing relationships in the family – Strong relational health helps children feel secure, trust others, and manage emotions.
- Open communication – Encouraging children to express their thoughts and feelings freely helps them process emotions in a healthy way.
- Learning to understand & manage emotions – Teaching kids how to recognize and regulate emotions builds resilience and emotional intelligence.
- Social relationships at school or in the community – Positive interactions outside the home contribute to emotional well-being.
The page also provides practical tips for reinforcing these building blocks in daily routines, such as establishing bedtime rituals, encouraging play, and fostering a supportive environment.
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How to know when your child needs help
This page provides guidance for parents on recognizing warning signs of mental health struggles in teens. It covers:
- Pressures teens face – Academic stress, social expectations, bullying, discrimination, and concerns about global issues can contribute to mental health challenges.
- Recognizing signs – Changes in sleep, eating habits, withdrawal from activities, mood swings, and declining academic performance may indicate a teen is struggling.
- Seeking help – Parents are encouraged to talk openly with their teen, consult healthcare professionals, and access mental health resources.
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What if your teen is thinking about suicide?
- Recognizing risk – Many young people experience deep sadness, but persistent mood changes, withdrawal, or expressions of hopelessness may indicate a serious concern.
- Understanding warning signs – Nearly 80% of young people who attempt suicide show signs beforehand, such as avoiding social activities, worsening grades, or expressing feelings of despair.
- Talking openly – Asking direct, compassionate questions about suicide does not increase risk—it can actually help prevent it.
- Seeking professional help – Parents are encouraged to reach out to mental health professionals and crisis resources for support.
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What you need to know about teen suicide risk
This page provides critical insights for parents on understanding and addressing teen suicide risk. It highlights:
- Rising concerns – Suicide rates among teens have increased, with many experiencing persistent sadness or hopelessness.
- Key risk factors – Previous suicide attempts, family trauma, social pressures, and discrimination can heighten risk.
- Support strategies – Open conversations, professional help, and fostering a safe, accepting environment are essential.
- Resources for families – Guidance on recognizing warning signs and accessing crisis support.
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Suicide prevention information
- Warning signs – Changes in mood, withdrawal, or expressions of hopelessness may indicate a child is struggling.
- Risk factors – Mental health conditions, family history, bullying, and social pressures can increase suicide risk.
- Prevention strategies – Open communication, professional support, and securing potentially harmful items at home can help reduce risk.
- Resources for help – Includes crisis hotlines like 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline and specialized support for LGBTQ+ youth.