Mental Health Different for Everyone!

Time to have a quick mental health check-in:

Parents encourage your teen to ask when was the last time they checked in with themselves?

Not grades.

Not notifications.

Not their friends.

But THEM.

Teen life can get overwhelming fast. School, friends, family, social media, expectations... it adds up.

Self-care isn't about pretending everything is fine. It's noticing when you need a reset and doing something that helps you recharge.

Maybe that's sleep, music, getting outside, taking a screen break, or talking to someone you trust.

Asking for support isn't dramatic. It's self-care.

💛 Check in. Speak up. Take care of your mental health, too.

Parents & caregivers: Mental health struggles don't look the same for every kid. Changes in mood, behavior, routines, or how they connect with others can look different from teen to teen. Take a few minutes to watch the video and learn more about recognizing what mental health can look like for your child.

🎥 Watch the video and start the conversation.

https://youtu.be/sqUHnm_ly4E?si=Jc3K1R5SRuvWGFaZ

https://youtu.be/sqUHnm_ly4E?si=Jc3K1R5SRuvWGFaZ

The Check-In Challenge!

September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, and one of the most important things we can do is stay connected.

You may not always know what someone is experiencing. A check-in, a listening ear, a number shared at the right moment, can make a real difference. #SuicidePrevention starts with connection.

This week, try a Family Check-In Challenge. No big heart-to-heart required. Just a few minutes to see how everyone is really doing.

🎯 Pick a Question

Everyone chooses one question to answer:

💬 What’s something good that happened this week?

😵‍💫 What’s been stressing you out lately?

🧠 What’s something you wish people understood about you right now?

🙌 What’s one thing you could use some help with?

❤️ What helps you feel supported when you’re having a rough day?

The rule: You don't have to fix it. Just be there for them. Honestly the best support isn't having the perfect advice, it's knowing someone cares enough to ask.

And if you or someone you know is struggling, reaching out for support is always okay. You can call or text 988 to connect with the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.

RESOURCE: samhsa.gov/about/digital-toolkits/suicide-prevention-month/toolkit

Journal Prompt:

What makes me feel comfortable opening up to someone, and who could I reach out to when I need support?

Small check-ins can create stronger connections. And stronger connections can help us look out for each other. 💜

What’s on Your Coping Menu?

Everyone handles stress differently. Instead of waiting until a stressful moment hits, build your family’s coping menu now!

Think of it like choosing what you need from a menu:

🥤 A quick pick-me-up: Take a walk, listen to music, get some fresh air, or grab a snack.

🍿 Something to do together: Play a game, cook something, watch a funny movie, or get outside.

🥗 Something that helps you recharge: Take a break, get some sleep, read, stretch, or spend some quiet time alone.

🍰 Something for when you need support: Talk to a parent, friend, teacher, counselor, or another trusted person.

There’s no one “right” way to cope. The goal is to have healthy options ready when you need them.

Find more resources for building resilience at home: www.standupaj.org