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MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES FOR YOUTH
COVID-19 has serious implications for the mental health of youth and the amount of stress and anxiety can be overwhelming. The emotional impact on youth depends on their characteristics and experiences, the social and economic circumstances of the family and community, and the availability of local resources. Not all youth respond in the same ways and some might have more severe, longer-lasting reactions. Helping youth cope with emergencies is critical to supporting overall community mental health.
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Regardless of age, youth may feel upset or have strong emotions during and after an emergency. Youth may react right away, while others may show signs of difficulty much later. How youth react and the common signs of distress can vary according to age, previous experiences, and how they typically cope with stress.
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Identifying early signs and providing appropriate support can significantly improve Children’s Mental Health. Research on the effectiveness of prevention and early intervention shows that acting early improves the lives of children and their families now and has effects that can last for decades.
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Stigma and cultural norms regarding mental health in youth are some of the barriers to mental health treatment. There also are shortages of child and adolescent psychiatrists in some parts of the United States, particularly in rural areas. Resources to Support Adolescent Mental Health.
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It can be hard to tell the difference between challenging behaviors and emotions that are consistent with typical child development, and those that are cause for concern. In general, if a child’s behavior persists for a few weeks or longer, causes distress for the child or the child’s family, and interferes with functioning at school, at home or with friends, then consider seeking help for Youth Mental Health. If a child’s behavior is unsafe, or if a child talks about wanting to hurt him or herself or someone else, then seek help immediately.
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COVID-19 has serious implications for the mental health of youth that identify as LGBTQ. Even prior to the pandemic, LGBTQ youth have increased risk for depression, anxiety, substance use and suicidality, thus these youth may be particularly vulnerable to negative mental health impacts associated with the COVID-19 pandemic.
Additional Virtual Support Resources:
Mental Health America’s Inspire Community: An online community where people can connect with others. MHA hosts a dedicated mental health community, but there are communities related to a variety of topics.
https://www.inspire.com/groups/mental-health-america/
Depression & Bipolar Support Alliance’s Online Support Groups: DBSA online support groups provide people living with depression and bipolar disorder a place to share experiences, discuss coping skills, and offer hope to one another. DBSA support groups are peer-led, meaning they are facilitated by someone living with a mood disorder. Currently there are groups for peers, young adults, and friends and family members.
https://www.dbsalliance.org/support/chapters-and-support-groups/online-support-groups/
VIRTUAL RECOVERY RESOURCES
The following is a list of Virtual Recovery Resources compiled by SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration).
SAMHSA’s Disaster Distress Helpline
Toll-Free: 1-800-985-5990 (English and español)
SMS: Text TalkWithUs to 66746
SMS (español): “Hablanos” al 66746
TTY: 1-800-846-8517
Website (English): https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/disaster-distress-helpline
Website (Español): https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/disaster-distress-helpline/espanol
SAMHSA Disaster Technical Assistance Center
Toll-Free: 1-800-308-3515
Email: DTAC@samhsa.hhs.gov
Website: http://www.samhsa.gov/dtac
Alcoholics Anonymous: Offers online support.
Cocaine Anonymous: Offers online support and services.
LifeRing: LifeRing Secular Recovery offers online support.
https://www.lifering.org/online-meetings
In The Rooms - Online Recovery Meetings: Provides online support through live meetings and
discussion groups.
https://www.intherooms.com/home/
Narcotics Anonymous: Offers a variety of online and skype meeting options.
https://www.na.org/meetingsearch/
Reddit Recovery: Offers a virtual hang out and support during recovery.
https://www.reddit.com/r/REDDITORSINRECOVERY/
Self-Management and Recovery Training (SMART) Recovery: Offers global community of mutual-support groups, forums including a chat room and message board.
https://www.smartrecovery.org/community/
Soberistas: Provides a women-only international online recovery community.
Sober Recovery: Provides an online forum for those in recovery and their friends and family.
Adult Resources
National Institute of Mental Health
National Institute of Mental Health Covid-19 Guide
Medicare and Mental Health Resources
The Summit Wellness Group - has an excellent guide written and curated by women of color
60 BIPOC resources for addiction and mental health
BIPOC Mental Health Resources - Spanish
BEAM - Black Emotional And Mental Health
HOTLINES AND WARMLINES
While hotlines are typically available 24/7 for those in crisis & staffed by trained crisis workers, “warmlines” are more likely to be peer-staffed, not always available 24-hours, and intended for less urgent needs and those looking for support. Practice sound judgement in determining when or how to use a hot/warm line, to use your coping skills first and to call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room if you feel you are a danger to yourself or others.
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
Call 1-800- 273-TALK (8255) The Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals.
The National Sexual Assault Telephone Hotline
Call 800.656.HOPE (4673) to be connected with a trained staff member from a sexual assault service provider in your area.
Disaster Distress Helpline
Call 1-800-985-5990 or text TalkWithUs to 66746.The Disaster Distress Helpline provides crisis counseling and support for anyone experiencing distress or other behavioral health concerns related to any natural or human-caused disaster, including public health emergencies.
Crisis Text Line
Text MHA to 741741 and you’ll be connected to a trained Crisis Counselor. Crisis Text Line provides free, text-based support 24/7.
The Trevor Project
Call 1-866-488-7386 or text START to 678678. A national 24-hour, toll free confidential suicide hotline for LGBTQ youth.
Trans Lifeline
Dial 877-565-8860 for US and 877-330-6366 for Canada. Trans Lifeline’s Hotline is a peer support service run by trans people, for trans and questioning callers.
Dial 2-1-1
If you need assistance finding food, paying for housing bills, accessing free childcare, or other essential services, visit 211.org or dial 211 to speak to someone who can help. Run by the United Way.
National Domestic Violence Hotline
For any victims and survivors who need support, call 1-800-799-7233 or 1-800-799-7233 for TTY, or if you’re unable to speak safely, you can log onto thehotline.org or text LOVEIS to 22522.
Caregiver Help Desk
Contact Caregiver Action Network's Care Support Team by dialing 855-227-3640. Staffed by caregiving experts, the Help Desk helps you find information you need to help you navigate caregiving challenges.
Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline
1-800-4-A-CHILD (1-800-422-4453) The 24/7 hotline is staffed by professional counselors providing child abuse prevention, crisis intervention and referrals to emergency, social service and support resources.
National Parent Helpline
1.855.4APARENT (855.427.2736) Assisting parents/caregivers needing emotional support and resources.
Report online exploitation of children 1-800-THE-LOST (1-800-843-5678).
FINDING LOCAL MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES
COVID-19 is causing major interruptions to our lives. This economic and societal disruption, coupled with the threat of contracting this potentially deadly virus, is leading many people to experience anxiety, stress and depression. Linking individuals and communities to mental health information and resources, including virtual resources, is critical during this time.
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The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMSHA) has guidance and resources to assist individuals, providers, and communities across the country. Taking care of your Behavioral Health addresses the mental health impacts of social distancing. SAMHSA’s Mental Health Technology Transfer Centers are also providing online training and technical assistance related to COVID-19. SAMHSA also has resources for Talking with Children: Tips for Caregivers, Parents, and Teachers during infectious disease outbreaks like COVID-19.
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The National Institute of Mental Health has sharable resources on COVID-19.
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The American Psychological Association (APA) resource center provides information on COVID-19 including how to find local mental health resources during the COVID-19.
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While everyone reacts differently to stressful situations, there are practical steps based on a significant body of research that you can take to manage Stress and Tips for Coping with the Stress of COVID-19.
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Communities of color that disproportionately experience traumatic stress from racism, poverty, homelessness and exposure to violence and incarceration are at an increased risk for mental and behavioral health problems. Yet, communities of color are less likely to seek mental health care because of stigma and lack of access to culturally competent mental health services.
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The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs has resources for Veterans and mental health, including PTSD, such as Managing Stress Association with COVID-19.
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Strategies and exercises that promote mindfulness can also be an effective way people can address stress and anxiety. Note there are a number of free apps that provide mindfulness exercises. Coping with the Coronavirus with Mindfulness and Compassion; How Mindfulness Can Help During COVID-19; Stressed About COVID-19? Here's What Can Help.