Mental health and suicide prevention

Recently, in a middle school -level health class that I assist in from time to time, two wonderful speakers from the NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) branch in Waukesha (Wisconsin) presented on the topics of mental health and suicide prevention. They shared with the class a number of valuable resources that youth and teens can turn to for help or simply to get some questions answered.

I, in turn, am sharing those resources here. Feel free to bookmark this page and share it with others, and never be afraid to seek help. Know that you are never alone. A special thanks to NAMI Waukesha for sharing these resources.

UPDATE, January 24, 2022 - I've recently added a number of additional resources to this page. Please feel free to bookmark this page and share it with others.

If you or someone you know or have encountered may be in a crisis:

• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255, or text 839863
• The Center for Suicide Awareness: Text "HOPELINE" to 741741
• Human Trafficking Hotline: 1-888-373-7888, or text "info" to 233733
  

Web sites:

• www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org
• www.teenshealth.org
• www.nami.org
• www.Ok2Talk.org
• www.mentalhealthconnection.life
• www.rehab.com - find mental health and substance abuse resources in your local area
  

 

Apps

• The Virtual Hopebox
• Headspace
• Calm
• My3

Bullying and Cyberbullying

What Should You do if Your Child is a Bully? - a comprehensive resource covering all aspects of bullying, from the blog at SocialWorkLicenseMap.com

Top Tips for Preventing Cyberbullying - a complete guide to cyberbullying presented by Sunshine Behavioral Health

 

Building Resiliency

 

From Brittanica Digital Learning comes this free, downloadable e-book, Raising Resilient Kids: Promoting Mental Health Through Social and Emotional Learning

 

 

Human Trafficking Clues

• Accompanied by a controlling person or boss
• Not speaking on her own behalf, avoids eye contact
• Has a much older or old "boyfriend"
• Shows signs of physical abuse, fear, overly submissive
• Not free to come and go as she/he wishes
• Sudden increase of expensive stuff
• Carries multiple phones
• Constantly late or absent from school
• Ran away from home

 

Human Trafficking - Questions you can ask to help identify a victim

• Can you come and go or leave [your job] if you want to?
• Have you or your family been threatened?
• Where do you sleep or eat?
• Do you have to ask permission to eat/sleep/go to the bathroom?
• Are there locks on the doors/windows so you cannot get out?
• Has your identification or documentation been taken from you?