Take Action

Check on your friends:

• Before: ask them if they are okay with going through with big events and ask them if you could do anything to help them

• After: ask them about the situation that happened

• Throughout: give them words of affirmation and encouragement, countering their critical mind

• Avoid language that may be critical or negative

Help family members:

• Be a role model by taking care of your own health mentally and physically

• Develop strong relationships with youth built on trust

• Encourage children to develop strong relationships with peers

• Provide a stable environment

• Discuss the negative effects of alcohol and substances

• Encourage regular healthcare checkups

• Be aware of signs of distress

• Keep dangerous substances and weapons out of reach

• Take note of how children spend time online

• Advocate for mental health

Challenge negative thoughts by asking yourself important questions:

• • How realistic is my fear?

  • What is the worst thing that can happen? Is this really that bad? How likely is this to happen?

  • What would I tell a friend if they were going through the same feelings and thinking the same thoughts as I am?

Be realistic

• • People pay more attention to themselves and they don't pay attention to other people as much as you think they do

  • Everyone makes mistakes

  • People will still support you even if you make mistakes

  • You can always rely on others for support and talk to them about your concerns and worries

Mindfulness and breathing

• • Practice focusing on the present instead of worries about the future or the past

  • Practice focusing on your senses (sight, smell, touch, hearing, etc.)

  • Slow, deep breaths

  • Don't act on negative emotions

Practice being in social situations, taking small steps

• • Smaller social circles first, start trying new things until you are comfortable

  • Be in social situations where you feel safe

  • Interact with people you feel connections with

  • Take small steps to get out of your comfort zone; if you feel too uncomfortable it's okay to start again with smaller steps

Get help from others

• • Ask a trusted individual for support

  • Get professional help

  • Text "HOME" to 741-741for a free & confidential conversation with a trained counselor

Be wise when going online:

• • Be aware of how much time is spent online

  • Know if electronic devices are distracting from important tasks

  • Be mindful of how online content makes you feel

Take care of your body:

• • Have a good schedule

  • Eat enough food

  • Exercise

  • Get enough sleep

  • Drink enough water

  • No harmful substances such as alcohol, tobacco, etc.

Help others:

• • Community service can allow you to connect with others and develop a sense of self-worth

  • Reminds us how much of a difference we can make