Everyone experiences different emotions throughout the day. Feeling stressed, worried, frustrated, or sad sometimes is a normal part of life. Mental health is about how we think, feel, and handle challenges. When emotions begin to feel overwhelming or start affecting school, friendships, or daily activities, it can help to use coping strategies or talk to a trusted adult.
Do you know what Mental Health is?
Check out these videos, so you can have a better understanding of what Mental Health can look like for you.
Emotional Regulation means learning and managing your feelings in a healthy way. Learning to recognize when emotions are becoming overwhelming can help you know when to use your coping strategies.
You might notice that you need to take a moment and use coping strategies if you begin to feel:
• Very frustrated or angry
• Overwhelmed by schoolwork or responsibilities
• Extremely worried or anxious
• Sad or discouraged for long periods of time
• Easily irritated by small situations
• Like you need a break to calm down
Coping strategies are healthy ways to manage stress and strong emotions. Everyone uses different coping skills, and it may take time to find what works best.
Some coping strategies you can try:
• Listening to music
• Going for a walk or getting exercise
• Talking with a friend or trusted adult
• Practicing mindfulness or breathing exercises
• Drawing, journaling, or your favorite crafts
Sometimes a friend may be feeling sad, overwhelmed, or stressed. Being a supportive friend means listening, showing kindness, and encouraging them to talk to a trusted adult.
If you notice a friend struggling, you can:
• Listen without judging
• Encourage them to talk to an adult they trust
• Tell a teacher, counselor, or parent if you are worried about their safety
Need Immediate Help?
If you or someone you know is in immediate distress or thinking about self-harm, please reach out right away:
Talk to a trusted adult or school staff member
Call or Text 988 - Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
Text HOME to 741741 (Crisis Text Line)
If you are feeling overwhelmed, anxious, sad, or unsafe, it is important to talk to someone you trust. You do not have to deal with difficult feelings alone.
You can ask for help from:
• The School Counselors
• A Teacher
• A Parent or Guardian
• A trusted adult at school/home
Asking for help is a strong and important step toward feeling better. Everyone struggles sometimes and it is okay to ask for help. Talking to someone you trust can make a big difference. Support is always available at school and in your community
Mental Health Resources
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988 anytime. Free, confidential, and available 24/7. You can also chat online at 🌐 988lifeline.org Real people answer, no judgment.
Crisis Text Line:
Text HOME to 741741.
A real person will text back within minutes. Great if you don't want to talk out loud. Free and confidential.
Teen Line:
Run by trained teens for teens. Available every night 6pm–10pm. Talk to someone your own age who gets it.
📞 (800) 852-8336 | Text TEEN to 839863
CalHOPE: Free call, text, or chat for young people dealing with stress, anxiety, or hard feelings. Not just for emergencies. 🌐 CalHOPE.org
OK2Talk (NAMI): A safe online community where teens can share their feelings and stories about mental health. No sign-up required to read. 🌐 ok2talk.org
The Trevor Project (for LGBTQ+ youth): Free, confidential crisis support for LGBTQ+ young people 24/7.
📞 (866) 488-7386 | Text START to 678-678 |🌐 thetrevorproject.org
7 Cups: Free online chat with a trained listener anytime. Also has a teen community and self-help guides. 🌐 7cups.com
Never a Bother: Feeling stressed, sad, or overwhelmed? You are never a bother for asking for help. This website has tools, tips, and support made just for young people and to support friends. 🌐 neverabother.org
Reminders for You
💚 You are not alone. Millions of kids feel exactly the way you do right now.
🌟 Asking for help is brave. It takes more courage to speak up than to stay quiet.
🧠 Your feelings are valid. There is no wrong way to feel.
☀️ Bad days don't last forever. Things can and do get better.
🤝 You don't have to figure it out by yourself. That's what these resources are here for.
💬 Talking about it helps. Whether it's a friend, parent, counselor, or hotline — just say something.
🌈 You matter. To your family, your friends, your school, and to people you haven't even met yet.
💛 It's okay to not be okay. What matters is that you reach out when you need support.