Resources

Mental health and wellness include psychological, emotional, and social well-being. Mental wellness impacts students’ relationships with family, peers, and their school performance. It affects how we think, feel, and act. Mental health also helps determine how we handle stress, relate to others, and the choices we make. Mental health is important at every stage of life, from childhood and adolescence through adulthood. (mentalhealth.gov)

If you are dealing with a mental health condition, it’s important for you to know that you are not alone. People of all ages are dealing with anxiety, depression, suicidal thoughts, addictions, loneliness, and more. But there is help. There are many resources that you can contact to get the help you need:

Mental Health

Crisis Resources:

  • National Suicide Prevention Lifeline:  
    Call 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or Chat Online Now
  • National Crisis Text Line:  
    Text “HOME” to 741741
  • First Call for Help
    211 Broward:  Dial 2-1-1 from your phone
  • Broward County Public Schools Mental Health Hotline:  754-321-HELP (4357) 
  • The Trevor Project (LGBTQ):
    1-866-488-7386 OR Text “START” to 678678
  • Nacional de Prevencion del Suicidio:
    1-888-628-9454
  • Veterans Crisis Line: 1-800-273-8255 OR Text 838255
  • Options for Deaf & Hard of Hearing:
    1-800-799-4889
  • National Domestic Violence Hotline:  
    1-800-799-7233
  • Women in Distress 24 hours Crisis Hotline: 954-761-1133 (TTY/TDD 954-527-5385)  

Other Resources:

Mindfulness

Mindfulness is the ability to notice what’s happening right now, and not get overwhelmed by what’s going on around us. It’s about being present now, and paying attention to the present moment and living with kindness towards ourselves and others. It’s not about stopping all negative thoughts always, because that’s not realistic. It’s about knowing that we can acknowledge those thoughts, and then release them. They don’t control us or define us. We have the power over how much we want to focus on a thought or event. We can make a choice not to worry about yesterday or tomorrow, and to be happier and healthier. Mindfulness based stress reduction (MBSR) is a great tool to learn when we’re young so that we can use the techniques whenever we need them throughout our lives. (Adam Avin https://wufshanti.com/2019/09/15/mindfulnessmatters/)

Resources:

Kids Association for Mindfulness in Education – Youth come together to mindfully do good in the world, and help get mindful programs into schools.

TED TALK on Mindfulness:

TEDxYouth@KC Talk about getting mindful and social emotional learning programs into our education system, why mental health education is so important to stopping the violence, and using our voice to make a positive difference in the world.

Social Emotional Learning (SEL)

Social emotional learning (SEL) is the process of developing the self-awareness, self-regulation, and interpersonal skills that are necessary and so important in life. It’s about coping with stress and emotions, self-compassion, and resilience…All of which are empowering because no one controls them other than you. It’s also about communication, interacting with others, and collaboration, which are all so important. Mindfulness-based social emotional learning (MBSEL) is considered ‘next-generation SEL’ because it addresses the roots of under-performance and ‘diseases of despair’ (depression, violence, addiction, suicide, self-harm) by significantly reducing stress and priming the intellect for learning. 

Whether due to mobile phones, social media, video games, or culture, there is a mental health crisis in our country. There is more bullying (1 in 5 kids), isolation, suicide, and homicide in minors under 18 than ever before. Kids in middle and high school spend 8 hours in front of media every day, which may lend towards increased aggressiveness, desensitization, and lower self-esteem. We need to relearn how to communicate with each other, respect and appreciate differences, and be kind to themselves and each other. MBSEL can help.

Resources:

Stress Reduction Techniques

  • Take a break!  Breathe.
  • Move!  Get outdoors.
  • Nourish yourself!  Eat Healthy.
  • Relax!  Make time to unwind.  Listen to Music.
  • Stay in touch!  Connect with others.
  • Ask for help!  You are loved.

To learn more: United Way of Broward County

Self-care strategies

Self-care strategies are good for your mental and physical health and can help you take charge of your life. Take care of your body and your mind and connect with others to benefit your mental health.

Take Care of Your Body. 

Be mindful about your physical health:

  • Get enough sleep. At least 8-10 hours.
  • Exercise. At least three times a week. Sports count.
  • Balanced Diet. Add some healthy foods.
  • Avoid tobacco, alcohol, vaping and drugs. Say No.
  • Limit screen time. Look Up.
  • Relax and recharge. Even a few minutes every day of Yoga, Meditation, Breathing, Mindfulness, Affirmations will help. 

Build support and strengthen relationships:

  • Make connections. Join a support group.
  • Do something for others. It will come back to you.
  • Support a family member or friend. Make a positive difference in someone’s life.

  • For more information go to: Mayo Clinic