Resources

The Center for Disease Control offers research and information to empower families and communities with knowledge and resources. 

Anxiety and depression in children

The United Way of Utah County's program, Everyday Strong, provides information, seminars, and community resources about creating strong relationships, improving mental health, and building resilience. 

What is everyday strong?

Families for Depression Awareness (FFDA) provides information, support, trainings, and resources to support families as they help loved ones experiencing mental and emotional health challenges. The FFDA spreads awareness of mental and emotional health challenges "to dispel stigma, normalize mood disorders, and encourage people to reach out for help when supporting loved ones experiencing symptoms of mood disorders."

families for depression awareness

ParentGuidance.org offers free mental health lessons and coaching for parents. Parents can also ask therapists specific questions about their children and access professional resources.

Anxiety and depression in children

Self-Care for Healthy Minds and Bodies

In order to truly take care of your mind and body, you need to do some basic things every day. They are simple, but can be easily overlooked if you stop focusing on them.

Get some sleep:

Maintaining a sleep schedule is vital to your overall well-being. Aim for 9 hours of sleep each night. 

Nourish your body:

Fuel your body daily with a variety of healthy meals and snacks.

Get moving:

Take regular activity breaks throughout the day. Do some stretches, go on a short walk, or find other ways to move your body.

Connect with others:

Face-to-face connection is essential for our mental, emotional, and social wellbeing. Spend time with a friend or family member each day, and try to minimize any distractions during this time.

Breathe:

Breathing deeply helps activate your body's relaxation response, slowing down your heart rate and calming your mind. This helps reduce stress and anxiety. Try taking a few deep breaths when you're feeling overwhelmed. It can make a big difference in how you handle pressure!

Keep a routine:

Having a routine helps you stay organized and manage your time better, making it easier to balance school, hobbies, and relaxation. It can also reduce stress by giving you a sense of control and predictability in your day.

Hydrate: 

Staying hydrated is important because it helps keep your brain sharp, boosts your energy, and improves your mood. Drinking enough water also helps your body function properly, especially when you're active or stressed.

Get outside:

Spending time outside boosts your mood by exposing you to fresh air and natural light, which can improve focus and creativity. It’s also a great way to reduce stress and recharge, especially when you’re feeling overwhelmed.

Take a phone/screen break:

A constant stream of information can be overwhelming. Block off time each day to intentionally disconnect.

Engage your mind and body in the present:

Overthinking is exhausting! Try to minimize the effect of negative thoughts by focusing on the present moment and practicing gratitude.

Mindfulness for Teens is a platform designed to help teenagers learn about and apply mindfulness tools in their life. It is evidence-based and teen-friendly. 

mindfulness for teens

Mindful.org provides mindfulness resources, trainings, classes, and events for children, teenagers, and adults.

mindful.org

Journaling prompts help you get to know yourself better, build self-confidence, and work through negative emotions.

Journaling Prompts:

• Get inspired by music:
  • What kind of music do you love listening to?
  • What songs help you express your emotions?
  • What songs calm you down?
  • What songs bring you strength?
    • How would your friends and family answer this question?
• What are healthy and safe things you enjoy doing? List them.
  • Are there any new activities or hobbies you want to try?
• What are safe and healthy things that calm you down? Make a list and put it somewhere you can access when you need it.
• When is a time that you accomplished something even though it was hard?
• Write down all of the things that are stressing you out.
  • Next, create two columns labeled "Things I can control" and "Things I can't control."
  • Sort your worries into these two columns.
  • Cross out all of the issues you can't control. Let them go for now.
  • Under the things you can control, pick the most pressing concern.
  • Write one action you can take to help with this situation.
  • Go do it!
  • Repeat as necessary.
• Think of someone who loves you unconditionally. Imagine their face. What would they say about the thing that's bothering you?
• Think about a time when a friend came to you feeling bad about themselves. How did you respond? Now, think about a time when you felt bad about yourself. How did you respond? Is there a difference?

The Sacramento City Unified School District's Student Support and Health Services Department provides "Virtual Calming Room" as a free tool for students and families. The site contains calming sounds and music, visual relaxation, guided meditations, yoga, coloring pages, and more.

VIRTUAL CALMING ROOM

Live On Utah is a collection of suicide-prevention lessons and resources developed by the Utah Suicide Prevention Coalition and the Utah Department of Health and Human Services. Services are provided in English and en Español. 

live on utah website - english

live on utah sitio web - espaÑol

"My Life is Worth Living" is an animated series developed by the Cook Center for Human Connection. It provides stories of teens "who face some of the most difficult issues that young people deal with and... their evolution in the key decision: that life is worth living."

my life is worth living

The Mayo Clinic Staff created this page as a resource for those who have lost a loved one to suicide. It provides information, coping strategies, and resources for grief.

mayo clinic - suicide grief response

988 is the National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Caring counselors are available 24/7/365 to call, text, or chat in English, American Sign Language, o en Español.

988 lifeline

Suicide is the leading cause of death among Utah youth. The Utah PTA has worked with Dr. Kelly Adams to create this toolkit to empower families, educators, and community members with knowledge and resources.

suicide prevention toolkit

The Utah State Board of Education collaborates with families, educators, and communities to "identify and decrease risk factors, increase protective factors, and provide students with equitable access to (suicide prevention) resources." Click the link below to learn more.

usbe suicide prevention website

The Bear River Health Department serves the residents of Box Elder, Cache, and Rich County. BRHD "works to promote and protect the health of Utah's residents." Their community resources guide provides information regarding resources for basic life needs, mental health challenges, and drug misuse prevention.

community resources

The University of Utah Health's College of Nursing created "Caring Connections: A Hope and Comfort in Grief Program" to provide evidence-based supports for people in grief. Caring Connections offers clinician-facilitated support groups, research, and trainings.

caring connections