Mental Wellbeing and the Young People in Your Life

In recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month in the U.S., the Jed Foundation (JED) and National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) offer resources to help young people in our lives thrive.

Published May 30, 2024 | 3 min read

Recognizing the youth experience

Today’s young people experience a unique set of mental health challenges.

Recognizing the youth experience graphs image

Tips for supporting the youth in your life

Promoting better mental wellbeing for a young person in your life starts with a solid foundation of understanding, awareness, and proactivity. 5

Tips for supporting the youth in your life - 1. Teach positive coping skills, 2. Educate about mental wellbeing and mental health conditions, 3. Encourage mind-body wellness, 4. Communicate openly and often, 5. Let them know that help is available image

Know the warning signs and when to act

If you suspect a young person in your life is struggling, there are tips and tools available
 to help you recognize the problem, start a conversation, and provide the support they need. Here are some signs a young person is having a hard time. 6

Know the warning signs and when to act image

It can be extremely difficult when a young person in your life experiences symptoms of a mental health condition, but there are actions you can take to help.

Learn more from NAMI  

In need of help or support?

988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline logo

If you or someone you know
is feeling hopeless or having thoughts of suicide:

SEND A TEXT to 988
or
CHAT ONLINE

Available 24/7

National Alliance on Mental Illness logo

If you are in need of support, the NAMI HelpLine is available M-F, 10 am - 10 pm E.T.

CALL 800-950-6264
TEXT “HelpLine” to 62640

CHAT ONLINE | EMAIL helpline@nami.org

Support for teens and young adults,
TEXT "Friend" to 62640

Additional learning resources

JED Mental Health Resource Center for Teens and Young Adults

Provides teens and young adults essential information about common emotional health issues and resources for how they can support one another, overcome challenges, and make
a successful transition to adulthood.

Visit the Resource Center

NAMI Basics

An education program for parents, caregivers
and other family who care for youth experiencing mental health symptoms.

Learn more about NAMI Basics

NAMI Youth and Young Adult Resources

Information intended to help provide young people, educators, parents, and caregivers
with the resources they need.

Get the resources

NAMI Teen and Young Adult Resource Directory

A directory of outstanding resources compiled by the NAMI HelpLine Staff.

NAMI does not endorse the resources included in the NAMI TYA HelpLine Resource Directory, and is not responsible for the content
of or service provided by any of these resources.

View the directory

SOURCES:
1. SAMHSA | 2. CDC | 3. SAMHSA 4. JED | 5. NAMI | 6. NAMI

Stay Informed

Get the latest updates on the RBC Foundation USA.