Take the Pledge
Join Erika's Lighthouse in celebrating Mental Health Awareness Month this May! We are offering 31 days for you to focus on your mental health and help put some good in the world. Here are a few examples:
#ShareSundays
#MentalHealthMondays
#WinningWednesday
#FriendsFamilyFridays
Teen Depression Toolbox
Worrying that you or someone you love has depression can be overwhelming. You are not alone. Hope and help is possible and it all starts with a little education. Erika's Lighthouse is here to help.
Blogs Written by Teens for Teens
Missing the Rituals of Departure
Hear from a real teen in Illinois on how the school shutdown has impacted her...
It seems like it was just yesterday I walked into high school, a freshman in awe of all that was ahead of me. I looked at the seniors and thought they seemed so old, so cool, so comfortable with who they were. I couldn’t wait to be a senior. Seniors didn’t worry about getting lost, weren’t worried about making friends, had their position on the team and by second semester weren’t as stressed about school.
Stay Connected
In this wired world, there are so many ways to stay in touch with friends & family
- FaceTime, Hangouts, Zoom or any other video chat technology can instantly connect you!
- Text, call, email, write letters, whatever you need to do to keep in touch.
- Host Video Chat get togethers with friends while eating or playing games and feel like you are there!
Practice Good Mental Health
Follow these tips to maintain positive mental health:
- Get eight to ten hours of sleep per night
- Eat 3 nutritious meals a day
- Be active 3 or more days of a week
- Avoid drugs & alcohol
- Engage in activities that bring happiness
- Spend time with your favorite people
- Try relaxation exercises, ie: bubble bath, deep breathing, meditation, a walk in nature
- Maintain reasonable expectations and boundaries
- Ask for help and support when needed.
Pro Athlete Fitness Break Videos
Need to get some energy out? Tune into these upbeat fitness breaks for an easy physical activity win from our friends at healthiergeneration.org
Have Fun & Educate Yourself
A few of our amazing educators have created a fun, educational Jeopardy style online game that can be played by yourself or with friends by sharing your computer screen!
Create A Vision Board
When the current world seems overwhelming, take time to look ahead. Create a vision board of all the things you are looking forward to in the coming months.
Make a Positivity Catcher
Write four positive messages in the center boxes. Then share virtually with a friend!
Self-Care Water Bottle Coloring Page
DIY Glitter Calming Jar
Calming Glitter Jars for mindfulness & relaxation! These jars can help melt away some of the thoughts that are causing stress and anxiety.
Gratitude Journal/Gratitude Jars
Sometimes it's tough to focus on the good things in life, especially in an usually stressful time. "The simple act of making a daily gratitude list can be such a powerful tool to turn your mental focus into a more healthy and positive space," Rachel O'Neill, Ph.D., LPCC-S, therapist and director of clinical effectiveness at Talkspace, told Teen Vogue.
Project UROK: Mental Health Guides
Check out these Youth Mental Health Guides by our friends at Child Mind Institute.
‘I can’t let it prevent me from really living’: Nine teens on how they’re coping
Losing motivation to finish school work. Learning to love new hobbies. Living with grandma instead of flying home. These are all ways that COVID-19, school closures, and social distancing have altered students’ day-to-day lives.
Practice Yoga
Log in to YouTube and complete a yoga session! There are a number of free exercises available. One of our staff's favorite's is Yoga with Adriene.
Post your Support for Erika's Lighthouse!
Add the "We're in this Together" frame to your Facebook profile photo and let your friends & family know that you are there for them if they need help. We are truly in this together.
Do you like to Run?
Consider joining Team Resilence with Erika's Lighthouse and race for Depression Awareness! The One Nation Virtual Run is a 4 mile virtual run on Independence Day 2020. This run includes a bib, t-shirt and a medal for finishers along with the amazing fundraising perks associated with joining Team Resilience.
How Other Teens Are Coping
These teens responded to a request on Facebook to submit their stories of what life at home has been like for them so far.
Manage Your Anxiety
Mallory Grimste, LCSW is a teen therapist with a series of videos on YouTube to help you manage your stress and anxeity.
In Crisis? Get Help!
Need immediate help?
National Suicide Hotline: 1-800-273-8255
Crisis Text Line: 741-741
Really Talk to Them
It may seem silly to say, but we frequently forget to ask (and mean) a basic question: How are you feeling?
It can be a powerful statement to begin meaningful conversations with your family and friends.
Group Study
Group study while you are e-learning from home is a great way to stay in touch with friends from school! Video chat with your study buddies to keep your academics and social life on track.
Spend Time With Your Siblings
Find fun activities you can do with your siblings or family. Baking, playing board games, helping them with homework (or vice versa) are just a few examples. There are also fun craft projects, like DIY Sand Trays, Stress Balls or Aromatherapy Play Dough that are fun to make and help your mental health!
Send an E-Card
Let your family, friends, classmates and others know that you are thinking of them by sending an e-card. Download the image above and include it in personalized emails to them. Make their day and show them you care.
Gather Your Friends
Just because you are home, doesn't mean you can't still coordinate and plan ways to promote positive mental health in your school community! Gather your friends via video chat so you can plan your next remote Awareness Campaign!
