RESOURCES FOR TEENS

Erika's Lighthouse has been working with teens for over 15 years. We believe teens can change the world and take charge of their own mental health. Here are a few resources to help you get through these challenging times.

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.

Check out our Teen Depression Toolbox >

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.

Check Them Out >

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.
Read More >

Stay Connected

Everyone gets lonely, but don't let that get you down. In this wired world, there are so many ways to stay in touch with them - like you are there:

  • 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.
  • And there are so many more ways to keep in touch!

Practice Good Mental Health

Follow these tips to maintain positive mental health:

  • Eight to ten hours of sleep per night
  • Three nutritious meals per day
  • Three or more days of exercise a week
  • Avoid drugs and alcohol
  • Take care of your physical health
  • Engage in activities that bring happiness
  • Spend time with your favorite people
  • Relaxation exercises, ie: bubble bath, deep breathing, meditation, a walk in nature
  • Maintain reasonable expectations and boundaries
  • Ask for help and support when needed.

Post Your Support

Add the "We're In This Together" frame to your facebook profile photo. Let your friends and family know that you are there for them if they need help. We truly are in this together.

Add the frame to your profile today >

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!

Check out this amazing game here >

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.

Get Started with Introductory Instructions >

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.

Read more from Buzzfeed News >

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.

Check her out today >

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.

Here's an idea to put this into practice >

See what Teen Vogue has to say >

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.

Check out a DIY How-To here >

In Crisis? Get Help!

Need immediate help?
National Suicide Hotline: 1-800-273-8255
Crisis Text Line: 741-741

Apps to Maintain Positive Mental Health

What's Up

What’s up is a free app that uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Acceptance Commitment Therapy (ACT) methods to help you cope with Depression, Anxiety, Stress, and more. 
iOS | Android

Relax Melodies

Relax Melodies is the soothing app that makes sleep easy. We help you fall asleep in minutes with relaxing sounds, sleep meditations and bedtime stories.

iOS | Android

Happify

Happify’s science-based activities and games can help reduce stress, overcome negative thoughts, and build greater resilience by providing effective tools and programs to improve emotional well-being.
iOS | Android

Colorfy

Unleash your inner artist! Colorfy is coloring therapy now on your mobile. The secret against anxiety. Let the colors fill your mind in a relaxing painting experience.

iOS | Android

Calm

Calm is an app for meditation and sleep. This app may offer lower stress, less anxiety, and more restful sleep with guided meditations, breathing programs, and relaxing music.
iOS | Android

Stop, Breathe & Think

Stop, Breathe & Think is the emotional wellness platform for the "under 25" generation. Their mission is to help kids, teens and young adults build the emotional strength to tackle life's ups and downs.

iOS | Android

Breath2Relax

You may just need to breathe and find yourself. Created by the National Center for Telehealth and Technology, this app is a stress management tool that teaches users diaphragmatic breathing.
iOS | Android

Shine

Shine is an award-winning app and community for people with anxiety and depression. Build the skills to worry less and live more. 

iOS | Android

Stay In Touch

Just like you, your loved ones need you too. In this wired world, there are so many ways to stay in touch with them - like you are there:

  • 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 them while eating or playing games and feel like you are there.
  • And there are so many more ways to keep in touch!

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!

Send A Reminder

If your school allows, send your fellow classmates a friendly reminder: the Teen Bookmark from the Erika's Lighthouse program.

Download the Bookmark Today:
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