We hope the videos, insight and resources that we offer on this page can help you as a parent or caregiver talk with your child or young adult about what they are experiencing, let them know that they are not alone, and to reach out for help and support when they need it. For instructions to view this page in Spanish, click on en Español.

Families Connected Resources

Mental health struggles - know your child or teen is not alone

Pro Surfer Alex Gray shares his struggles with anxiety and depression.

Brian Chao shares how he copes with depression and anxiety.

 

Expert, student and parent mental health blogs

Laurie James

Mental health tip sheets and how to start the conversation

 

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Visit other mental health related resource pages for parents and guardians

 

Resources for teens

Curated Gallery of National Resources

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Featured resources

Follow the journeys of more than 20 young Americans from all over the country and all walks of life, who have struggled with thoughts and feelings that have troubled—and, at times—overwhelmed them. Hiding in Plain Sight presents an unstinting look at both the seemingly insurmountable obstacles faced by those who live with mental disorders and the hope that many have found after that storm. (PBS)

 

The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (formerly known as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline) provides free and confidential emotional support to people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, across the United States. The Lifeline is comprised of a national network of over 200 local crisis centers, combining custom local care and resources with national standards and best practices.

 

Do you or one of your children need help with your mental health? If you don't know where to start, this infographic from The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) may help guide you. Click on the image to visit the NIMH website for a downloadable version of this pdf and helpful resources. The NIMH provides a mental health information resource center, available in English and Español 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. ET, M-F:

 

The Child Mind Institute offers free online resources, guides, articles from experts and a symptom checker to provide families with insight and advice on common concerns that many families face on a broad array of searchable topics, including Depression, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, and Help for Cutting and Other Self-Injury in youth.

Resources for mental health support

The Department of Mental Health provides everyday relief from depression, anxiety, stress, and more. Access for free anywhere, anytime so it fits into your life. They provide live chat sessions, personalized program, support groups, on-demand support and self-guided lessons at no charge LA County residents. For free confidential crisis counseling, mental health information, and referrals to providers, call the Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health's 24-hour Access Center at 1-800-854-7771.

SAMHSA’s Disaster Distress Helpline provides 24/7, 365-day-a-year crisis counseling and support to people experiencing emotional distress related to natural or human-caused disasters. Call or Text: 1-800-985-5990.

For information related to warning signs of mental health conditions, as well as a helpline, please visit NAMI, the National Alliance of Mental Illness. For support groups in the South Bay, visit NAMI South Bay - Support.

The Crisis Text Line has assembled a comprehensive list of referral resources that meet stringent criteria. Topics include abuse, self-harm, substance use, grief, isolation, and more. Topics are searchable online. We highly recommend this resource.

Youth can always call or text the California Youth Crisis Line, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at: 1-800-843-5200.

Didi Hirsch experts provide evidence-based treatment to low-income children and adults with mental disorders or behavioral challenges. Call 1-888-807-7250.

If you are a young person in crisis, feeling suicidal, or in need of a safe and judgment-free place to talk, call the TrevorLifeline now at 1-866-488-7386.



National articles

Guides, tips and insight for parents and guardians

 

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“Practicing gratitude has a host of benefits for our well-being. It’s good for our happiness and life satisfaction, reduces anxiety and depression, strengthens the immune system, lowers blood pressure, and helps us sleep better. If gratitude is good for us personally, then can its benefits spill over from parents to their children and families, too?"

A recent study, referenced in Greater Good Magazine, Berkeley, finds that gratitude can improve parents' well-being and their relationships with their kids. Find out how ‘nurturing your own well-being’ is key to helping our children flourish.”