Talk Mental Health

Happy & Healthy Kids

For parents and other adults, it’s easy to identify a young person’s physical needs – shelter, warmth, clothing and nutritious food. However, a kid’s mental and emotional needs may not as obvious.

Good mental health allows young people to think clearly, develop socially, learn new skills and make good choices when it comes to alcohol and drugs and risky behaviors.

Having healthy relationships and hearing encouraging words from adults are all important for helping young people develop self-confidence, high self-esteem and a healthy emotional outlook on life.

Talking with kids about mental health is critical so they get the support and help they need (when they need it) to live happy and healthy lives.

 

There is Help

If you or a loved one is struggling, know that there are free, available resources and people who can and will help. People (just like you!) volunteered to tell their stories to let you know that mental health struggles are more common than most people realize. They are also treatable and manageable.

There is a way through this. There is help. There is hope.

Hear Their Stories

 

Tips and Tools

If you’re looking for more tips and tools to help on your parenting journey or as an ally of a young person, you’ve come to the right place. There are dozens of resources for you to use to help kids live happy and healthy lives.

This resource rich site also features ways for you to easily find local support, contact us and learn more about the Region 5 Prevention Network.

Resources

If you have a teenager in the house, you’re probably familiar with silence or vague responses when you attempt conversation…

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The holiday season is known as a time for gatherings and cheer. People commonly visit with family and friends numerous times for parties and large get-togethers. Some people look forward to the holiday season, but others may not feel as jolly during this time.

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Eating disorders frequently emerge during adolescence but often, the symptoms aren’t what parents might expect. Unfortunately, many eating disorders go undetected and untreated because parents don’t recognize the warning signs.

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Pastor Thomas shares how his faith and relationship with God helps him keep hope alive.

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As a pastor, Thomas works with many people facing mental illness. He shares how faith communities can be supportive.

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As director of the LGBTQA+ Center at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Pat sees students struggle with mental illness. She shares local and national resources to help.

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