Care is Here for You!

Greetings Readers!

Every month we share information and skills to support your mental, emotional, and physical wellbeing.

This year has brought many changes that we may not have been prepared for or anticipated. Collectively, we have been asked to change things during times of uncertainty, to reevaluate our values, and to understand different perspectives. Change can be hard and triggering. The fear and worry you may be experiencing may have an impact on your mental health.

Before we go further into this month’s theme, here are September’s affirmations:

  • I remind myself to check-in, relax, and enjoy the moment.

  • I give myself permission to be at ease.

  • I prioritize my well-being.

  • Feeling sorrow is not a sign of weakness, it is part of the human experience and I allow others to support me. 

September is National Suicide Prevention Month where mental health organizations and individuals share resources, and personal stories to reassure us that suicidal thoughts can affect anyone and that there is support for us. Suicidal thoughts, although common, should not be considered normal and often indicate more serious issues, and is often the result of untreated mental health condition.1 

If you are on the path of change and you want support for your mental health:

  • Turn to the people in your life who are supportive, who you feel safe talking about your worries and anxiety. Also, know that there are mental health professionals that can offer this support.

  • Continue your self-care. Take a break to be in the present, meditate, or do an activity that brings you peace and healthy distractions. 

  • Redirect negative thoughts about change. Although we may not be able to control a situation, we can control how we respond to it. And our response comes from how we feel and what we think of the situation. Sometimes this can be difficult as well, so focus on what you can control, such as breathing. 

  • Create a sense of community. We are all navigating changes and responding differently. Having conversations about how we relate to one another can have a positive impact rather than focusing on differences in opinion. 

As we continue to strive for a stronger and resilient community, here are some organizations that provide information, resources, and support for you and your teen. 

Communicating with your teen about changes and mental health can feel overwhelming, especially when we do not know how to handle the changes ourselves. Reading someone else’s stories can shed a light on how others have navigated similar experiences. There are many resources for parents to support your teen. Visit the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention for resources and support. 

For free webinars on many topics to support raising children and teens, visit Operation Parent’s website. 

If you would like to learn more about mindfulness skills, CARE offers many free virtual classes for teens and parents to support you on your journey into yourself. For more resources, please visit our resource page on our page. 

If you or someone you care about is feeling overwhelmed with emotions like sadness, depression, or anxiety, or feel like you want to harm yourself or others: 

  • Call 911.

  • Visit the Disaster Distress Helpline, call 1-800-985-5990, or text TalkWithUs to 66746.

  • Visit the National Domestic Violence Hotline or call 1-800-799-7233 and TTY 1-800-787-3224. 

For the youth, if you know you or your friends need immediate help, call Teen Lifeline. Teen Lifeline is a 24-7 crisis line for teens where teens can call or text another teen about any problems or issues they are facing. This resource is also available to parents and families for support.

  • In Maricopa County: 602-248-8336 (TEEN)

  • Outside Maricopa County: 1-800-248-8336 (TEEN)

  • Outside Arizona/Nationally: 1-877-YOUTHLINE or 1-800-SUICIDE

For more information on this please visit the websites below:

  1. https://www.nami.org/get-involved/awareness-events/suicide-prevention-awareness-month