Editors note: If you are concerned for the mental health and wellbeing of your teen or any family member please seek help.
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or Live Online Chat
SAMHSA Treatment Referral Helpline, 1-877-SAMHSA7 (1-877-726-4727)
Our teens are faced with many stresses these days; everything from wildfires and their aftermath, social unrest, distance learning, and living during a pandemic. We recently spent time with David Bond, LCSW, Director of Behavioral Health for Blue Shield of California talking about mental health tips for helping teenagers cope with stress and trauma.
The tips David discussed focus on small behavioral changes that can make a big difference for your teens and for your whole family. We also talked about warning signs that parents should be looking for that at a minimum mean something is going on and you should have a conversation with your teen. As always, if you have concerns please seek the help and advice of your child’s doctor.
Blue Shield of California has a BlueSky initiative that supports mental health for middle- and high school students in California by providing additional mental health clinicians in schools, training teachers on the signs of mental health issues, and empowering students with in-person and online mental health support resources. Learn more and find partner resources and tips at www.blueshieldca.com/bluesky.
