There are so many great resources available online today where families can quickly and easily find additional information to help them better understand their child’s mental health needs. We have selected some of our favorites to share with you below. Be sure to check back often as we will be adding resources as we go.
If you are looking for something specific and cannot find it below or have trouble accessing online information please call the ACMH office and we can send you a packet of information.
Also if you know of a great resource you think we should add to our list let us know in the reply box below and will see about getting it added. Happy Reading!
This Month’s Highlighted Resources:
New MDHHS Suicide Prevention Website The recently updated MDHHS Suicide Prevention website has a variety of resources and information for individuals who are having thoughts of suicide or know a loved one who is in crisis. These resources include a communications toolkit, a county map of coalitions and crisis lines, fact sheets, trainings and information about the Suicide Prevention Lifeline.
If you are in a crisis, or know someone who needs help, contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-TALK (8255).
Warning signs for those at risk of suicide include:
- Feelings of hopelessness.
- Threatening to or talking about wanting to hurt oneself.
- Loss of interest in activities.
- Withdrawal from friends and family.
- Change in eating and sleeping habits.
- Talking about being a burden to others.
- Increasing the use of alcohol or drugs.
- Displaying extreme mood swings.
- Looking for a way to kill oneself.
If you are interested in getting involved in suicide prevention, visit Michigan.gov/suicideprevention to find out more about local suicide prevention coalitions across the state.
Download the complete press release here: Suicide Prevention NR
The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-8255
The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is a national network of local crisis centers that provides free and confidential emotional support to people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
We’re committed to improving crisis services and advancing suicide prevention by empowering individuals, advancing professional best practices, and building awareness.
What Happens When You Call The Lifeline?
First, you’ll hear an automated message featuring additional options while your call is routed to your local Lifeline network crisis center. We’ll play you a little music while we connect you to a skilled, trained crisis worker.
A trained crisis worker at your local center will answer the phone.
This person will listen to you, understand how your problem is affecting you, provide support, and get you the help you need.
Lifeline Center calls are free and confidential, and we’re available 24/7.
Additional Resources:
All Treatment.com
Alltreatment.com is a new resource where you can locate Teen Alcohol & Substance Use Treatment Centers near you as well as addiction information and resources.
How To Talk to Your Child about a Suicide Attempt in Your Family – Guides for Families of Preschoolers, School Age Children & Teenagers
The Rocky Mountain MIRECC recently shared this guide with ACMH. It is a great resource and can be accessed online at:
https://www.mirecc.va.gov/visn19/talk2kids/
The well written guide gives practical ideas and examples of how to support and talk to children of all ages after a suicide attempt in your family. you can view the guide online or download the full color or easy printing version.
TRAUMA: The National Child Traumatic Stress Initiative recently released new infographics to try to understand Child Trauma. Click the links below to learn more:
EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS: Do you know what to do in the case of natural or other disaster? See resources below to help create a plan for you and your family in case the unexpected happens!
Disaster CMH Ready Final[2][1]
Disaster Family Disaster Plan[1][1]
Disaster About our child or youth[1]
Mental Health America : Offers tips on how parents can help their children thrive in a high school setting and links to external resources that further explain the psychological development of young people at this age. http://www.mentalhealthamerica.net/back-school
Children’s Mental Health Sites We Like:
American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at www.aacap.org
Anxiety & Depression Association of America, ADAA at: www.adaa.org
Autism Alliance of Michigan at www.autismallianceofmichigan.org
The Balanced Mind Network at www.thebalancedmind.org
C.H.A.D.D. Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder at: www.chadd.org
Child Mind Institute at www.childmind.org
Child Study Center at www.aboutourkids.org/families
Children’s Mental Health Network at www.cmhnetwork.org
Kids Mental Health Information Portal: www.kidsmentalhealth.org
National Institute of Mental Health at www.nimh.nih.gov
Psych Central at www.psychcentral.com/disorders
SAMHSA, Substance Abuse & Mental Health Administration at: www.samhsa.gov
Teen Health at: http://kidshealth.org/teen/
Other Sites & Topics of Interest:
Bullying:
KidsHealth.org has a great section on ho to bulletproof your kid as well as information about cyber-bullying and many other related topics.
http://kidshealth.org/parent/positive/talk/bully-proof.html
SAMHSA’s Know Bullying App: Describes strategies to prevent bullying and explains how to recognize warning signs that a child is bullying or being bullied. Includes a section for educators.
It Gets Better Project. The It Gets Better Project started in 2010 after syndicated columnist and author Dan Savage and his partner Terry Miller created a YouTube video for young people facing harassment.
Early Childhood Resources:
Sesame Street offers a number of great “tool kits” for families, topics include but are not limited to:
http://www.sesamestreet.org/parents/topicsandactivities/toolkits
- Families Stand Together
- Healthy Habits for Life
- Here for Each other
- Little Children, Big Challenges
- Here for You
- Talk, Listen, Connect: Support for Military Families
Zero to Three is a national nonprofit that provides parents, professionals, and policymakers the knowledge and know-how to nurture early development. Their mission is to ensure that all babies and toddlers have a strong start in life.
http://www.zerotothree.org/about-us/areas-of-expertise/free-parent-brochures-and-guides/
Mental Health in Schools:
SchoolMentalHealth.org offers resources for parents, clinicians, educators, administrators, and even students on mental health topics. The information on this site is based on current research.
http://www.schoolmentalhealth.org/index.html
Substance Abuse:
Drugfree.org or the Partnership for Drug-free Kids is a nonprofit organization dedicated to reducing teen substance abuse and helping families impacted by addiction. Their website has a wealth of information that families need to understand the ever-changing drug and substance use landscape.
National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) for Teens (http://teens.drugabuse.gov): Provides information and resources to students and their parents about drugs and neuroscience, and supports educators and parents to facilitate student learning.
SAMHSA’s “Talk. They Hear You.” Campaign (http://www.samhsa.gov/underage-drinking): Provides information about the dangers of underage drinking and gives families and communities prevention tips.
http://www.samhsa.gov/underage-drinking
Suicide Awareness & Prevention:
Jason Foundation Parent Resource Program contains basic information about suicide, including how you as a parent or guardian can help prevent youth suicide.
Support for Siblings:
Sibling Support Project is a national effort dedicated to the life-long concerns of brothers and sisters of people who have special health, developmental, or mental health concerns.
http://www.siblingsupport.org/
Transition Age Youth:
Going to College: a Resource Guide for Teens with Disabilities
**One important thing to keep in mind when looking at information is that all children and youth are not alike . One child with bipolar disorder may have an entirely different experience than another child with the same condition and one suggestion may work for one child and family and not for another. So it is very important for you to consider the information you read as general guidelines. Your child’s condition may not be like everything you read. If you have additional questions about what you read feel free to call ACMH today!
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