Showing Up for Our Teens: Teen Mental Health Awareness Month 

August marks Teen Mental Health Awareness Month, a time signaled by squeezing in the last of summer fun, the preparations for a new school year ahead, and the recognition of the unique challenges young people face. It’s important to remind them that they don’t have to navigate those challenges alone. 

As summer begins to wind down and the anticipation of a new school year sets in, many teens experience a mix of excitement, uncertainty, and stress. New classes, changing friendships, extracurricular commitments, academic pressure, work schedules, and the desire to fit in can all take a toll on emotional wellbeing. 

The good news? Support doesn’t have to begin when there’s a crisis. Every conversation, every trusted adult, and every safe space can make a difference. 

The Reality of Teen Mental Health 

Today’s teens are growing up in a world unlike any generation before them. Alongside the typical ups and downs of adolescence, they’re navigating social media, global events, academic expectations, financial pressures, and increasing concerns about their future. 

Mental health challenges are common, but they are also manageable. 

The earlier we normalize conversations about emotions, stress, anxiety, and asking for help, the more likely young people are to reach out when they need support. 

Action Steps for Adults 

Whether you’re a parent, caregiver, educator, coach, or another trusted adult, your presence, especially undivided attention, matters more than having the perfect words. Creating a space that is safe for young adults in your life can only help provide them with the space they need to be able to communicate what is going on. 

You can: 

• Check in regularly, even when everything seems “fine.” 

• Listen first without immediately trying to solve the problem. 

• Validate their feelings before offering advice. 

• Encourage healthy coping strategies like movement, creativity, rest, and connection. 

• Remind them that asking for help and sharing their feelings is a sign of strength, not weakness. 

Sometimes the most powerful message a teen can hear is simply: 

“I’m here. You don’t have to go through this alone.” 

You’re Invited: Teen Circle 

This fall, Mental Health America Lakeshore is teaming up with JMKAC and Lakeland University to relaunch Teen Circle, a welcoming space where teens can connect, build friendships, learn healthy coping skills, and discover they’re not alone. Teens can join us for a 3-night series at JMKAC for an exhibit tour, MHA guided community circle, and cumulative art creation. 

Teen Circle is designed to provide: 

• Meaningful peer connection 

• Conversations about real-life challenges 

• Activities that build resilience and confidence 

• A safe, supportive environment where every teen belongs 

Whether a teen is looking for connection, wants to strengthen their mental wellness, express their artistic skills, or simply needs a place to be themselves, Teen Circle is here for them. 

Stay tuned for registration details and upcoming meeting dates—we can’t wait to welcome our first group! 

Resources That Can Help 

Whether you’re a teen looking for support or an adult trying to better understand what a youth in your life is experiencing, these trusted resources can help. 

Mental Health America Lakeshore is committed to helping families navigate today’s challenges and digital world with confidence. We encourage parents and teens to explore these evidence-based resources together. 

• The JED Foundation offers practical tools to help teens and young adults build emotional wellbeing, strengthen resilience, and navigate life’s challenges. 

• MHA National offers free, evidence-informed resources, screenings, and support designed to help teens understand their mental health, develop coping skills, and connect with help when they need it.

• Common Sense Media Digital Risk Assessments offer free, personalized assessments that help families better understand how technology can impact mental health and wellbeing. Explore topics like social media, screen time, gaming, AI, cyberbullying, and online safety while receiving practical, age-appropriate recommendations to support healthier digital habits. 

• Student Ambassadors: MHA’s Resilient Schools High School Program encourages student leaders to meet, plan, and execute mental health awareness and wellness initiatives in their school. They also act as a peer-to-peer support system for their classmates. We are proud to say that Student Ambassadors are now in many high schools in our community. 

• If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis or needs immediate emotional support, call or text 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Compassionate, trained counselors are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. 

💚 Take the Next Step and Make Mental Health Part of Every Conversation 

Supporting teen mental health starts with one conversation, one connection, and one trusted resource. Whether you’re a teen, parent, caregiver, educator, or community member, we’re here to help. 

Teen Mental Health Month reminds us that supporting young people isn’t just about responding when they’re struggling. It’s about creating communities where they feel seen, valued, and supported every day. 

Together, we can reduce stigma, encourage honest conversations, and help every teen know that asking for help is one of the bravest things they can do. No young person should ever feel like they must face life’s challenges alone. 

Every conversation about mental health helps reduce stigma. Every act of kindness builds connection. Every resource shared has the potential to change a life. 

Together, we can create a community where every teen feels seen, supported, and hopeful.