Mental Health Resources
Tomorrow needs you apparel
Order your very own Tomorrow Needs You… And So Do I Apparel by calling Hoosier Sporting Goods.
Raise awareness for youth mental health and help increase access to mental health resources by purchasing a t-shirt, hoody, sweatshirt, or bag!
Created in partnership with Mental Health Matters of Bartholomew County.
The Importance Of Youth Mental Health
The Council for Youth Development recognizes the importance of mental health as a cornerstone for positive youth development. Our youth’s mental wellbeing is intrinsically tied to their physical and emotional health, shaping how they move through the world and transition into adulthood. Our young people are currently facing many unprecedented challenges that impact their development. The COVID-19 pandemic, racial injustice, gun violence, economic inequality, and climate change are all driving factors in the rise of anxiety, depression, and behavioral challenges (Protecting Youth Mental Health- The U.S Surgeon General’s Advisory). Negative messages perpetuated through media, particularly social media, are shaping our youth’s self-image and reinforcing toxic patterns of bullying. It is clear that something must be done to improve our youth’s mental health.
It is essential that we foster a community of collective care, one where we work from both the institutional and individual levels to address the mental health challenges our young people are experiencing. The Council for Youth Development seeks to empower youth and families to take steps toward mental wellbeing. Whether you are a young person, the caregiver of one, or a concerned community member, we hope to provide you with the tools and resources to get the help you need.
How Our Youth Are Doing
In Our County
In Our State
In Our Country
The data has shown us: students are reporting sadness and hopelessness at higher rates than previous years. Nationally, “one in three high school students and half of female students reported persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness” in 2019, which is an “overall increase of 40% from 2009” (Protecting Youth Mental Health- The U.S Surgeon General’s Advisory). Even before the COVID-19 pandemic, young adults were struggling.
In the graphs above from Indiana Youth Survey Reports, 38.2% of 6th-12th grade students in our state reported feeling sad or hopeless for 2+ weeks in a row in 2022. 18.9% of students seriously considered attempting suicide, an increase from the previous year.
Additionally, youth who are marginalized, such as BIPOC and LGBTQ+ students, experience high levels of stress and anxiety (The Mental Health of Minority and Marginalized Young People: An Opportunity for Action, Vivek H. Murthy).
It is now more pressing than ever that we improve access to mental healthcare resources. And that is our mission.
Our Response
Teen mental health first aid (For Teens)
Teen Mental Health First Aid is a certification course/training designed to teach teens in grades 9-12 how to identify, understand, and respond to signs of mental health and substance use challenges in themselves, their friends, and their peers.
Youth mental health first aid (For adults)
Youth Mental Health First Aid is a certification course/training designed to teach parents, family members, caregivers, teachers, school staff, peers, neighbors, health and human services workers, and other caring citizens how to help a child or adolescent who is experiencing a mental health or addictions challenge or is in crisis.
mental health first aid For Adults
Mental Health First Aid for Adults is designed to teach employers, employees, police officers, hospital staff, first responders, health and human service workers, adult family members, neighbors, caregivers, and other caring citizens how to help another adult who is experiencing a mental health or addictions challenge or is in crisis.
Local Resources
Find services and resources for you and your family in Bartholomew County. If you or someone you care about is struggling right now, please reach out for help. The Wellness Directory is available in English and Spanish.
Located at 1075 2nd Street, Stride Center is an excellent choice for anyone age 18 or older who is experiencing a mental health or substance use crisis and is a safe and welcoming alternative to the hospital emergency department or jail.
Access to free confidential, expert vetted health and wellbeing resources as well as community based resources.
Mental Health Matters is a community-wide initiative created to address challenges and improve the mental health system for the wellbeing of youth and adults in Bartholomew County. Browse their Resources page to learn more.
The Mobile Crisis Team is able to assist an individual age 5 or older when they are experiencing a mental health crisis and cannot make it to a safe location where they can get care.
Counseling in Spanish at community downtown
Community Downtown is now offering counseling in Spanish at no cost to the client. They are able to provide up to eight sessions at no cost to adults, couples, teens, and children ages six and older. For further information, please email terapias@cccolumbus.org.
The Rapid Response Treatment Team is a dedicated group of mental health professionals who are equipped to deliver crisis care follow-up of a referral within 12-24 hours.
additional Resources
Mental Health America advocates for closing the mental health equity gap while increasing nationwide awareness. You can find tools for getting informed, getting the help you need, or getting involved in mental health advocacy.
Text “988” to connect to the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, where support from trained crisis counselors is available 24/7 nationwide for anyone experiencing a mental health or substance use crisis or any other emotional distress.
Seize the Awkward provides tips and resources for starting conversations with friends about mental health. If you or someone you know is struggling, Seize the Awkward can help you learn how to support your friends- or yourself.
Crisis Text Line is here for any mental health-related crisis. Text HOME to 741741 anytime. A live, trained Crisis Counselor receives the text and responds, all from a secure online platform.
The Trevor Project supports LGBTQ+ kids and teens, providing free counseling, information, and resources. If you are experiencing a crisis, get started by texting ‘START’ to 678-678. You can speak to a counselor for free, 24/7.
The Disaster Distress Helpline (DDH) provides year-round disaster crisis counseling. This toll-free, multilingual, crisis support service is available 24/7 to those experiencing emotional distress related to natural or human-caused disasters. Call or text 1-800-985-5990.
