Mental health includes our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. 

It affects how we think, feel, and act. It also helps determine how we handle stress, relate to others, and make choices. Mental health is important at every stage of life, from childhood and adolescence through adulthood.

Over the course of your life, if you experience mental health problems, your thinking, mood, and behavior could be affected. Many factors contribute to mental health problems, including:

• Biological factors, such as genes or brain chemistry

• Life experiences, such as trauma or abuse

• Family history of mental health problems

Positive mental health allows people to:

• Realize their full potential

• Cope with the stresses of life

• Work productively

• Make meaningful contributions to their communities

Ways to maintain positive mental health include:

• Getting professional help if you need it

• Connecting with others

• Staying positive

• Getting physically active

• Helping others

• Getting enough sleep

• Developing coping skills

• Northwell Behavioral Health Partnership

• 5 Ways to Deal With Anxiety (for Teens)

• ADAA, Anxiety & Depression Association of America

• Community Resource Directory

• Dealing with Loss During COVID-19: Helping Children and Families

• Directory of Behavioral Health Services

• Finding a Psychologist

• Good Study Habits and Organizational Skills Create Successful Students

• Helping Children Cope With Frightening News

• How Gratitude Can Help With Students’ Anxiety (berkeley.edu)

• How to Talk with Kids About Personal Safety and Sexual Abuse

• Manage Anxiety & Stress

• Managing Strong Emotional Reactions to Traumatic Events: Tips for Families and Teachers

• Managing Your Emotional Reactions

• Mindful Moments Family Web Series | Mental Health Education in New York State Schools (mentalhealthednys.org)

• Mindfulness Techniques

• Organizing Schoolwork & Assignments

• The Parent’s Guide to Cyberbullying

• Preventing Youth Suicide

• Referral Information and Community Resources

• Response Crisis Hotline Available 24/7 (631) 751-7500

• Suffolk County Department of Social Services

• The Teen Brain: 7 Things to Know

• Trauma and Crisis Counseling 24 hour hotline (631) 952-3333

• What Is Time Management?

• What Kids Say About: Handling Stress

Resource for finding a psychologist: http://www.suffolkpsych.org/ (under find a psychologist)