Mental Health & Depression Awareness

Quick Guide • Resources for Parents, Kids & Teens

Why this matters

Depression is common and treatable. Kids, teens, and adults can all struggle—often quietly. You don’t have to have a diagnosis to deserve support. This handout offers quick signs to watch for, ways to start a conversation, and trusted resources for immediate help and ongoing care.

If someone may be in danger right now

·         Call or text 988 (U.S.) for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.

·         Text HOME to 741741 for Crisis Text Line (24/7).

·         If there is immediate risk, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department.

·         For LGBTQIA+ youth support: The Trevor Project — call 1-866-488-7386 or text START to 678678.

Common warning signs (kids, teens, adults)

·         Persistent sadness, irritability, or anger; frequent tearfulness

·         Withdrawing from friends, family, or activities once enjoyed

·         Changes in sleep (too much or too little) or appetite

·         Drop in grades/work performance; trouble concentrating

·         Complaints of headaches/stomachaches without clear cause

·         Comments about feeling hopeless, worthless, or like a burden

·         Talking about death, self-harm, or giving away belongings

 How to start the conversation

·         Lead with care, not fixes: “I’ve noticed you’ve seemed down and I care about you. What’s been hardest lately?”

·         Validate feelings: “That sounds really heavy. I’m glad you told me.”

·         Avoid minimizing (don’t say things like, “You’ll be fine”) and avoid lectures; keep it calm and curious.

·         Offer next steps together (therapy, a check-up, or utilize school support resources) and follow through.

Everyday supports that help recovery

·         Steady routines: sleep/wake times, meals, outdoor time

·         Movement most days (walks, dance, sports, yoga—any level)

·         Reduce overwhelm: break tasks into small steps; use checklists or timers

·         Limit doomscrolling; set healthy phone and social media boundaries

·         Build connection: family meals, low-pressure hangouts, clubs or interests

·         Collaborate with school or work for reasonable supports and flexibility

Finding professional care

·         Primary care visit to rule out medical contributors (e.g. thyroid, anemia, sleep, or medications).

·         Licensed therapist for age-appropriate therapy (CBT, ACT, interpersonal therapy, family support).

·         Psychiatry consult if symptoms are persistent or severe; combine with therapy for best outcomes.

·         Ask about safety planning and how to reach crisis support after hours.

Resources for Parents & Caregivers

·         American Academy of Pediatrics (HealthyChildren.org) — guidance on child & teen mental health

·         Child Mind Institute — parent guides, symptom checkers, articles

·         The Trevor Project — LGBTQIA+ youth support (guides for families)

·         National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) — local education & support

·         988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline — safety planning resources

For Kids (elementary & up)

·         Book: “The Color Monster: A Pop-Up Book of Feelings” by Anna Llenas

·         Book: “What to Do When You Worry Too Much” by Dawn Huebner (ages ~7–12)

·         Book: “A Kids Book About Anxiety/Depression” (A Kids Book About series)

·         Podcast: “Good Inside with Dr. Becky” (parents + kid-focused episodes)

For Teens & Young Adults

·         Book: “The Anxiety and Depression Workbook for Teens” by Lisa Schab

·         Book: “You Are Not Alone” by Ken Duckworth, MD (stories + guidance)

·         Book: “The Self-Compassion Workbook for Teens” by Karen Bluth

·         Podcast: “Teen Girl Talk” (teen life topics; choose episodes mindfully)

·         Text: 988 or HOME to 741741 for confidential support; Trevor Project for LGBTQIA+ peers

For Adults

·         Book: “Feeling Good” by David D. Burns, MD (CBT-based)

·         Book: “Lost Connections” by Johann Hari (discussion of depression causes & connection)

·         Book: “The Noonday Demon” by Andrew Solomon (memoir & research)

·         Podcast: “The Hilarious World of Depression” (stories with humor & heart)

·         Podcast: “Therapy for Black Girls” (mental health topics, inclusive)

Websites & Hotlines (U.S.)

·         988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline — call/text 988

·         Crisis Text Line — text HOME to 741741

·         NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) — nami.org

·         Child Mind Institute — childmind.org

·         SAMHSA Treatment Locator — findtreatment.gov

·         The Trevor Project — thetrevorproject.org

About Journey Life Balance, Inc.

Jennifer L. Rowe, LCSW provides therapy and life-strategy coaching focused on teens, college students, and adults navigating anxiety, depression, and life transitions. Virtual sessions available. Learn more, explore workbooks, and find free resources at www.journeylifebalance.com.

Follow on Instagram: instagram.com/journeylifebalance.

Disclaimer: Educational only—does not replace professional advice or emergency care.

Hi! I’m Jennifer Rowe, LCSW, CADDCT, CDP. I’m a life strategist, clinical mental health therapist, and published author. I started my company, Journey Life Balance because helping others to find their purpose and meaning and live lives to their fullest potential is my passion! But more importantly, who are you?

Are an over-achiever and someone who appears to achieve in all areas of life. Are you someone who believes in perfection versus completing something as "good enough?" Do you show enthusiasm and capability to the world but feel exhausted, overwhelmed, stressed, fearful, and inadequate.  Do you want to make a change but you’re not sure where to start?  Do you feel stuck in a routine, pattern, or habit and want to become unstuck? If any of these questions resonate with you, then, YES, we should work together!

​I am also a published author! Below is a list of my books, which are available at local bookstores, at my office, on my website, and through online sellers such as Amazon and Kindle. There are also numerous workbooks and resources available on my site at journeylifebalance.com (click on the “Store” at the top of the page).

·         Intentions, Hopes, and Wishes Digital Journal (Adult Version) – a journal designed to help adults reflect on what they truly want, set meaningful intentions, and turn them into actionable steps. Intentions, Hopes, and

·         Wishes Digital Journal (Teen Version) – a journal designed to help teens dream big, reflect on what they truly want, set meaningful intentions, and turn them into actionable steps.

·         Who Am I Now Caregiver Digital Booklet (Family Edition) – provides advice, personal stories, resources, options, and next steps for friends and family members considering caregiver options for loved ones as life circumstances change.

·         Who Am I Now Caregiver Digital Booklet (Professional Edition) – similar to the family edition of the caregiver book; however, this version is intended for healthcare professionals and social workers advising patients, caregivers, and families about options and next steps available to them.

·         De-Stress Your Holidays: How to Holiday Shop and Remain Stress-Free - Join me on my journey to eliminate stress, become debt-free, and remain calm during the holiday season.

Call and book time with me today: 845-325-0232

Visit my website, check out my publications, and book time with me online: www.journeylifebalance.com.