Resource Library
Resource Guide
Below are some resources that LifeAct has collected to help you learn more about mental health.
Warning Signs of Depression and Suicide
Depression in Adolescents
This resource comes from our long time community partner, University Hospitals, specifically, the department of Pediatric Psychology & Psychiatry.
Warning Signs
These are the warning signs for depression and suicide that we teach thousands of middle and high school students every year.
What Parents Should Know
This is a great one-stop-shop that explains why families should be take the risk of depression/suicide seriously, and answers all kinds of questions that families may have.
What to Look For
Video by the Mayo Clinic on what to look for in a teen who may be depressed and having suicidal thoughts.
Finding the Right Help
Advice for Parents on Diagnosing and Treating Anxiety Disorders in Young People
This blog post is meant to guide parents in the process of dealing with anxiety disorders, and it covers a wide variety of topics.
Anxiety and Depression, Explained
This web page explains what depression and anxiety look like in children/teens, what treatment options are usually recommended, and what adults can do to start getting help for their loved one.
Treatment for Depression
Finding the right treatment/care plan for depression can be daunting, but once you find that right balance, people can experience great relief from symptoms. This article dives into the process, from diagnosis to treatment, and explains specific kinds of treatment that could be recommended for your loved one.
Community Partners
Courage to Caregivers
Courage to Caregivers is a nonprofit located in Northeast Ohio with the mission of providing hope, support, and courage to caregivers and loved ones of those living with mental illness. Courage to Caregivers offers three (currently virtual) programs at no cost to participants. Programs focus entirely on the caregiver and provide tools to build stronger coping strategies and greater resilience for caregivers.
Frontline Services
A local organization that works to prevent suicide, resolve behavioral health crises, and overcome trauma in Northeast Ohio.
Highland Springs Changes
Highland Springs Changes is a local outpatient behavioral health facility that provides partial hospitalization and intensive outpatient programs for children and adolescents aged 8 to 17.
Ohio CareLine
The Ohio CareLine is a toll-free emotional support call service created by the Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services and administered in community settings. Behavioral health professionals staff the CareLine 24 hours a day, 7 days/week. They offer confidential support in times of personal or family crisis when individuals may be struggling to cope with challenges in their lives. When callers need additional services, they will receive assistance and connection to local providers.
PSI Solutions
We work with PSI to provide high quality professional development to our team and greater community.
University Hospitals Rainbow Babies & Children's
University Hospitals are our premier partner, and we work closely with their Department of Adolescent Psychiatry on our programs and outreach.
Supporting a loved one during/after hospitalization
Bringing a Child Home after Psychiatric Hospitalization
This is a letter written by a parent who has experienced bringing home a child from hospitalization, and gives her advice to other parents on what to expect.
How to Support Someone During Psychiatric Hospitalization
This article goes over the process of hospitalization, the various steps, and how you can support a loved one who is hospitalized.
Safety Plans, Care Plans, Self-Care Management: Where to Start?
Being Prepared For a Crisis
The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) has put together a helpful webpage about how to be prepared for a mental health crisis.
How to Create a Suicide Safety Plan
This website goes over why it's important to have a safety plan, and how to execute one.
Safety Plan Template
This is a template of a safety plan from the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline.
Supporting Recovery
This article from NAMI goes over how to be supportive and helpful to a loved one who is in recovery.
How to Create an Inclusive, Mental-Health Sensitive Environment
Behaviors of Supportive Parents and Caregivers for LGBTQ Youth
Check out this research brief from the Trevor Project about how parents and caregivers actions can have a drastic affect on the mental health of LGBTQ youth!
How to Nurture Your Child's Mental Health
Tips and strategies for how to nurture a healthy approach to mental health.
How to Take Care of Yourself
Self-care is important for caregivers, too. Find out more about how to take care of yourself when supporting a loved one.
Learning to Help your Child & Family
Learn how to help your child and family more effectively.
Our Words Matter
The way we communicate about mental health and wellbeing, mental health concerns, suicide, and alcohol and other drugs (AOD) can have either a positive or negative impact on a person’s life. The words we choose to use can make all the difference.
Resources for Supporting Mental Wellness During Covid-19
Covid-19 specific resources related to mental health
What Parents Can Do
How can you make a difference in the way your child treats their mental health?
How to Get Help
Advice For Selecting a Psychologist
Advice on what to look for when selecting a psychologist.
Calling 911 and Talking to Police
This helpful webpage goes over what to do when you need to call 911 for a mental health crisis, or when you are concerned for your loved one.
How to Choose the Right Therapist for Your Child
Tips for finding the right fit in a therapist or counselor for your child
Searchable Database of Therapists, Counselors, and Psychologists
Go here to search for providers of therapy and other treatment in your area.
Learn More:
The JED Foundation focuses on teen and young adult mental health, and has a large library of resources for families.