If you've felt overwhelmed by the news lately, you are not alone. Amidst a global pandemic, the Black Lives Matter movement, protests and demonstrations, these are beyond challenging times that are impacting each of us in different ways. Whether you're in need of support to help process recent events, searching for ways to stay safe and healthy while fighting for social justice, or want to learn how to keep informed and educated, we've compiled a list of resources that can help you do just that.
Get Informed and Take Action
Resources to Help Students Make Sense of the George Floyd Protests: Putting the demonstrations into a larger context, with help from The New York Times and other news and educational organizations. Also check out the Student Opinion Forum where teens 13 and older are invited to comment.
READ: Books for youth 12+ that explain racism and protest.
WATCH: Systemic Racism Explained: Video that gives a closer look at what systemic racism is, and how we can solve it.
Finding Allyship to Become More Anti-Racist: Youth Move National offers resources for creating allyship with Black people and people of color.
TIP from our Teen Connect Youth Advisory Board:
For young people that want to get involved but don’t have the money to donate or ability to safely participate in protests, you can support the Black Lives Matter (BLM) movement from home. Check out this video playlist where YouTubers are donating their ad revenue to BLM charities. Learn more about YouTube "Ad-Tivism".
Find Mental Health and Trauma Support
Teen Line: Trained teen volunteers are available to listen and support you every night from 9pm-12am EST via text message and email. Text "Teen" to 839863 or email at teenlineonline.org/talk-now/
Magellan Health, Inc., has opened a 24-hour toll-free crisis line (US only) accessible to the public. Magellan is available to help as individuals who call the hotline will speak directly to a masters-level, certified licensed mental health clinician. The toll-free number to access free, confidential counseling services is 1-800-327-7451 (TTY 711).
The Trevor Project: Supporting Black LGBTQ Youth Mental Health: Written by The Trevor Project’s Chief Clinical Operations Officer, Dr. Tia Dole, this document provides tips for readers to support themselves and encourages them to care for the Black LGBTQ young people in your lives.
National Queer and Trans Therapists of Color Network (NQTTCN): A healing justice organization committed to transforming mental health for queer and trans people of color (QTPoC).
44 Mental Health Resources for Black People Trying to Survive in This Country: It starts with people to follow on Instagram who regularly drop mental health gems, then goes into groups and organizations that do the same, followed by directories and networks for finding a Black mental health practitioner.
The Therapy for Black Girls Podcast: A weekly chat about all things mental health, personal development, and all the small decisions we can make to become the best possible versions of ourselves.
(Shared by @123speakonit, source: www.abpsi.org/pdf/FamilyCommunitySelfCareToolKit.pdf)
Community Violence: Reactions and Actions in Dangerous Times: This resource from the National Child Traumatic Stress Network (NCTSN) provides information on community violence, how it can affect daily lives, and what to do for support.
Coping in Hard Times: Fact Sheet for Youth High School & College Age: Provides helpful guidance and suggestions on how to cope during uncertain times.
For a list of local mental health programs for teens and young adults in Hillsborough County, visit TeenConnectTampaBay.org/counseling-mental-health
Follow us on Instagram @teenconnecttampa to check out our weekly wellness tips for teens!
What resources have helped you? What more would you like to see? Share your thoughts in the comments below.