The Teen Brain: 7 Things to Know
5 Action Steps for Helping Someone in Emotional Pain
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
*1-800-273-TALK (8255) for free 24-hour help
Crisis Text Line
*Text HELLO to 741741 for free 24-hour help
CREATE YOUR STRESS CATCHER
Step 1. Color the stress catcher (on page 2), and cut out the square.
Step 2. Place the stress catcher face down. Fold each corner to the opposite corner, and then unfold to create two diagonal creases in the square.
Step 3. Fold each corner toward the center of the square so that the numbers and colors are facing you. Turn over the square, and again fold each corner into the center so that the color names are visible.
Step 4. Fold the square in half so that the color names are touching, and the numbers are on the outside. Now open it and fold it in half the other way.
Step 5. Insert your thumb and first finger of each hand (pinching motion) under the number flaps.
Step 6. Close the stress catcher so only the numbers show. Life can get challenging sometimes, and it’s important for kids (and adults!) to develop strategies for coping with stress or anxiety.
This stress catcher “fortune teller” offers some strategies children can practice and use to help manage stress and other difficult emotions. Follow the instructions to create a fun and interactive way for children to practice coping strategies.
From the NATIONAL INSTITUTE of MENTAL HEALTH
For more information about mental health, visit the NIMH website at www.nimh.nih.gov. For information on a wide variety of health topics, visit the National Library of Medicine’s MedlinePlus service at https://medlineplus.gov.