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David Lawrence Centers

It Takes a Community:

How Everyone Can Support

Youth Mental Health

NCH Rooney Heart Institute

Performs Florida’s First M3 Transcatheter

Mitral Valve Replacement

By Jessica Liria, Compassion in Action and QPR (Question, Persuade, Refer) suicide
Director of Community Wellness & Impact At David Lawrence Centers prevention training teach participants how to identify warning
signs, start supportive conversations and respond appropriately when
hen we think about youth mental someone may need help.
health, it is easy to assume that Supporting youth mental health also means prioritizing mental
W support begins and ends in a wellness in everyday life. Conversations about emotions, stress
therapist's office. While professional care is and coping skills should not begin only when a crisis occurs. Just
an important part of the picture, the reality is as families encourage healthy eating and physical activity, mental
much broader. Whether it be with a parent, wellness should be part of daily life.
teacher, coach, neighbor, mentor or friend, Building communication skills, emotional regulation, resilience
every interaction a young person has can and healthy coping strategies can help young people navigate
influence their sense of connection, belonging challenges before they become overwhelming. Parents, caregivers
and well-being. and trusted adults play an important role in reinforcing these skills
Most adults can remember at least one person who made a and creating environments where youth feel safe discussing their
meaningful difference in their life growing up. Often, it wasn't a thoughts, emotions and concerns.
grand gesture that made the impact. It was simply having someone Early identification is another critical component of supporting
who listened, offered encouragement or helped them feel seen youth mental health. Changes in mood, behavior, sleep patterns,
during a difficult time. social engagement or academic performance may indicate that a
For today's young people, those supportive relationships are more young person needs additional support. Recognizing these warning
important than ever. signs early and connecting youth to resources can improve outcomes
Youth mental health challenges continue to affect communities for both young people and their families.
across the country. One in six youth experiences a mental health At David Lawrence Centers, prevention and early intervention
condition, and suicide remains the second leading cause of death are central to supporting youth and families. Through the DLC
among young people. Mental health concerns are influenced by Wellness Institute, children, teens, parents and caregivers can access
many factors, including substance use, social media, stress and educational programs, wellness initiatives and trainings designed to
exposure to violence. Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and strengthen resilience, improve mental health literacy and promote
other traumatic events are among the most significant risk factors. early identification of concerns. Youth-focused programming helps
Mental health challenges often emerge early in life, with half of all young people build emotional intelligence, healthy decision-making
lifetime mental health conditions beginning by age 14 and 75% by skills and confidence in knowing when and how to seek support.
age 24. When treatment is needed, DLC provides a continuum of care
These statistics reinforce an important reality: supporting that includes outpatient services, community-based programs, crisis
youth mental health is not only a clinical issue. It is a community support and more intensive treatment options, helping ensure youth
responsibility. receive the right level of support at the right time.
Community members do not need to be mental health Awareness is important, but awareness alone is not enough.
professionals to make an impact. Every adult can play a role in Action is what strengthens communities. Whether that means
helping young people feel supported, connected and equipped to learning the warning signs, participating in a training, sharing
thrive. One of the most effective ways to make a difference is by trusted mental health information or simply checking in with a
learning how to recognize concerns and respond with confidence. young person, every action matters.
Through the DLC Wellness Institute, David Lawrence Centers Supporting youth mental health is not solely the responsibility of
provides prevention-focused education and training designed parents, schools or healthcare providers. It is something that requires
to strengthen community awareness and build confidence in the awareness, compassion and involvement of an entire community.
supporting youth mental health. By working together, we can create a culture where young people
The Wellness Institute offers a variety of programs for parents, feel supported, connected and empowered to thrive, not only during
caregivers, educators and community members that focus on times of crisis, but every day.
recognizing concerns early, reducing stigma and connecting young To learn more about the work DLC is doing to provide lifesaving and
people to support. Programs such as Mental Health First Aid, life-changing behavioral health care to those in need, visit DLCenters.org

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