Being a parent is a big job - full of fun and challenges. We try to take care of our family needs, giving it our best shot as we balance our busy lives. Our mental health is all part of that and it can be overwhelming when we see our children struggle. Here are some resources to help.
How you can support your child
Keep communication open by checking in with your child routinely. - ask them how their day was, what they learned at school and what they're looking forward to tomorrow. Pay attention to when conversations do go well. Is it when you are driving side by side in the car? Doing something active together? Is there a certain time of day? Keep in mind that trying to have conversations in a heated moment is often not effective with youth.
If you're having difficulty connecting with your child, ask them how they would like you to communicate with them. Here are some tips about starting conversations that you may find helpful.
For help dealing with more sensitive issues and trauma-related experiences, please see the "Resources to Support You" section lower on this page.
More ways to support:
- Be aware of your child's behavior and any changes in behavior.
- Seek help or resources if you have questions or if you feel your child or family needs support. The counselor at your child’s school is a great person to talk with about any concerns you are seeing and how you can help your child. They can also connect you to more resources. Learn more about services available in school:
- Attend a community QPR suicide prevention training to learn how you can identify and help someone at risk for suicide:
Warning signs and how to help
Warning signs that your child may be struggling with an issue:
- Uncharacteristic behavior
- Changes in friendships or isolation
- Drop in academic performance
- Loss of interest in activities
- Personality change
- Excessive sleeping
If your child or teen is talking about depression or suicide, immediate steps you should take:
- Never leave a suicidal individual alone.
- Acknowledge you are taking them seriously.
- Let them know you are accessing resources to help keep them safe. Crisis resources are listed on below under "Resources."
- Assure them you will be with them through the process.
Student athletes and mental health
Is your child involved in sports? Learn about the challenges of being a student athlete and how you can help foster a culture of well-being in this Student Athlete Mental Health booklet.
Resources to support you
24/7 Crisis Services
You can reach out to the following services any time - night or day.
If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis - call or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org.
Colorado Crisis Services- To talk with someone, call 1-844-493-8255 or text 'talk' to 38255.
Safe2Tell: Anonymously report anything that concerns or threatens you, friends, family or community. Report a safety concern on the Safe2Tell website or call 1-877-542-7233.
Community Mental Health Support Services
- Alliance for Suicide Prevention of Larimer County - Offers information about suicide, including facts, warning signs, community resources, grief support groups and more. This is not a crisis service.
- Healthinfosource.com - Lists mental health and substance use providers and resources in the community.
- Mental Health Connections - Offers information and support on mental health and substance abuse issues. Call 970- 221-5551. Child, Adolescent and Young Adult Connections services also available.
- SummitStone Health Partners and Community Crisis Center - Crisis, family mental health, substance abuse services and counseling available. Call 970-494-4200 for all services and for mobile crisis counselors in Larimer County (available 24/7/365).
- The Center for Family Outreach - Education, prevention, early intervention and counseling for substance use, emotional, mental health and wellbeing.
- UCHealth Crisis Assessment Center - Emergency Department of PVH/UCH, Lemay campus. Call 970-495-8090 with crisis concerns and for suicide assessments
Chronic Illness, Grief and Trauma Resources
Chronic Illness
Community Trauma Resources:
- Parent Guidelines for Helping Youth After a Recent Shooting
- Español - Parent Guidelines for Helping Youth After a Recent Shooting
General Grief Resources
Grief Resources for Specific Populations
IMatter Free Therapy for Youth
The I Matter program provides up to six free mental health sessions with a licensed provider and is open to youth 18 years of age or younger, or 21 years of age or younger if receiving special education services. Per state law, youth 12 and older can consent to therapy. Visit IMatterColorado.org and YoImportoColorado.org to take a confidential online survey and schedule sessions with a licensed behavioral health clinician. Parents of youth 11 and younger need to take the survey and consent to services for their youth. More: I Matter website or YoImportoColorado.org.>>
Family Support: NoCo Community Resource Guide to Services
Being well-resourced in basic needs, such as food, clothing and housing, all support mental well-being. The NoCo Community Resource Guide helps you find programs to support basic needs, as well as crisis counseling, substance use and abuse.
PSD shares this guide as a community service; making it publicly available does not constitute an endorsement of any business, organization, or resource.
Find more community resources on the PSD Family Support web page.
PSD Articles about Mental Health and Children
PSD's Work and Investment in Mental Health
In the district:
At schools: