Speak Up for Youth Mental Health

In today’s fast-paced, high-pressure world, young people are experiencing mental health challenges at an alarming rate. Anxiety, depression, social pressures, and trauma are showing up earlier and more often than ever before. The good news? You can make a difference. Whether you’re a parent, teacher, coach, or community member, becoming a mental health advocate for youth doesn’t require a degree—just compassion, awareness, and action.

1. Start with Education

You can’t support what you don’t understand. Learn about common youth mental health issues—such as anxiety, depression, ADHD, and trauma responses. Resources like Youth Mental Health First Aid (YMHFA), webinars, and local trainings can equip you with practical knowledge and tools to identify signs and offer help.

The Life Calling Coach offers free information webinars to learn more about becoming a certified Youth Mental Health First Aider. Register for a

2. Create Safe Spaces for Conversations

Young people need safe, nonjudgmental environments to share what they’re going through. Be intentional about checking in, listening without interrupting, and avoiding phrases like “just get over it.” Small conversations can lead to big breakthroughs when a young person knows you’re truly listening.

3. Normalize Mental Health Discussions

The more we talk about mental health, the less stigma remains. Use everyday moments—like car rides or family dinners—to ask how someone’s really doing. Share your own stressors when appropriate to model vulnerability and normalize emotions.

Language matters when having discussions about mental health. When talking to youth about mental health, it’s important to use language that is open, compassionate, and non-judgmental. Avoid clinical terms or labels that may feel stigmatizing, and instead use simple, relatable phrases that help them feel safe and understood. Phrases like “It’s okay to not be okay” or “You’re not alone” can help reduce shame and encourage openness.

Listen actively without interrupting or minimizing their feelings, and validate their experiences with empathy. Using inclusive and respectful language creates trust and encourages young people to speak up about their struggles and seek support.

4. Know the Signs

Advocates are observant. Look for changes in behavior such as social withdrawal, extreme mood swings, lack of motivation, changes in eating or sleeping patterns, or a drop in academic performance. Early intervention can prevent crisis later.

5. Empower, Don’t Rescue

Instead of jumping in to “fix” things, empower youth by helping them build resilience and self-awareness. Teach coping skills like mindfulness, journaling, and breathing techniques. Help them discover their own inner strengths.

6. Connect Them to Resources

Sometimes, youth need more support than you can give. Be ready with resources: school counselors, therapists, local crisis lines, or local and national support services like 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. Knowing where to turn in a crisis can be life-saving.

There are resources listed below this article for resident of Prince George’s County Maryland.

7. Get Involved in Your Community

Support youth mental health initiatives in your local schools, churches, or nonprofits. Volunteer, fundraise, or advocate for mental health policies. The more community support systems exist, the stronger the safety net becomes.

Final Thoughts:

Being a mental health advocate for young people doesn’t mean you have to have all the answers. It means showing up, speaking up, and stepping up. In a world where so many young voices go unheard, your advocacy could be the difference between silence and support, struggle and strength.

Here are key mental health resources for youth in Prince George’s County, MD:

🏥 Crisis Support & Hotlines

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline – call or text 988 for 24/7 support 988lifeline.org.
Crisis Text Line – text HOME to 741741 (or text MD to 741741 via “Step Forward” program) (princegeorgescountymd.gov).
Mobile Crisis Response Team – call (301) 429‑2185 for on‑site intervention (namipgc.org).
Maryland 211 / PGC Crisis Services – dial 2‑1‑1 or text your ZIP code to 898‑211; call PGC crisis at 240‑249‑0989 (pgcps.org).

🏫 School-Based Support (Prince George’s County Public Schools)

PGCPS Mental Health Services at Oxon Hill Staff Development Center, with school counselors, psychologists, clinicians, and coordinators (pgcps.org).
Hazel Health — free teletherapy for all PGCPS students (sign-up via school) (pgcps.org).
Prosper App — mood tracking/self-care tool, free for students (pgcps.org).

🤝 County-Level Programs

Local Behavioral Health Authority (LBHA) – assists youth with case management, in-home services, family support, and crisis care (princegeorgescountymd.gov).
Step Forward Program – connects youth and families to behavioral health care and crisis/text lines MD to 741741 (princegeorgescountymd.gov).
Project LIVE (The Arc PGC) – supports 16–25-year-olds with disabilities or emotional disorders through screening, peer groups, and care coordination (thearcofpgc.org). https://www.thearcofpgc.org/programs/youth-services/project-live/

📚 Local Youth & Community Services

College Park, Bowie, Laurel, Greenbelt Youth & Family Services Bureaus – provide mental health referrals and youth programming (princegeorgescountymd.gov).
NAMI Prince George’s County – offers helpline (988, 211, text MD to 741741), crisis response referrals & support groups (namipgc.org).

🌐 Additional Community Resources

La Clínica del Pueblo – mental health & counseling services with a sliding scale, especially for Latino youth (www.LCDP.org).
Latin American Youth Center (LAYC) – drop-in center, mental health counseling, housing support for ages up to 26 (www.layc-dc.org).
Prince George’s Community College Wellness Center – supports college students with mental health, housing, and food needs (pgcc.edu). https://www.pgcc.edu/student-life-support-services/wellness-and-mental-health-center/