Life can be overwhelming. Family, friends, school, and jobs can take a toll on our mental and physical health. Taking care of yourself isn’t easy—we know because that’s something we talk about with young people every day on the YouthLine. We’re here to help you take care of yourself and get through today.
Don’t let feelings of stress, overwhelm, or depression loom over you until they become too much. Instead, here are some tips to help make sure you’re taking care of your body, mind, and social life:
- Eat a tasty snack
- Drink a big glass of water
- Exercise (walk, run, bike ride, stretch, do push-ups, play Wii)
- Get up, take a shower/bubble bath, and get dressed
- Turn on some music and dance
- Take 10 deep breaths
- Go to bed early or take a nap
- Listen to music or work on a song I'm writing
- Watch a movie
- Do something artistic like draw, paint, dance or sing
- Look in the mirror and tell myself, "I'm a rock star"
- Write in a journal
- Read a book
- Lose the caffeine
- Take a personal timeout
- Call a friend or trusted family member
- Start a blog or a vlog
- Find out what clubs my school has that I'd like to join
- Play with my pet or take my neighbor's dog for a walk
- Fill idle time by volunteering for something I care about
- Connect with friends on Facebook, Twitter or Tumblr
- When in doubt, get out and people watch! (Go to mall, bookstore, community center, etc.)
Other Resources
YouthLine COVID-19 Tip Sheet
A one page tip sheet for youth and young adults regarding COVID-19 social distancing and stay home order.
Mind Your Mind
Created by and for young people to learn about depression, anxiety, stress and common life issues
Love Is Respect
Learn about relationships through quizzes, online help and advice
The Trevor Project
LGBTQ specific help for suicide prevention and support for frequently asked questions
We R Native
Learn about mental and physical wellness for Native youth, by Native youth
Planned Parenthood Info for Teens
Quizzes, articles and information about your body and sexual health
Looking for our brochures, business cards, posters, and more? Visit our Materials Page
PSYCH/ARMOR: Suicide Prevention for Military-Connected Youth
Essential tools for families and providers to support military-connected children and youth. These courses and resource tools address unique risk and protective factors associated with suicide in this community.
Resources for Educators and Adults
Suicide Prevention: Step by Step – Creating a Comprehensive Approach in your School
This resource is guided by the principle that suicide prevention is everyone’s business and that our schools need an approachable, easy-to-use guide for suicide prevention.
13 Reasons Why – Resource Library
A list of helpful guides to difficult discussions and topics surrounding the Netflix series.
Resources for 2SLGBTQIA+ Youth
National Resources
GLBT Near Me
Broad database of LGBTQIA2S+ resources throughout the United States. Find community resources using only your zip code at https://www.glbtnearme.org/
The Trevor Project
24/7 Lifeline for 2SLGBTQIA+ Youth
866-4-U-TREVOR (866-488-7386)
Text ‘START’ to 678-678
Build community internationally with other youth under 24 at Trevor Space. Ask questions, discuss mental health, and be affirmed by peers at https://www.trevorspace.org/
LGBT National Help Center
Serving the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, & questioning community by providing free and confidential peer-support through chat, call, and support groups.
List of resources throughout the US.
Oregon Resources
Black & Beyond the Binary Collective
Builds the leadership, healing, and safety of Black-African transgender, queer, nonbinary, and intersex (TQNI+) Oregonians. (971) 258-1713
Hand Up Project
Provides emergency food services for communities of color and LGBTQ+ communities.
The Living Room Youth
Celebrating and Supporting LGBTQ+ youth in Clackamas County, Oregon.
Q Center
The center builds public awareness and support, and celebrates LGBTQ diversity through art, culture and programming.
SMYRC
Sexual & Gender Minority Youth Resource Center (SMYRC) provides a safe, harassment-free space for queer and trans youth ages 13-23.
UTOPIA PDX
For and by Queer and Trans Pacific Islanders.