Youth Mental Health Matters: Check in with Yourself
Simple ways to take care of your mind, body, and emotions.
You don’t have to have everything figured out.
Everyone has difficult days, big feelings, and times when they need a little extra support. Taking care of your mental health is just as important as taking care of your physical health.
Check in with Yourself
Ask yourself:
- How am I feeling today?
- What is causing me stress?
- What do I need right now?
- Have I been feeling this way for a while?
It’s okay if you don’t have all the answers.
REMEMBER
You matter.
Your feelings matter.
Your voice matters.
You deserve support.
You don’t have to go through a hard time alone.
SCHOOL-BASED BEHAVIORAL HEALTH LIAISON (SBBHL)
SBBHLs are available in participating schools, Bolivar Elementary, Whiteville Elementary School, and Bolivar Central High, to help students with their emotional and behavioral health needs, provide support and resources, and connect students and families with additional services when needed. They provide on-site school counseling and therapy for both students and staff support.
It’s okay to ask for help. TALK TO SOMEONE
You don’t have to handle everything by yourself.
Speak to someone you trust:
- A parent or caregiver
- Teacher
- School counselor
- SBBHL
- Coach
- Trusted family member
- Friend
- Mental health professional
Asking for help is a strength—not a weakness.
If you are in immediate danger or think you may hurt yourself, tell a trusted adult right away or call/text 988 for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. If there is an immediate physical emergency, call 911.
Read more Mental Health Matters articles.
Contributor Samantha Howelllle M. Guia, MA-MHC
Samanta is an operational supervisor with Quinco Mental Health Center’s School-Based Behavioral Health Liaison Program in the counties of Hardeman, Hardin, Henderson, Chester, and McNairy in West Tennessee. After beginning her career as a Tennessee educator, Samantha found her passion
in combining education, mental health, and leadership to make a meaningful difference in the lives of children and the people who serve them. She leads with compassion, authenticity, and a genuine heart for the well-being of children. Samantha is passionate about creating supportive school environments where students feel safe, valued, heard, and understood. She takes great pride in my SBBHL team and considers it a privilege to encourage, mentor, and support professionals who show up every day to make a difference in the lives of students and families.
