Warning Signs that I'm Struggling
This happens when you're really excited, scared, or just ran super fast — it feels like something is thumping quickly inside your chest.
Racing Heart
When you're feeling stressed, angry, or need a break, doing this simple activity outside can help you calm down and clear your mind.
Going for a walk
I feel better after socializing with...
Friends, dog, sibling, parents, etc.
This is the person you can turn to at school if you feel like you are struggling
School counselor
When you're excited and can't wait for something fun or important to happen, you're feeling this way.
I have a bright future. I have goals, dreams, plans.
Sometimes when you're super overwhelmed or worried, your brain wants a break and you go quiet, freeze, or stop doing anything at all.
shut down
When you're feeling big emotions, doing this with a friend, teacher, or trusted adult can help you feel better and not so alone.
talk with a friend or someone you trust
This place helps me take my mind off of things...
School, church, club, extracurricular, park, outdoors, backyard, internet, etc.
People in your home that you trust
Parents, grandparents, trusted adult, siblings, etc.
This special person sticks by your side, shares your secrets, and always makes you smile.
My best friend
When even little things—like losing a game or hearing “no”—make you feel mad, sad, or frustrated super fast, you're doing this.
annoyed or upset easily or overreacting
Whether it’s a happy song, a calm tune, or your favorite beat, doing this with your ears can lift your mood or help you relax.
Listen to music
I feel best after...
Making art, playing games, talking to someone, watching a funny movie/Youtube video, etc.
If the first person on the list can't be reached you should...
Try someone else
These are the special people in your life—like family and close friends—who care about you and whom you care about too.
Loved ones
When you're feeling sad, mad, or just want to be alone, you might do this by staying away from friends or not talking to anyone.
isolation
When words are hard to say out loud, you can draw, write, or doodle your feelings using this calming and creative strategy.
journaling or art
A safe place for me when I'm experiencing stress, sad, or overwhelmed
Home, church, grandparent's house, school, friend's house, etc.
A professional that can support you when you need help
Therapist/counselor/psychologist/psychiatrist
These animals live with you at home, love to play, and are often treated like part of the family.
Pets
If you’re staying up way too late, waking up super early, or having trouble sleeping at all, your body might be showing this kind of change.
sleep pattern changes
When you feel upset or nervous, doing this slowly—like smelling a flower and blowing out a candle—can help you feel calm again.
breathing strategies
Signs that the distraction did not work include...
Continuing to feel suicidal, not being able to stay focused on the distraction, feeling worse, etc.
What to do in crisis or I am unsafe with myself and my thoughts
Use crisis lines like 988, tell a trusted adult
This person has so much kindness, beauty, talent, greatness to share with the world This person is amazing and there's only one of them.
Me!