National Mental Wellness Month & Local Support
Mental Wellness Tips for 2025
As we settle into the new year, prioritizing mental wellness is essential for youth and families. The Mental Health & Recovery Services Board (MHRSB) provides practical strategies and resources to help our community members, especially those with developing minds, navigate their emotions and build resilience.
Here are age-specific tips for elementary, middle, and high school students and ideas for families to create a supportive environment.
Tips for Elementary Students
Create a Calm Corner: Designate a quiet, cozy space at home where kids can relax when feeling overwhelmed.
Teach Belly Breathing: Show your child how to breathe deeply by placing their hands on their stomach and focusing on slow, calming breaths.
Focus on Play: Unstructured play helps children process emotions and develop social skills—make it a priority!
Talk About Substances: The Let’s Talk initiative has tips for talking to kids about drugs from ages 3-5 and 5-8. Learn more at wecarepeople.org/letstalk.
Tips for Middle School Students
Name Your Feelings: Help your child learn to express their emotions using phrases like “I feel frustrated” or “I feel proud.”
Balance Screen Time: Encourage physical activities, reading, or creative hobbies to break up screen time.
Try Journaling: Suggest keeping a journal to write down thoughts or track gratitude for mindfulness.
Prevent Substance Use: The I Mind program gives youth tools to avoid substance use like vaping and marijuana. The 4-hour program is available for grades 7-8 and 9-12. Learn more and register at wecarepeople.org/imindprogram.
Tips for High School Students
Set Realistic Goals: Help teens break up large tasks into manageable steps and celebrate small successes.
Foster Connection: Remind teens to talk to trusted friends, teachers, or family members when they’re struggling.
Seek Peer Support: Encourage participation in student-led programs like Positive Peer Advocates to connect with others. Learn more at passaah.org/general-3.
Use Mental Health Screenings: Take free, anonymous mental health screenings on behalf of your teen at wecarepeople.org/screening.
Tips for Families
Weekly Check-ins: Dedicate time to talk about everyone’s feelings and stresses.
Model Self-Care: Show children how to manage stress with healthy habits like exercise and hobbies that bring you joy.
Create Routines: Consistent mealtimes, bedtimes, and study schedules can help everyone feel secure.
Access Local Resources: The local HOPEline is available whenever you or your child need support. Call the HOPEline at 1-800-567-4673 (HOPE). You can also call or text the 24/7 national crisis line at 988.
By using these tips, families can focus on mental health and wellness through 2025. The MHRSB is dedicated to supporting Allen, Auglaize, and Hardin County residents with accessible resources like school-based programs and crisis services.
Local Ways to Find Support
The MHRSB funds local support groups and youth centers to make care accessible to our communities. Learn about SAFY's Lima Behavioral Health Youth Drop-In Center and NAMI's Connection Recovery Support Group. Find additional support groups to those below at passaah.org/support-groups.
Lima Behavioral Health Youth Drop-In Center
SAFY of Ohio's Lima Behavioral Health Youth Drop-In Center is a safe place for teens ages 12-17 to be in a bully-free zone with academic spaces, support groups, life and social skills activities. It is open for walk-ins with no assessment needed! Free meals are provided daily.
Lima Behavioral Health Youth Drop-In Center
Monday-Saturday (Closed Sundays)
10 am - 8 pm
628 W. Market Street, Suite 112, Lima (Beside the Library)
They host different support groups and activities throughout the week. These help address teen pressures and victimization. The activities help develop life skills for independent living as adults and coping & social skills. While some activities change month-to-month, many are available consistently for our community youth. For more info or February's schedule, call 419-695-3050 or email colwellr@safy.org.
January 2025 Schedule:
Mondays from 4-5pm - Anxiety Busters
Tuesdays from 4:15-5:15pm - YDC Chefs
Tuesdays from 4-5:30pm - 7 Challenges
Wednesdays from 4:15-5:15pm - Take Control
Thursdays from 4:15-5:15pm - Mind Over Matter
Fridays from 4:15-5:15pm - Hot Chocolate & Board Games
Saturdays from 1-3pm - Rotating events like Pancake Breakfast Bar and Italian Bistro Restaurant
Connection Recovery Support Group
NAMI Mid-Ohio and Coleman Health Services host a Connection Recovery Support Group on the 1st and 3rd Friday of every month!
Connection Recovery Support Group
1st and 3rd Friday
1:00-2:30 pm
799 S. Main St, Lima, OH
Join the group from 1-2:30pm at Coleman Health Services' Lima office in Room 144. For more information or questions call, 419-692-2480.
This is a free, peer-led support group for any adult who has experienced symptoms of a mental health condition. Learn more about this type of support group at nami.org/Support-Education/Support-Groups/NAMI-Connection.
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