Summer Mental Health

• Get Outside: Try to spend 60 minutes at a park or in nature every day.
• Limit Screen Time: Look for ways to reduce overall screen use throughout the day.
• Move Your Body: Play, walk, or run. Moving makes your mood better.
  
  • YouthCare members all receive a free membership to select YMCAs*.
  • YouthCare teens and young adults (16-21) receive a free gym membership
• Eat Well: Drink plenty of water and eat fruits and veggies.
  
  • Mood boosting foods include fatty fish, whole grains, leafy greens, nuts and seeds.
• Have a Plan: Try to wake up, eat, and go to bed at the same time most days.

*Call Member Services to learn more about a participating YMCA near you.

• Stay Calm: Practice ways to relax. Be proud of the small things you do well!
• Be Social: Spend time with friends and family.
• Have Fun: Make sure to do something you enjoy every day.
• Learn Something New: Try a new hobby or a new game.
• Set Goals: Pick one small thing you want to do each week.

• MindCare: Mental health care is covered at no cost through YouthCare MindCare. Each member is unique. And we’re ready to help address their needs.
• GuidedCare: Talk to a coordinator to get help with doctor visits, rides, or finding healthy food. Contact your GuidedCare Coordinator for assistance with programs that may be available to you.
• Find a Counselor: We have more than 29,000 doctors and therapists ready to help you.
• Act Early: If you see a problem, reach out right away to your care manager. Getting help early helps things stay calm.

• Talk Often: Ask kids how they feel during car rides or at dinner. Listen with a kind heart and do not judge.
• Be Patient: Big feelings or acting out might come from hard things that happened in the past. Use love and patience.
• Notice Changes: Watch for changes in sleep, eating, or mood. If a child seems very crabby or wants to be alone all the time, they may need extra help.
• Take Care of You: Caregivers need rest, too. You can only help your family if you feel okay yourself.