Resources for Student Mental Health
Trusted adults play an important role in helping young people develop key skills to support their lifelong mental health. During the school year, educators and caregivers alike can use NAMI’s activities to help students learn how to explore their identities, understand their feelings, and express how they feel. It’s important to continue building these skills during school breaks, too. Explore the resources on this page for engaging activities, ideas to support children’s growth, and more.
Find local support
Connect with a NAMI chapter near you
Select your state to find a local NAMI affiliate. The page will redirect to the affiliate's page when a state is selected.
In need of help or support?
If you are struggling with your mental health, there are a variety of ways to connect with NAMI. Get immediate support by calling, texting or emailing.
School Year Resources
Establishing positive mental health starts early and relies on key skills. Parents, caregivers, and educators can help young people learn mental health skills that support their development. NAMI’s school resources provide engaging, interactive activities that help young people thrive as they enter adolescence and young adulthood.
Back to School Resources
A comprehensive library of support resources for the back to school season. These resources help youth and the adults in their lives navigate the challenges of academics, social dynamics, and personal growth.
FLARE by NAMI: Mental Health Literacy Curriculum
FLARE by NAMI provides educators with flexible mental health literacy curriculum for middle school-aged students. Choose what to teach your classroom from 23 lesson plans about mental health conditions and other crucial topics.
School Break Resources
Every person has different needs and capacities, so we have crafted various possibilities for you to look through and find what interests you to try. These suggestions are laid out so that you can find what you think will work best for you as a student or parent when supporting one’s mental health and wellness during the school break. The main priority is to ensure that you feel rested and ready for when school rolls back around.
Parents of Children 12 and Under During School Breaks
Students and their families take a big hit to their daily schedules when school breaks occur. Every family’s situation is different, but our tips can help make things a little easier.
Parents of Teens During School Breaks
At this age range, teens begin to learn how to be independent and may take on more activities and responsibilities outside the home. This section provides insight into how you as a parent can communicate with your children effectively and support what they need to maintain their mental health.
Teens (13-18) During School Breaks
Middle school and high school often have more intense academic expectations and school breaks are great opportunities to focus on your mental health and rest up.
Young Adults in College During School Breaks
Young adults attending college will have a different experience during school breaks than high school and younger students. Whatever your experience is, we have plenty of suggestions to help you get the most out of your school break to support your mental health.
We want to hear your story
Tell us how mental illness has affected your life. What has been challenging? What has been helpful to you?