|
Where mission
and heart meet Behavioral Health. |
|
Can’t access the links? Add “lnks.gd” to the allowlist of your content blocking software. |
|
|
As the seasons change, so do the challenges and opportunities in supporting mental health and well-being. This month’s issue highlights ways to nurture balance and connection from helping teens prevent autumn burnout to empowering families through new behavioral health resources.
Inside, you’ll find updates on Washington Thriving, the state’s strategic plan for Prenatal-to-25 Behavioral Health; new toolkits supporting perinatal mental health and Family Initiated Treatment (FIT); and a new community care guide for First Episode Psychosis. You’ll also find information about Bridge, a new pathway for young adults, in Spokane.
|
|
As the autumn season settles in, many teens and young adults face increased pressure from school, extracurricular activities, and social commitments. It's easy for this busy time of year to lead to burnout, affecting both mental and physical health. Burnout can show up as feeling overwhelmed, exhausted, or unmotivated. It’s important to recognize the signs early and take steps to prevent burnout.
Stress affects everyone differently, and for teens and young adults, schoolwork, social pressures, or family challenges can often trigger feelings of anxiety or burnout. It’s important to recognize these challenges and offer understanding and support. Creating an environment where they feel safe mentally, emotionally, and physically; supported; and connected can make a big difference in managing stress.
Here are some practical tips to help prevent autumn burnout:
-
Balance activities: Encourage teens to pace themselves. It's okay to say no to some commitments to avoid overload and showing them by role modeling is a powerful way to support you both!
-
Prioritize sleep: A consistent sleep schedule is crucial for mental and physical well-being.
-
Practice self-care: Engage in regular exercise, mindfulness, or hobbies that promote relaxation and joy.
-
Check-in regularly: Ask how they’re feeling and listen without judgment. Sometimes just having someone listen can make a big difference. If you’re not sure, asking if they want advice or support to solve the problem, or just to talk about it.
Washington State offers several resources to support teens and young adults:
-
Teen Link: A confidential helpline and chat service for teens needing support. Call or text 866-833-6546.
-
Washington State Youth Helpline: 24/7 support for mental health crises. Call 1-800-273-TALK (8255).
-
NAMI Washington: Provides mental health resources and youth support groups across the state. Visit namiwa.org for more information.
-
School-based mental health services: Many schools in Washington offer counseling and support programs. Reach out to school counselors for more information.
Preventing burnout is about creating a supportive environment where young people can thrive while managing the demands of everyday life.
|
|
|
HCA is pleased to announce the second Bridge transitional housing site, operated by Excelsior Wellness in Spokane, is now accepting referrals for young adults ages 18–24.
|
|
Thank you for your feedback! Washington Thriving appreciates the valuable input shared on Draft 5 of the Prenatal-through-25 Behavioral Health Strategic Plan. Your perspectives are helping shape the final version, scheduled for submission to the Legislature on November 1, 2025.
|
|
Navigating the Perinatal Journey: Mental Wellness Tools for Every Step is a comprehensive toolkit offering screening, guidance, and resources to support emotional well-being during pregnancy and postpartum.
Download it today to strengthen care, connect with support services, and promote healthy outcomes.
|
|
|
Together in partnership, the New Journeys network, the University of Washington SPIRIT Center, and the First Episode Psychosis team at HCA created a community care guide for psychosis for anyone who may come in contact with or support individuals who may be experiencing symptoms of psychosis, including providers, educators, family members, coaches, friends, faith leaders, law enforcement, and other community members.
Psychosis refers to a cluster of symptoms that affect the mind wherein there has been some loss of contact with consensus reality. While many of the hallmark symptoms of psychosis—such as hallucinations, delusions, and disorganized speech—may be easier to detect, many other symptoms of a first episode of psychosis may be easy to miss or even simply misinterpreted as typical adolescent/early adult changes in behavior and attitude.
This psychosis care guide was designed to provide helpful information about signs and symptoms, speak to common myths, and provide information on how to make a referral to a New Journeys team to screen, assess, and treat individuals with schizophrenia spectrum disorders, bipolar disorder with psychotic features, and major depression with psychotic features.
Importantly, the guide provides some key points and examples of how to interact with and support someone who may be experiencing symptoms in a person-centered and trauma-informed manner. Educating about psychosis and encouraging people to engage rather than be afraid or uncertain when supporting a person experiencing symptoms is critical. Early intervention is known to improve long-term outcomes and save lives.
Finally, we hope to reiterate the message that recovery from psychosis is possible, and that people who experience symptoms are deserving of proper care, dignity, and respect.
|
|
|
Health Care Authority (HCA) has released a new Family Initiated Treatment (FIT) school-based toolkit designed to help educators, providers, and families better understand and navigate youth behavioral health needs.
FIT allows parents or guardians to initiate behavioral health treatment for youth ages 13–17 when additional support is needed. This toolkit clarifies school staff roles in recognizing signs, guiding families to available resources, and supporting collaboration with behavioral health providers without initiating FIT themselves.
By providing clear guidance, communication tools, and referral pathways, the FIT toolkit promotes early intervention and strengthens the connection between schools, families, and behavioral health systems. It’s a valuable resource for anyone working to ensure youth receive timely and appropriate care.
|
|
|
Stay informed and connected with the latest resources and updates on behavioral health services for prenatal, child, and young adult care. Visit our website for more information on the programs and support available.
|
|
|
|
|
