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It’s National Mentoring Month and there’s no better time to tell you how being a mentor changed my life! I have learned from the perspectives of young people. I have witnessed firsthand systemic racism and inequity. I have experienced the roadblocks that get in the way of accessing community resources. I have become a better listener and less judgmental. And I have seen how young people can lead the way, if given a voice and an opportunity.

This year, we’ve faced a pandemic unlike anything in our lifetimes. As we get closer to a vaccine for coronavirus, many people in Stark County are still feeling the stressful effects. Fortunately, the stress response is normal during a crisis.

Are you looking for ways to manage feelings of stress and anxiety? Here are some common questions we have received related to mental health, coping with COVID-19 in the community,

From the time social connections are formed, children experience peer pressure. Wanting to fit in is a normal part of growing up, but sometimes these pressures can lead to harmful behaviors. Some youth may experiment with drugs, alcohol and tobacco. Others may act out through violence or risky behaviors. If you know someone on a destructive path, learn where to get help and support.

After school, it is important for students to look forward to what’s next. Whether they pursue a career, enroll in college or enlist in the armed services, young people have options in choosing their path toward adulthood. Some of these opportunities will require a high school diploma, others may demand a background of skills or training. Either way, emerging adults should have a plan for the future, so they are set up for long-term success.

In Stark County, mental health support groups provide a safe, supportive and confidential environment to talk and listen. These sessions help attendees find understanding and reassurance from peers in similar situations, while offering different perspectives, ideas and viewpoints. Find schedules and contact information for support groups near you.

Stark County’s goal is always to keep all students safe – physically, socially and emotionally. Inside and outside of the classroom, many resources are in place to support our local students. From guidance counselors and mental health specialists to school resource officers and ongoing building improvements, Stark County has taken many steps to improve the safety at our local schools.

If you or someone you know has a concern about your safety while in school,

When children are exposed to violence, abuse or even natural disasters, their confidence is shaken, and their view of the world can be altered. A child’s psychological and physical response to these events can have long-lasting implications for their success in school, their personal relationships and their behavior. Find local resources and childhood counseling to support children who have experienced trauma in Stark County.

Your ability to pay for services should never be a barrier to seeking the help you need. Even if you do not have access to insurance, Medicare, Medicaid or another medical care payment method, you are still encouraged to seek support. Financial help may be available based on your income and other factors.

When a child experiences trauma, it often impacts the entire family and the community around them. These experiences can affect a child’s whole body and emotional well-being, and every child’s response to trauma is unique. Find mental health and counseling resources to help children and families cope with the effects of trauma here in Stark County.

If this is your first experience in the Stark County court system, it may be helpful to understand what typically happens in a child custody case. It is important to know the etiquette, expectations and processes so you can advocate for your parental rights.

Just like anyone else, LGBTQ+ teens undergo a variety of lifestyle changes on their path to adulthood. They face new challenges, from living independently and finding a job to evolving relationships. However, emerging LGBTQ+ adults often find that coming out and coming into their own is an additional source of stress. Learn about the local programs and services available to support these local young people as they develop new coping resources and strategies.

Often the cost of therapy or prescription drugs has been known to deter young people from getting the help they need. Find information about common mental health medications as well as resources to help pay for mental health treatment. Local service providers and family physicians may also have information about low-cost recovery resources.

Most people will experience a traumatic event at some point in their lives. Whether it is a natural disaster, exposure to violence or abuse, or the death of a loved one, a person’s ability to cope with these experiences can have a lasting effect. When a teen experiences trauma, they may respond differently than a younger child or an adult. Find local resources to help support young people who have gone through trauma and their traumatic stress in Stark County.

In Stark County, publicly-funded employment services are available to local job seekers who meet set income requirements. Support is also offered for employers and small businesses to help offset hiring costs, so they can expand their workforce with eligible employees. Learn about available community-based work programs and find out if you qualify today.

Childhood is often considered a happy, carefree time, but children are not always shielded from trauma and turmoil. From bullying and divorce to abuse and grief, kids can be exposed to many of life’s challenges. For these children, resiliency skills can help them discover ways to cope with difficult situations and move forward.

During adolescence, many young people are exploring their sexual identity, gender identity and gender expression. While this can be an exciting time, the process of self-discovery can also be extremely stressful. Fear of being different, along with cultural and peer pressures, may cause teens to question their gender identity, gender expression and/or sexual orientation. Find local resources to help support these young people in their pursuit of acceptance and understanding.

No young person is completely immune from peer influence. While we hope most are able to resist the temptation to make harmful choices, that is not always the case. Seek help from school counselors or mental health professionals if you notice the following behaviors. They could be signs of peer pressure in teens.

Are you feeling down, withdrawn and disconnected? Everyone feels stressed and sad at times, but when these emotions are persistent and extreme, it may be time to seek help. Learn about the most common signs of depression and anxiety, and where to turn for professional support in Stark County.

Teens accused of delinquent acts are typically processed through the Stark County Family Court. Rehabilitation is the primary goal for the juvenile justice system, with a focus on establishing positive behaviors and effective life strategies. Discover juvenile justice resources right here in Stark County that can help youth achieve positive goals, navigate the justice system and avoid future crimes.

Unfortunately, many young people are victims of bullying. This can be a written, verbal or physical act that is threatening, intimidating or abusive. Often bullying is repeatedly carried out by one student toward another and causes emotional or physical harm. This behavior can also occur online through videos, blogs and social media. If you or someone you know is being bullied, contact your school counselor or a trusted adult right away or seek help from another local resource.

It’s not always easy to tell the difference between normal feelings of sadness and stress and the warning signs of mental health issues in teens. Learn what to look for if you think you or someone you know might benefit from mental health support services. Programs, organizations and support resources are available here in Stark County.

If you or someone you know is in crisis, it is important to seek help immediately. No matter if you’re struggling with depression, substance use, relationship problems or family turmoil, free and confidential support is available. You are not alone and talking to someone could help save a life.

When a young person’s safety and well-being is threatened, it can have negative effects for a lifetime. It’s often more challenging for a young adult to cope with such events because they’re also dealing with other significant challenges, including personal relationships and living independently for the first time. Whether sudden or long-lasting, these experiences can leave a young person confused, angry or anxious. Find local resources to support these emerging adults through traumatic events.