NY Teens’ Toolbox for Mental Health

Many know New York to be the state with incredible skyscrapers. While that is true, there is so much more to it! New York has a society filled with various cultures, ideas, and perspectives. Its art scene is amazing ranging from vibrant murals to the famous Broadway productions. New York is filled with so much creativity and diversity. The rich culture of New York isn't just about looks, it's about values and a sense of community. It is about celebrating each other's differences and realizing that diversity is a strength. Whether you're savoring a slice of pizza in Little Italy, dancing to Caribbean beats in Flatbush, or exploring the history of ancient items at museums, the state and its cities invite you to connect with others and its roots. 

We know how diverse life can be in New York, but how much of it can we see in teen life? From penthouse living in Manhattan to suburban life on Long Island, the range of lifestyles for teens in NYC is vast. According to statistics, approximately 20.6% of New York's population is under 18 years old, with over 33,000 adolescents experiencing homelessness (Coalition for the Homeless, 2023) —a struggle sadly some teens face. The amount of money your family makes can impact your access to healthcare, education, and support services, this shows the importance of fighting for equity and justice in all communities. Living in the city that never sleeps has perks and problems, especially for teens like you. 

The constant hustle that NY is known for can be overstimulating for some. Teens are known to have higher feelings of pressure and anxiety because of the rush adults are always in. It's important to recognize these challenges and prioritize your mental health. On the positive side, New York offers a ton of opportunities for you to grow and explore. Whether you are attending Broadway shows, joining activist movements, or immersing yourself in the city's diverse neighborhoods, you are constantly expanding your horizons and building self-confidence. It's okay to acknowledge the negative views too. Feeling unseen in a busy city or struggling to find the right support can take a toll on your mental well-being. Fortunately, there are many resources like group therapies and peer support groups to help you navigate these challenges and build confidence.

As New York teens, you have a unique set of experiences and challenges. This is important for building a mental health toolbox. Here is our Toolbox Checklist for you:

• Connect with Your Community:  Whether it's joining a local youth group, volunteering, or attending cultural events, find ways to connect with others and build a support network.

• Practice Self-Care: Take time for yourself amidst the hustle and environmental changes. You can try meditating, journaling, or indulging in your favorite hobbies, and prioritizing activities that relax your soul, mind, and body.

• Seek Support When Needed: Don't be afraid to reach out for help! Talking to a trusted adult, seeking therapy, or accessing hotlines and support groups, can help you. We know some resources such as these may be hard to access for some of our readers, so we got you! Leave a message in our anonymous inbox, and we will send applicable free and accessible resources your way!

• Celebrate Your Strengths: Embrace your uniqueness and celebrate your strengths! If you're passionate about art, music, sports, or activism, let your passions guide you and fuel your resilience.
  

All in all, we know living s a teen in New York comes with excitement, challenges, and opportunities for growth. By embracing your diversity, and prioritizing your mental health, you can navigate life with strength and joy. Remember, you’ve got this— after all, you’re a New York teen!

Resources Available For YOU In NY

Mental health is something we all struggle with and there is no shame in asking for help. There are many state and local resources available to help you! The New York Office of Mental Health is one of the many super helpful resources available to you!  It has an easy map that lets you pick the county you live in and gives you a list of mental health resources nearby. Some things found are support groups, crisis hotlines, and counseling in your area. This can be used by anyone in the state of New York who feels the need to work on their mental wellness. It’s easy to access with your phone or computer and is completely free! We encourage you to check this resource out! You’ll never know what options are out there for you unless you.

Another resource we found really helpful is the NYC Well.  It offers free 24/7 mental health advice over the phone or in an online chat room. It offers help in over 200 languages making it accessible to anyone, everywhere! The people on the other end of the phone want to give you a safe space to share your feelings.  The people on the other end create a safe space for you to share.

If you ever need help you can call 1-888-692-9355 or text “Well” to 65173. You can also enter the online chats at nyc.gov/nycwell. 

Overall, New York offers a wide variety of mental health resources to help people from all over the state. From state run programs like the Office of Mental Health to non-profit groups there are tons of options for support available to you. New York has come a long way to give its residents options to foster mental wellness. We encourage you to explore the variety of options New York has to offer and take the first step to live a calmer, more fulfilling life.

References

Coalition for the Homeless. (February 2023). Basic facts about homelessness: New York City Coalition For The Homeless. Coalitionforthehomeless.org. https://www.coalitionforthehomeless.org/basic-facts-about-homelessness-new-york-city/ 

Image References

Blog, F. (2023, December 4). What’s in your Christmas mental health toolbox? Hemp Holistics. https://hempholistic.co.uk/f/whats-in-your-mental-health-toolbox  

Kfwilliams. (2021, April 3). Healthy Boundaries, Balanced Minds. H E a L T H F U L M I N D. https://healthfulmind.blog/2021/04/03/healthy-boundaries-balanced-minds/