Erika's Lighthouse Student Resources

Empowering Your Voice: You Can Change the World

At Erika’s Lighthouse, we believe you have the power to make a positive change in the world. Your mental health matters, and you are capable of taking charge of it.

School can be a lot, but you don’t have to navigate it alone. By learning the skills to recognize the signs of depression in yourself and your friends, you’re becoming a leader in your school community. We want to equip you with the vocabulary to speak honestly and openly, helping to break the stigma and turn your school into a beacon of hope.

Here is how you can take action today:

  • Learn the signs: Help yourself and others by learning the signs and symptoms of mental distress.
  • Practice good mental health: Use the tools and skills you've learned to advocate for your own wellness.
  • Promote help-seeking: 96% of students believe it is important to seek help for a friend in need—be that friend who knows when to reach out to a trusted adult.
  • Start the conversation: Be a champion in your school. When we work together and speak up, we can tackle the mental health crisis head-on.

You deserve to feel supported and empowered. Together, let's shine a light on mental health.

 

If this is a crisis...
If you, or your child, are experiencing a mental health crisis, please contact 988. If this is an emergency, please call 911.

Learn the Signs

 Learning the signs of mental distress and depression is a superpower. It allows you to identify when you or a friend are struggling so you can reach out to a trusted adult. By understanding these symptoms, you break the stigma, promote help-seeking, and ensure no one has to face their challenges alone. 

Teen Toolbox Logo-2

Teen Toolbox

Learn the signs and symptoms, helping a friend, talking to an adult.

Access Now
Student Voice - Signs

Student Voices

Watch real teens talk about their depression and the signs and symptoms they experienced.

Watch Now
Jeopardy

Mental Health Game

Test your knowledge with this Jeopardy-style game focused on mental health. This game can be played individually or with friends.

Play the Game
Sadness, Grief, Depression

Sadness to Depression

Recognize the difference between feelings of sadness, experiencing grief and having depression.

Learn More
Get Depression Out of the Dark tshirt-1

A Primer on Depression

Read more about depression: its signs and symptoms, how it is diagnosed and how those experiencing it can feel better.

Read More

Practice Good Mental Health

Practicing good mental health means taking active steps to care for your well-being every day. It’s about building resilience, managing stress, and recognizing that your mental health is just as important as your physical health. By using the tools you've learned, you can advocate for yourself and support those around you.

Recharge Classroom

Mental Health RECHARGE

Practice good mental health in under five minutes with 50 activities.

Practice Good Mental Health
Student Voice - Coping

Student Voices

Watch real teens talk about their depression and the coping strategies that helped.

Watch Now
Positive Coping

Strategies That Work

Check out these tools and ideas that promote good mental health. Many of the things you love may be good for your mental health.

Use the Tools
Resilient, Hopeful & Happy

Be Mindful

Live in the present and practice being mindful. This strategy can help you find balance.

Do the Activity
Anxiety

Manage Depression

Promoting good mental health is even more important if you are struggling. These strategies can help you feel better.

Manage It

Promote Help-Seeking

 You are never alone. Raising your hand is an act of courage, not a sign of weakness. Whether for yourself or a friend, reaching out to a trusted adult—like a teacher, counselor, or parent—is the most important step you can take. 

Text A Friend

Text A Friend

Talking to a friend can be hard, but you can practice with this exercise.

Text A Friend
Student Voice - Help-Seeking

Student Voices

Watch real teens talk about their depression and how they asked a trusted adult for help.

Watch Now
Family I

Trusted Adults

A Trusted Adult is someone who is reliable and dependable. Who do you have? This could be someone at school, at home, in your community.

Download the Worksheet
Overcome Barriers

Overcoming Barriers

Asking for help can be difficult. Reframe how you think about it with this tool. You deserve it.

Ask for Help
Supportive Conversations

Be A Friend

Friends turn to friends. Learn how you can support your friends if they confide in you about their mental health challenges.

Learn Strategies

Start the Conversation

Your voice is the most powerful tool you have to change the world. By talking openly about mental health, you help strip away the "taboo" and show others that it’s okay to not be okay. Simple conversations can build a community of support where everyone feels safe.

Empowerment Club

Start A Club

You can take the lead by starting an Erika's Lighthouse Empowerment Club in your school! A good mental health club promotes good mental health, reduces stigma, normalizes conversations and encourages help-seeking.

Every student deserves good mental health. Together we can ensure everyone in your school knows it.

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positivity

Promote Positivity

May is Mental Health Awareness Month. You can have your school take the Positivity Pledge.

Get Your School Involved
Fundraising-1

Start a Fundraiser

All of Erika's Lighthouse programs are free for any school, anywhere. you can help us stay that way by raising funds alone or in a group.

Get Started
YAB

Youth Advisory Board

Erika's Lighthouse takes student leadership seriously. Join our YAB and contribute to our mission.

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Share Story

Share Your Story

We are looking to expand our library of student stories and empower other young people to take charge of their mental health. You can help!

Learn More