YOUTH
As a young person journeying through the mental health system, you have the right to be respected, empowered, educated and given the chance to make choices about your care plan. We want to put you in the “driver’s seat” so you and your family get the services and support that are just right for you.
YOU are the VOICE of the children’s mental health system. Be heard—learn how.
Stop Stigma!
So what is stigma and why is it a big deal? Stigma is not just using a wrong word or action. Stigma is about disrespect. It is using negative labels for a person living with mental illness. Stigma keeps people and their families from getting the help they need because they are afraid of discrimination. It makes people ashamed of having a mental illness and makes others scared of those with a mental illness.
Think of it this way. If you had a cold you wouldn’t think twice about telling your friend how "stuffed up" you felt and how much you were sneezing last night. But many people would be afraid to tell a friend that they’ve been feeling really depressed and worrying more than normal. That fear is caused by "stigma." There are tons of way you can help reduce stigma!
- Learn more! Education is a great way to reduce stigma because you learn fact from fiction. Click here for a list of fact sheets and websites that can get you started.
- Create a mental health awareness campaign in your school, church, or community to help others learn about stigma! STARS can help you create a campaign by helping you through the process, paying for materials, and even giving your group money for your hard work! Click here to learn more.
- Help with STARS Marketing! STARS wants your help dreaming up fun public service announcements, billboards, movie ads, and more. We need your creative ideas about how to share our message with kids just like you. Email stars@cmmhc.com to get involved.
Wraparound
What is Wraparound? Wraparound is a way to support families who face challenges related to mental health issues or other complex needs. The Wraparound Process brings together a team of people who work with the family to identify strengths and address issues. Teams usually include natural support such as relatives, friends, neighbors or church members, as well as staff from service agencies. If you choose Wraparound, you will be very involved in deciding who participates in the process and who is on the team.
How does Wraparound Work?
A trained facilitator will meet with you to explain the process and help you select suitable team members—people you know and trust. The team will meet at times convenient for you and as often as you and the team feel is needed. The team will help you and your family brainstorm, set and work towards important goals. This is YOUR team, and you are key to making it successful!
Children's Mental Health County Social Workers in Benton, Sherburne, Stearns and Wright counties are trained in the Wraparound process. Make sure that you ask about Wraparound!
For more information, contact STARS.
Stay Healthy
We all know that it’s important to eat right and exercise to keep your body healthy. Well, the same goes for your mind. It is just as important to do activities that keep your mind healthy. Some ideas might be meditation, breathing, fresh air, prayer or talking to a friend, parent, or teacher. Other ways include training and education.
STARS is happy to offer ideas and activities to keeping your mind healthy—and we want to hear your ideas too! If you have new, fun ideas that help you keep your mind healthy, let us know by emailing stars@cmmhc.com. Here are a few ideas that people just like you have shared:
- Challenging myself
- Reading
- Playing soccer
- Getting involved in sports
- Laughing and making others laugh
- Creating limits so others know I need my personal space
Join the STARS Youth Advisory Board
By joining the STARS Youth Advisory Board in Monticello or St. Cloud, you can meet others who know what you’re going through and are facing challenges too.
For more information, contact STARS.
Get the Facts
The internet is full of information but where do you start and who can you trust? Find what you’re looking for fast with STARS’ credible, up-to-date links.
Four County Crisis Response Team (CRT)
Check it out! New hours - new services!
The CRT provides support and assistance to children, youth and adults experiencing a mental health crisis. So, what exactly is a "crisis" and how can they help you? Click here to find out.
Mental Health Crisis Line
24 hours a day/365 days a year
800-635-8008 or 320-253-5555
Cultural Guides
STARS and Catholic Charities are working together to provide the area with Cultural Guides representing the Asian, African American, Latino, Native American, and GLBTQA communities. The Guides work as a liaison between their communities, mental health providers and STARS partners. Guides also motivate and recruit members of their community to participate in STARS committees and activities so their voice is represented in system change.
Latino Community – Mayuli Bales
GLBTQA Community – Christopher Kerr
Somali Community – Fartun Nur
STARS Training Calendar
This calendar provides information on area trainings, activities and events for anyone looking to learn more on issues and topics relating to children’s mental health. If you have questions, or you would like to list an upcoming training, please contact STARS.
