A child’s social and emotional wellness is very important as they reach milestones in their growth. Being able to share their feelings with a trusted adult is very important to their healthy development. Activities designed to encourage children to share their feelings with an adult.
People enjoy expressing pride in something they have done that might have gone unrecognized otherwise.
Young people, like adults, can benefit from learning and practicing stress management skills. Students who develop stress reduction skills learn how to feel and cope better without hurting themselves or others. Identifying and acknowledging the causes of stress and expressing feelings about them are usually the most effective tools students have to reduce stress, in addition to learning practical stress reduction skills.
Awareness activities for adults to educate and participate in discussions with kids of any age about healthy relationships, identify and recognize abuse and to know who to contact for help.
Information and Resources
Michael Phelps Foundation has worked on numerous initiatives to support the foundation’s core mission of promoting active and healthy lifestyles for children.
Olympic swimmer Michael Phelps spoke about how he had thoughts of suicide at the height of his record-setting career, and how helping others battle their own depression has been better than any gold medal.
- Talkspace has partnered with Michael Phelps Here is his therapy story: talkspace.com/michael
- The Michael Phelps Foundation and Nemours KidsHealth.org im Program incorporates mental health lessons and activities for World Mental Health Day.
- Michael Phelps and David Axelrod discuss mental health at The Kennedy Forum 2018 Annual Meeting.
The Kennedy Forum is creating a consumer-driven movement to demand parity rights and save lives.
By law, most health plans must cover illnesses of the brain, such as depression or addiction, the same way they cover illnesses of the body, such as diabetes or cancer. Speak up about illegal denials of care! Learn more at www.DontDenyMe.org
Video: Michael Phelps and David Axelrod Discuss Mental Health
Olympic record-breaker Michael Phelps shared a part of his personal story he hadn’t talked about publicly before. Phelps—who won 28 Olympic medals (including 23 gold medals) in swimming between 2004 and 2012—revealed that, at the end of each Olympics, he felt seriously depressed.
The Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act (MHPAEA)
Mental health parity describes the equal treatment of mental health conditions and substance use disorders in insurance plans.
Mental Health Screening Tools
Mental Health America (MHA)
Mental Health America (MHA) - founded in 1909 - is the nation’s leading community-based nonprofit dedicated to addressing the needs of those living with mental illness and to promoting the overall mental health of all Americans.
Mental Health America (MHA) work is driven by its commitment to promote mental health as a critical part of overall wellness, including prevention services for all; early identification and intervention for those at risk; integrated care, services, and supports for those who need it; with recovery as the goal.
Following screening, you will be provided with information, resources and tools to discuss the results with a provider.
Screening for Mental Illness is free, confidential, self-administered, online screening for common mental illnesses. It may help you decide what your next steps could be.
Taking a mental health screening is one of the quickest and easiest ways to determine whether you are experiencing symptoms of a mental health condition. Mental health conditions, such as depression or anxiety, are real, common and treatable. And recovery is possible.
Stop a Suicide
Screening for Mental Health developed StopaSuicide.org as an educational suicide resource for those encountering suicidal thoughts and feelings, loved ones who may be witnessing these signs and symptoms (which can often go unrecognized), and professionals looking for clinical information on suicide and mental illness. Read More: StopaSuicide.org
Alcohol Screening
National Alcohol Screening is an outreach, education, and screening initiative that raises awareness about harmful and dependent drinking behaviors and connects individuals who are at risk with treatment options. Thousands of colleges, community-based organizations, and military installations provide the program to the public.
Take an anonymous screening at Read More: howdoyouscore.org
The Depression Test is for individuals who are feeling overwhelming sadness.
The Eating Disorder Test can help explore eating related concerns that have an impact on your physical health and overall well-being.
The Anxiety Test is for people who feel that worry and fear are affecting their ability to function day-to-day.
The Addiction Test (Alcohol and substance use test) will help determine if your use of alcohol or drugs is an area to address.
The Bipolar Test is for individuals who have mood swings or unusual or extreme shifts in mood and energy.
The Youth Test is for young people (age 11-17) who are concerned that their emotions, attention, or behaviors might be signs of a problem.
The PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) Test is for those who are bothered by a traumatic life event.
The Parent Test is for parents of young people to determine if their child’s emotions, attention, or behaviors might be signs of a problem.
The Psychosis Test is for young people (age 12-35) who feel like their brain is playing tricks on them (seeing, hearing or believing things that don't seem real or quite right).
The Work Health Survey is a screen to explore how healthy or unhealthy your work environment is. It is in testing phase and every screen taken helps us better understand mental health in the workplace.
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Public Downloads - Español (Spanish)
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Download Emotional Health Activities
A Collection of Social Emotional Lesson-Plans Activities for Grieving Children Confidence Activities Explore My Emotions Coloring Book Explore My Emotions Coloring Book 2 Express Your Health Activity Book for Kids Express Your Health Activity Book for Kids Spanish Version Healthy Relationship Activity Book Helping Families Support Their LGBT Children and Community How Do You Feel Coloring and Activity Book 
Mental Health Insurance Coverage - Equal Treatment Insurance Law Stress Reduction Activities for Students Support LGBT Children Families are Forever Ways to Manage Emotions Download About Empathy Activities
Activities to Build Empathy and Community Capacity to Recognize or Understand Emotions in Your Community Activities Emotional Intelligence Activity Book and Guide for Teens 13-18 Years Old Empathy Toolkit Rules of Kindness Activity Book Explore Empathy with Kids Grades 3 to 5 Healthy Activities Explore Empathy with Kids Grades 9 to 12 Healthy Activities Explore Empathy with Kids PreK to Grade 2 Healthy Activities Introduction Empathy, Listening Skills & Relationships Introduction to Increasing Empathy and Compassion Training Manual Learning About What Is Empathy Worksheet Life and Situations People Experience Empathy Games Mindfulness and Empathy Activities for Classrooms Put Yourself in Someone Else’s Shoes Activity Book Respond with Genuine Curiosity and Empathy Activities 