CHADS Coalition for Mental Health

As we enter a new year, many of us are setting goals for our physical health—hitting the gym, eating better, and running that first 5K. But here's a powerful reminder: your mental health deserves just as much attention. 🧠 Just as you wouldn't ignore a sprained ankle, you shouldn't overlook feelings of stress, anxiety, or burnout. Make 2025 the year you prioritize your whole self—mind and body! Here are three resolutions to boost your mental health this year: 1️⃣ Check in with yourself daily. How are you feeling emotionally? Journaling, meditating, or simply pausing to reflect can go a long way. 2️⃣ Set boundaries. Say no to things that drain your energy and yes to what nourishes you. 3️⃣ Seek support when needed. Therapy, support groups, or even opening up to a trusted friend can make a difference. Let's break the stigma around mental health and make it a part of our everyday conversations. #MentalHealthMatters #NewYearsResolutions #WellnessGoals #2025Mindset

We are so grateful for your support of our organization.Without you, we wouldn't have closed out 2024 on such a positive year of growth!✨ We appreciate your support in 2024 and look forward to another year of growth in 2025!

2024 in Review: Leading the Charge for Youth Mental Health 🌟 As we wrap up the year, we’re reminded of the incredible impact we’ve made together. At CHADS, we’re honored to lead the nation in delivering Signs of Suicide® (SOS) presentations—but people like you power this mission. In St. Louis County, the numbers tell a story of hope and urgency: ✔️ A 44% reduction in suicide attempts since 2022. ✔️ Yet 1 in 35 students, or 1 in every 1-2 per classroom, still attempted suicide. ✔️ That’s eight students per day—a call to action for all of us. We’ve come so far, but we know there’s more to do. Thank you for your partnership and for being a part of the solution. 📊 Check out our infographic to see the full impact of your support this year. #YouthMentalHealth #EndYouthSuicide #CHADSCares

🎄🕎 Merry Christmas and Happy Hanukkah! As the year comes to a close, we want to wish you and your loved ones a holiday season filled with joy, peace, and hope. Whether you’re celebrating Christmas, Hanukkah, or simply the beauty of this time of year, we’re grateful for you and all the support you’ve given us. Thank you for helping us create brighter tomorrows. Here’s to a holiday season full of connection and light! 💙 #MerryChristmas #HappyHanukkah #HolidaySeason #HopeAndCommunity

Last week, our students in Hope Squad, a program empowering students to recognize peers at risk for suicide and seek help from trusted adults, received their official t-shirts and began creating uplifting posters 🎨 focused on positivity and coping skills! There was so much energy in the room as these young leaders crafted messages of resilience and hope for their peers: “If you hit rock bottom, the only way to go is up.” Thank you to the St. Louis Blues for their partnership in making this program possible and for the amazing support team at Jefferson Intermediate Schools and the City of St. Charles School District. Together, we’re empowering students to be changemakers in their schools and communities, spreading positivity, fostering connection, and creating a brighter tomorrow for everyone. 💙 Hope is the greatest gift we can give. 🌟 #HopeSquad #YouthMentalHealth #SuicidePrevention #Positivity #CopingSkills #Resilience #CHADS #StLouisBlues #JeffersonIntermediate #HolidaySeason #NextGeneration

Last night, our CEO, Tom Duff, shared a heartfelt end-of-year update reflecting on the impact we’ve made in 2024 on Instagram Live. He also offered practical tips for managing Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), navigating grief during the holidays, and finding hope and connection as a family. 💚 This time of year can be tough, but small steps can make a big difference in prioritizing mental health—for yourself and those you care about. 🎥 Catch the replay here: https://lnkd.in/gNNVZg9P We’d love to hear your thoughts—what resonated most with you?#MentalHealthMatters #HolidayWellness #Leadership

Mental Health America’s latest report examines how social media affects young people’s mental health and relationships. What makes this report special is that youth co-created it from start to finish. 💚 The report dives into: ➡️ Social media is both a source of connection and harm. ➡️ How algorithms shape their online experiences, often without their consent. ➡️ Why it’s essential to give young people the tools and voice to shape their digital worlds. 📄 Check out the full report here: https://bit.ly/3ZNtVQ5 Let’s work together to create healthier online spaces for our youth. 🌐 #YouthMentalHealth #SocialMediaImpact

Our team members' reasons for joining us in suicide prevention and emotional wellness work vary from person to person. 💚 However, one consistent thing is their commitment, dedication, and sincere desire to see each young adult they work with experience the emotional healing they deserve. If you or someone you know shares that same passion, we'd love to speak with you. Check out our open positions today: https://lnkd.in/eZ-jmkr #JoinOurTeam #PurposeDrivenCareers #WorkWithUs

We would like to wish a big Congratulations to the team from Bryan Hill Elementary School for being our September Lighthouse Award recipient! ✨ Recipients of this award are nominated for being extraordinary advocates for mental health and suicide prevention efforts. 💚 Here’s what their nominee stated: “I am excited to be starting my third year as a mentor at Bryan Hill Elementary. Since my first year to the beginning of this school year the staff (current and past) at Bryan Hill have welcomed me and treated me as part of their community. Jennifer Buwalda (social worker) and Mr. Bressman (building principal) have been eager to get another year of mentoring going in their building. The team at Bryan Hill carefully decides which students would benefit most from the CHADS Mentoring program. They consistently make sure I have a space to meet with students with no distractions, and stand ready to assist me with anything I need to make sure their students get the most of mentoring. From the time I am 'buzzed' into the building to start my day, I am greeted with smiles and hellos that are genuine and definitely put me in a good mood. Walking into Bryan Hill is like going to visit family each week. They truly appreciate their partnership with CHADS.” Thank you, Bryan Hill Elementary and the St. Louis Public Schools (SLPS) for your partnership!

Our Family Support Program is here to provide counseling services for youth 25 and under who are navigating anxiety, depression, or suicidal thoughts. Whether you prefer virtual or in-person sessions, our goal is to meet you where you are and support your journey toward emotional healing. With our sliding fee scale of just $10–$50 per session, help is accessible and within reach. Take the first step today. 💚 💻 Register now: https://bit.ly/3VAkDFy #MentalHealthSupport #CounselingServices #YouthWellness #CHADS