Utah School Counselor Association Fall Conference 2019

"EveryDay Strong: A New Approach to Anxiety and Depression"
We're on a mission to build resilient kids and strong communities.

In 2011, 13% of kids in Utah County said they felt hopeless or sad almost every day for two weeks or more in a row. In 2017, that number increased to 25%. Every year, the number of children and teens experiencing deep anxiety and depression is going up.

If you're like most people, you're wondering, “What's the solution? What can I possibly to do help the people around me?”

Here's a new way to think about those questions:

We all know that a child who is hungry can't focus on making good grades. Basic human needs are essential. But, kids have other needs that are just as important as food, water, and shelter. They need to feel safe to be themselves. They need to feel connected to the people around them. And, they need to feel confident in their abilities and skills.

If your friend was having an asthma attack you wouldn't say, "What’s causing this?" Instead, you would waste no time in figuring out what her needs are. Can she breathe? Does she need to sit down? Then you’d work hard to meet those needs.

Emotional well-being isn't that different.

When our needs to feel safe, connected, and confident are met, we thrive.

As a parent, grandparent, teacher, friend, or neighbor, you can help build everyday resilience by creating safety, connection and confidence in the children around you.