(Graphics provided to Steamboat Radio.) This is a weekly update. Visit YampaValleyResources.org today to explore all the resources available for you and your household. Together, we are working to create a stronger, more resilient Yampa Valley where everyone has access to the resources they need to thrive.

Links to past Mental Health Minutes are below.

 

Teens as a Catalyst for Change: Mental Health Minute

by Claire de Cordova : REPS Youth Programs Coordinator

 

Teenage mental health is undoubtedly a crucial issue across the United States and specifically the state of Colorado, where 26% of youth reported feeling persistently sad/hopeless in the last year (Healthy Kids Colorado), and 42% of youth feel that their stress is unmanageable. Luckily, teenagers themselves are making huge strides to normalize conversations around mental health. Research shows that teens are actively breaking down the stigma surrounding mental health, with Gen Z being the most likely generation to seek therapy and openly discuss mental health.

 

Locally at Steamboat Springs High School, the Hope Squad club provides trusted student advocates with more mental health expertise in order to support their friends and classmates with mental health advocacy and resources. Hope Squad’s mission is to reduce youth suicide through school-based, peer-to-peer prevention programs that increase mental health awareness, foster human connection, and decrease stigma. Hope Squad members are peer-nominated, and are trained in various suicide prevention programs, including Talk Saves Lives and QPR (Question, Persuade, Refer). They use their knowledge to spearhead conversations around mental health within their school community, organize advocacy events, and serve as peer support for students who may be struggling with their mental health. The Hope Squad is an inspiring reminder that youth are not only capable of great things, but that our local youth are just as dedicated to serving each other as they are to their personal pursuits.

 

If you are wondering how to best support a child or other teen in your life, we are happy to share both community resources as well as communication tips and tricks. At REPS (Reaching Everyone Preventing Suicide) we are happy to provide our community members in Routt and Moffat counties with 3 free sessions of therapy with any of our contracted licensed therapists or alternative wellness providers. Check out our website, yampavalleyreps.org, for more info. This service is for all, and you do not need to be in crisis to access free counseling.

 

In terms of communication tips for talking about mental wellbeing with teens, start by validating their emotions and struggles. This builds trust and creates a safe environment where young people feel recognized. Being validating and supportive when listening to a teen share vulnerable information with you can also decrease any shame they may have about sharing their struggles. It is natural to want to instantaneously provide solutions and tangible support for young people but take the time to truly listen to their story before jumping in with solutions. Especially when folks are experiencing a crisis point, it is important to ensure the person you are speaking to feels understood before making a plan that may be overwhelming at that moment. Instead, listen, and then provide them with options. You can say, “I can see how challenging your situation has been. I am going to continue to be here for you, but I also want to make sure you get more professional help. Would you like to look at therapists with me online to find a good fit? If not, can we talk to our family doctor or a school counselor?” Providing options helps struggling folks maintain their autonomy during challenging times. Last but not least, show interest in their daily life continuously, not just when you anticipate a struggle. Be the consistent, invested adult that you would want during your teenage years!

 

Together, teenagers are working with trusted adults to advocate for themselves, their friends, and a healthier community for all.

 

This is the continued Mental Health Minute, beginning July 7, 2025.

• March 10, 2026 — Mental Health Minute — Teens as a Catalyst for Change
• Feb. 23, 2026 — Mental Health Minute — Alcohol Consumption
• Feb. 16, 2026 — Mental Health Minute — How Volunteering Can Support Your Mental Health
• Feb. 11, 2026 — Mental Health Minute — Processing Grief
• Feb. 1, 2026 — Mental Health Minute — Free Local Sober Events
• Jan. 26, 2026 — Mental Health Minute — The Nervous System
• Jan. 18, 2026 — Mental Health Minute — A message from Yampa Valley High School
• Jan. 11,  2026 — Mental Health Minute – Prioritizing Mental Health Like Physical Health (Youth-Focused)
• Jan. 4, 2026 — Mental Health Minute — Healing through tears, laughter and love
• Dec. 28, 2025 — Mental Health Minute — The HOPE Initiative from The Health Partnership
• Dec. 14, 2025 — Mental Health Minute — Standing Together: Men’s Work and “Walking Each Other Home”
• Dec. 8, 2025 — Mental Health Minute — The Gut and Brain Connection
• Nov. 30, 2025 — Mental Health Minute — Your Voice Matters
• Nov. 24, 2025 — Mental Health Minute — Seasonal Affective Disorder
• Nov. 16, 2025 — Mental Health Minute — Time Change Blues 
• Nov. 10, 2025 — Mental Health Minute – Navigating Changes in Midlife for Women
• Nov. 3, 2025 — Mental Health Minute — Stress Management in Teens
• Oct. 28, 2025 — Mental Health Minute — Day of the Dead
• Oct. 19, 2025 — Mental Health Minute — Sacred Moments: Finding the Sacred in the Ordinary 
• Oct. 13, 2025 — Mental Health Minute — Talk Saves Lives: Empowering Our Community to Prevent Suicide
• Oct. 6, 2025 — Mental Health Minute — Cost of Poverty Experience (COPE) comes to Northwest Colorado
• Sept. 29, 2025 — Mental Health Minute — Get Immediate Support with the 988 Colorado Mental Health Line
• Sept. 22, 2025 — Mental Health Minute — Theater as an Outlet
• Sept. 14, 2025 –Mental Health Minute — Connection in Times of Adversity
• Sept. 7. 2025 — Mental Health Minute – Sharing stories and building bridges at new event
• Aug. 31, 2025 — Mental Health Minute — Message from Yampatika
• Aug. 25, 2025 — Mental Health Minute — Mental Health After a Critical Incident: How to Help, What to Expect, and Taking Care of Yourself
• Aug. 17, 2025 — Mental Health Minute: Uncertainty Is Part of Life — But It’s Heavier for Some
• Aug. 11, 2025 — Mental Health Minute — Re:generation: A Christ-Centered Path to Lasting Transformation
• Aug. 3, 2025 — Mental Health Minute — Steps to Help Save A Life
• July 28, 2025 — Mental Health Minute — Steamboat Kids & Phones
• July 24-2025 — Mental Health Minute — Starting with the basics
• July 15, 2025 — Mental Health Minute – Helping Others through Peer Engagement and The HOPE Initiative
• LINK to all previous Mental Health Minutes — DECEMBER 1, 2024, THROUGH JUNE 23, 2025