As students, parents and teachers prepare for the new school year, the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) is spotlighting the importance of mental health in the classroom and beyond.

NAMI has added new tools to its youth mental health resource library, designed to support students navigating academics, social pressures and personal growth. The resources also provide guidance for parents and caregivers, along with classroom strategies for educators.

Available online at www.nami.org, the “Back to School Resources” section covers a wide range of topics, from identifying warning signs to building resilience.

Among the highlights:

• Bullying Warning Signs – Tips for parents to recognize potential signs of bullying and how to start difficult conversations with children.
• Suicide Warning Signs – Guidance for families to spot red flags and navigate a mental health crisis.
• Crisis and Relapse Plans – Steps for documenting emergency contacts and addressing relapse before a crisis begins.
• A Week of Wellness – Daily activities to help parents and children connect and build wellness routines.
• Mental Wellness Moments for Educators – Classroom-based suggestions, such as “Monday Moods” and “Fridays for Self-Care,” to help students develop healthy habits.
• Keys for a Successful Back-to-School Transition – Trauma-informed strategies for teachers to create supportive environments.
• Setting Boundaries Guide – Lessons for students on recognizing and communicating healthy boundaries.
• Social Media Tips – Safe online engagement practices for students while maintaining mental health.
• Finding a Trusted Adult – A tool to help students identify safe adults to confide in when they need help.

“Our resources aim to support educators, guide parents, and empower students on their mental health journey during the school year and beyond,” NAMI stated on their website.

The release of new materials comes as August marks National Wellness Month, and NAMI is urging individuals to prioritize self-care. As part of the initiative, the organization has launched "Self-Care University," a video series on YouTube. Hosted by NAMI ambassador Brooke Johnson, the series explores activities to support mental health. In the latest episode, Johnson meets with registered drama therapist Alexis Maron for a look at drama therapy and its benefits.

Beyond its digital tools, NAMI continues to provide local community support. NAMI Baldwin hosts a Family Support Group via Zoom on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month at 7:30 p.m. Participants can call (251) 279-0573 for the link.