Express Yourself

Talk About It

Most of the time, it really helps to find someone to talk to. This could be a friend, a family member, a teacher, or another responsible adult. Find someone who will give you their full attention and really listen. You can spot this person because they'll be looking at you, nodding, etc. while you talk. When you pause, they might repeat part of what you said or ask questions to be sure they understand you. Reach our to your counselor if you would like to talk.

Last names A-M: Jessica Savolainen - jsavolainen@district745.org - (320) 845-5039

Last names N-Z: Katie Rusch - krusch@district745.org - (320) 845-5047

Crisis Hotline & Chat Services

Crisis Text Line

You will quickly (typically in 5 minutes or less) be connected with a crisis counselor who can support you with any painful emotion, not just with thoughts of suicide. The service is free, confidential, and available 24/7.

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline

A national network of local crisis centers that provide emotional support to people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress. The service is free, confidential, and available 24/7.

Central MN Mental Health Center

The mobile Crisis Response Team provides an array of mental health crisis services to children and adults experiencing a mental health crisis. The Crisis Response Team can travel to homes or community locations in the four-county area (Stearns, Benton, Sherburne and Wright) to help individuals in crisis cope with immediate stressors. The team can do suicide assessment, safety planning, coping skills education and make appropriate referrals. They also offer follow-up stabilization services.

The Trevor Project

A crisis service aimed at supporting LGBTQ youth. The service is free, confidential and available 24/7.

Journal and Write About It

When you have angry thoughts in your head, until you find a way to get them out - to express them - you're going to have a much harder time trying to control your emotions. If you don't have a caring listener to share with right now - or you're not ready to say your words because you're worried it will make you too upset - writing them down is also a great option.

Create It

Drawing, painting, writing poems, writing stories, etc. Creating art is a fantastic way to work through our thoughts and emotions. It allows you to get them out and helps you to organize what you're thinking and feeling, so it's less of a tornado and more of a... well, a song, poem, drawing, painting, story, etc.

Working on a coloring sheet won't solve the problems that are triggering your stress, but focusing your attention on coloring can provide a little relief for a bit to help your mind relax. Then you start thinking about the problem again but with a calmer mind and a different perspective.

You could also clean part of your home, doodle, play a musical instrument, bake, etc. So many options! Any kind of familiar task can help you to temporarily take your attention off of a stressful problem.