Caring for Rural Youth – A Guide for Adults Who Support Them

Toolkit for adults Supporting Rural Youth Mental Wellness 

Supporting a young person’s mental health can feel overwhelming, especially in rural communities where resources may be harder to find. This toolkit is designed for parents, caregivers, teachers, coaches, faith leaders, and other adults who care about rural youth. It offers practical guidance, conversation tips, and links to fact sheets and resources already available on the Rural Minds website.

How Adults Can Make a Difference

• Listen without judgment – Being present and open can make all the difference

• Acknowledge and validate their emotions – using phrases like, "It makes sense that you would feel upset about that"

• Notice changes – Pay attention to shifts in mood, behavior, or daily habits

• Start small conversations – Asking gentle, open-ended questions can open the door (see content below)

• Discuss the value of Single Session Interventions – learn more here

• Know when to get help – Reach out for professional support if you’re worried about safety or well-being

• Take care of yourself too – You’ll be better able to support youth when you’re also prioritizing your own wellness

Topics & Resources for Adults

Explore guidance on common challenges youth face. Each page includes adult-focused tips plus links to fact sheets and other resources:

• Rural Mental Health Resilience Program

• Rural Suicide Awareness and Prevention Program

• Rural Minds Webinar Series  

• Bipolar Disorder Fact Sheet

• Generalized Anxiety Disorder Fact Sheet

• Major Depression Fact Sheet

• Schizophrenia Fact Sheet

• Substance Use Disorder Fact Sheet

Conversation Starters for Adults

It can be hard to know what to say when a young person seems to be struggling. Try:

• “I’ve noticed you’ve seemed a bit different lately — how are you feeling?”

• “I care about you, and I want to understand what you’re going through.”

• “It’s okay to feel stressed or sad sometimes. Can we talk about what’s been on your mind?”

See More Conversation Tips »

What to Do in a Crisis

If a young person talks about suicide, self-harm, or if you feel they may be unsafe:

• Stay with them and listen.

• Remove anything that could be used for self-harm if possible.

• Contact a trusted professional, crisis line, or emergency services right away.

• When a young person’s safety, well-being, or stability are at risk, a trusted adult may consider involving the child’s family (unless doing so would create danger to the child), so that the family can be part of the support and help coordinate longer-term care if appropriate.

📞 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (call or text 988)
📞 The Trevor Project (for LGBTQ+ youth): 1-866-488-7386

Explore Crisis Resources »

Self-Care for Adults

Supporting a young person can take an emotional toll. Adults should also:

• Talk to someone they trust.

• Take breaks and care for their own mental health.

• Build a network of other supportive adults in their community.

Return to Rural Youth Mental Wellness “Resources By Topic” webpage.