Our children go through many developmental stages, from the moment they are born to the time they leave our home. As parents, we try to provide our children with as many skills as possible to be able to live life as adults. During these last two years, many Utah youth and families have been impacted by the worldwide pandemic known as COVID-19. The Student Health Risk and Prevention (SHARP) survey provides insight into the mental health issues emerging among our youth, including but not limited to isolation, screentime, and sleep. In Davis County, 4 out of 10 kids report having depressive symptoms, which we define as feeling sad or hopeless continuously in a two-week period (SHARP, 2021). In mental health and substance use prevention, we know that the presence of one caring adult in a child’s life can make the difference.

North Davis Communities that Care (CTC) coalition has selected to use EveryDay Strong as an evidenced-informed workshop to educate parents and adults on what they can do to help children with anxiety and depression. EveryDay Strong was created by United Way of Utah County in collaboration with local experts on anxiety, depression, and psychological well-being. The framework uses Maslow’s Hierarchy of needs to teach people how they can be that caring adult in a child’s life, whether it be as a parent, neighbor, teacher, or friend. EveryDay Strong takes adults step by step on how to create resilient children in their lives, starting with addressing physical needs and moving through safety, connection, and confidence, allowing them the opportunity to thrive.

Visit EveryDayStrong.org to learn more about this framework or to register for a free upcoming workshop near you, visit dbhutah.org/everyday-strong.

North Davis Communities that Care is happy to take this workshop into the community at no cost. If your church, workplace, school, or organization would like to host a workshop contact Viviana Felix, vivianaf@dbhutah.org.