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Many schools throughout Jefferson County use the "Sources of Strength" model to help youth use a strength-based approach. Focusing on their strengths can help people get through tough times. Talking to your teen about their sources of strength can help them know what to do and where to turn when they need help or support.

The 8 Sources of Strength are:​

• Generosity includes acts of kindness towards others, big or small, and can actually make an impact on how we feel about ourselves. Being generous can often give us a sense of purpose and meaning in our lives. ​​
• Spirituality is experienced in many ways, including practicing gratitude. At its core, we are looking at what things feed and lift our spirit, no matter what our cultural heritage and/or spiritual tradition.​​
• Medical care allows us to take care of our bodies, hearts, and minds and to get help when we need it.
• Mental health is all about getting the support we need and deserve to live life fully. Talking to a trusted person, a counselor, or a doctor can help empower us to overcome struggles we might be facing. 
• ​Family support comes from people who support, nurture, and care for us, whether our family is related to us by blood or by choice.
• ​Positive friends lift us up, make us laugh, are honest with us, and are there for us when we need them.
• ​Mentors share their insights and experiences to help guide us to draw on our own strengths to be the best version of ourselves. 
• Healthy activities, whether they are physical, social, or emotional, help us unwind, lift our mood, and gain clarity.

What does your teen consider to be their main strengths? Asking the teens in your life about their own sources of strength can help them know what to do and where to turn when they need help or support.

Jeffco Teens Participate in Meaningful and Engaging Activities

According to data from the 2024 Youth Town Hall, Jeffco Teens (aged 11 - 22) participate in meaningful and engaging activities. These include exercise, playing sports, being with friends, and more. 

No one should expect to be someone’s only source of strength, especially if they are thinking about suicide. If you or someone you know are in crisis, please contact Colorado Crisis Services, available 24/7, at 1-844-493-8255 or text “TALK” to 38255.

Video: What is Sources of Strength

Sources of Strength is a best practice youth suicide prevention project designed to harnesses the power of peer social networks to change unhealthy norms and culture, ultimately preventing suicide, bullying, and substance abuse.

Video is three minutes and ten seconds long (3:10).

For more information visit SourcesofStrength.org

Open Ended Questions about Sources of Strength

How to Start a Conversation About Sources of Strength

Comment positively about your teen’s healthy coping strategies (e.g., sports, art, music, animals, and reading), including how you can see that the activity relaxes them, helps them unwind, brings them closer to friends, or helps them express themselves.

First, find an opening. An idea is: 

Show your teen the Sources of Strength wheel and ask if they have seen it around their school. Then ask open-ended questions about it.​

Ask a direct question that can't be answered with a simple "yes" or "no."

For example:

• Where do you get strength when you need it?
• What is your greatest strength?
• Who in your life can you turn to when you need help?
• What strength do you tap into when you are feeling stressed or anxious?
• What are your/our family’s strengths?
• What are some ways that your friends support you and make you happy?
• What are your spiritual beliefs?

The best way to show your teen you care?

Be there.

Have a talk with your teen.

Learn more at https://jeffcoctc.care/twelve-talks/sources-of-strength/ 

Tackling Tough Topics with Teens / Afrontando Asuntos Delicados con los Jovenes

Attention parents, guardians, teachers, and anyone with youth in their lives – you are invited to “Tackling Tough Topics with Teens (T4)”, a free interactive workshop offered by Jefferson County Public Health about effectively communicating with teens to help build trust and reduce risks associated with substance use and mental health.

A virtual workshop will be offered on April 10 from 6 to 8 p.m. in English and in Spanish.