Mental Health & Coping
If you're feeling stressed, anxious, or scared because of immigration enforcement or uncertainty around it — you are not alone.
These feelings are real — and it's okay to need support.
What you might be feeling
These are common reactions. If any of these sound familiar, that makes sense.
Stress, anxiety, and uncertainty can affect how we think, feel, and handle everyday life. Noticing these feelings is the first step.
If you witnessed or experienced something
If you saw an arrest, heard about someone being detained, or are worried about your own family:
Your reaction is valid
- It's okay to feel shaken or upset
- You don't have to deal with it alone
- There is no "right" way to feel right now
Things that can help in the moment
- Talk to someone you trust
- Take breaks from news and social media
- Focus on what is in your control right now
Things that can help right now
A. Talk to someone
- A friend you trust
- A trusted adult — teacher, counselor, coach
- A family member
B. Give your mind a break
- Step away from social media if it feels overwhelming
- Take time to rest, walk, or just breathe
C. Stay connected
- Spend time with people you trust
- You don't have to explain everything — just being with someone helps
D. Focus on small things
- One assignment
- One conversation
- One step at a time
You can ask for help at school
Schools are meant to be safe spaces. You don't have to explain everything to get support.
You can go to:
- A school counselor
- A trusted teacher
- A school social worker
"I'm having a hard time focusing."
"I'm really stressed about something happening at home."
That's enough. You don't need to share more than you're comfortable with.
You are not alone — help is available
These services are free, confidential, and available 24/7. You do not need insurance, citizenship status, or documentation to use them.
Call or text 988
Chat online: 988lifeline.org
Free, confidential, 24/7 — you can reach out for any kind of emotional distress, not just emergencies.
Text HOME to 741741
Free, confidential, 24/7 — you'll connect with a trained counselor who will listen and help you through the moment.
Call 1-800-950-6264
Text NAMI to 62640
Free, confidential support, information, and resources.
If you're worried about a friend
What you can do
- Check in: "Hey, are you okay?"
- Share resources from this page
- Encourage them to talk to someone they trust
- Just be there — you don't have to fix it
If you're seriously worried
- If a friend seems in immediate danger, get help right away
- Tell a trusted adult at school
- Call or text 988 together if that helps
You are not alone
Even if it feels overwhelming right now, you are not the only one feeling this way.
There are people who care about you, and there are resources in place to support you — even when things feel uncertain.
Know Your Rights
Your legal rights during immigration enforcement — what you can say, what you don't have to answer.
Know Your Rights →Share With Friends
How to help classmates feel informed and supported using trusted resources.
Share With Classmates →For Educators
If you're an educator looking to support students, see the educator guide.
Educator Guide →