Supporting teen mental well‑being has never been more important, and Sanford Fit is stepping up with a powerful new resource designed to meet teens where they are.
“What’s on My Mind: A Teen’s Guide to Thinking, Feeling, and Figuring Things Out” is a mental health workbook created in partnership with the BeHEARD for Educators program and made possible by the First International Bank and Trust.
Developed with experts from Sanford Health, this workbook gives teens a safe, approachable space to explore their emotions, practice evidence‑informed coping strategies, and build confidence in caring for their mental wellness.
Workbook is made for today’s teens
Being a teen today can feel overwhelming. School pressures, friendships, family expectations, and constant digital noise can make emotions feel intense and unpredictable. “What’s on My Mind” was created to help teens navigate those challenges with clarity and confidence.
What the workbook offers:
- A safe, judgment‑free space to explore feelings
- Mindfulness exercises to help teens slow down and reset
- Journaling prompts that encourage reflection and self‑awareness
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) inspired tools to build healthy coping strategies
- Flexible use – teens can start anywhere, skip around, or revisit sections that resonate
A resource rooted in research and hope
“Research shows that 50% of all lifetime mental health conditions begin by age 14. However, many go untreated for years due to a lack of awareness or stigma,” said Brittney Nathan, CCLS, lead program development specialist at Sanford Fit.
“Early and accessible mental health resources act as a preventative shield, transforming how young people navigate their life now and well into adulthood. I’m hopeful this workbook will allow teens to feel seen, understood, and provide guidance, allowing them to better understand what they are feeling, how to cope, and ask for help.”
Sanford Fit delivers kits to care teams
To help introduce this resource across Sanford Health, Sanford Fit delivered more than 300 PR boxes to mental and behavioral health teams. These kits offer a hands‑on look at the workbook and coping tools to support it, reinforcing Sanford Fit’s mission to make mental health resources accessible, practical, and grounded in real‑world needs.
Feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. Teams have shared that the workbook fills a critical gap – offering a teen‑friendly, evidence‑informed resource that can be used in clinics, schools, homes, and community settings.
(Photo by Sanford Fit)
The Sanford Fit team continues to focus on creating resources that promote mental well‑being, resilience, and healthy coping skills for young people. Key priorities include:
- Increasing access to mental and behavioral health resources across Sanford Health
- Reducing stigma by normalizing conversations about emotions and mental health
- Creating tools that are flexible, approachable, and grounded in evidence
- Supporting caregivers and educators with resources that make it easier to start meaningful conversations
This milestone reflects Sanford Fit’s commitment to meeting teens’ needs in real, tangible ways. By pairing evidence‑informed tools with compassionate, teen‑centered design, “What’s on My Mind” is helping create a culture where mental health is understood, supported, and openly discussed.
Explore and download the print‑ready chapters, and share them with teens, caregivers, and anyone who could use a little extra support.
Learn more
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Posted In Behavioral Health, Children's, Healthy Living, Parenting
