Mental health is a serious issue that affects people of all ages. Often, mental health problems begin to manifest earlier in life, during your teens or young adulthood. According to the American Psychiatric Association, half of mental illnesses begin by the time someone is 14. They also note that three-quarters of mental illnesses appear by the age of 27. For these reasons, it’s important that people understand what mental illness is and how it can impact their lives and the lives of loved ones. Most importantly, however, you should know that help is available and you are not alone.
What Does it Mean to Have a Mental Health Problem?
A mental health problem is any condition that makes it difficult for a person to think, feel, behave, or function as they would normally. This difficulty may be long-lasting, or it may occur from time to time. Mental illnesses include conditions such as depression, schizophrenia, eating disorders, and anxiety. Like with any other illness, it’s necessary to see a health provider who can diagnose the issue and help treat it.
If you notice any unusual or disturbing changes to your behavior or how you feel, it’s important to tell your parents or a trusted adult right away so you can get help. Symptoms that should cause concern include an inability to eat or sleep; unable to make critical decisions; a drastic decrease in energy; feelings of hopelessness, confusion, worry, or fear; frequent or sudden bouts of anger; or feeling on edge or like you can’t calm down. Some people who are experiencing mental health problems may find that they’ve lost interest in the things that they normally enjoy: They may no longer want to spend time with their friends, find it difficult to go to school or focus while in school, or fight constantly with family and friends. Some mental health issues can even cause people to hear voices or want to hurt themselves or others; if this happens to you, it’s crucial that you get help immediately.
Getting Help
The simplest way for many people to get the help they need is to talk to their parents, but if you don’t feel comfortable doing that, you could turn to another trusted adult such as a teacher, another family member, or a religious leader. You might also just call your doctor yourself. When you’re deciding who to talk to about your concerns, pick someone who is not judgmental, is a good listener, respects the need for privacy, and will take what is said seriously. This person should also be someone who you’re comfortable talking to and who gives good advice. If you’re not comfortable talking to someone you know about your problems, you can also talk to someone anonymously by calling a hotline or using another type of support service.
214.828.1000
Suicide and Crisis Center of North Texas: The crisis line is staffed by trained, caring volunteers who are able to talk an listen 365 days a year. Our services are free and confidential. https://www.sccenter.org
800.273.8255
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: A 24-hour, toll-free, confidential suicide prevention hotline available to anyone in suicidal crisis or emotional distress. https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/
214.456.3600
SPARC (Suicide Prevention and Resilience in Children) at Children's Medical Center: A Multi-disciplinary, intensive outpatient program for youth at risk for self-harm and their families, with a focus on skill building and safety planning. https://www.childrens.com/specialties-services/specialty-centers-and-programs/psychiatry-and-psychology/conditions-and-programs/suicide-behaviors
Support Groups
SOS (Survivors of Suicide) in Dallas, TX
The Suicide and Crisis Center of North Texas offers a unique program for those who have experienced the loss of a loved one to suicide. All services are free for the community.
Suicide and Crisis Center of North Texas Website: https://www.sccenter.org
Touch by Suicide
Touched By Suicide is a 501(c)3 nonprofit local organization that provides free support groups for adults and teens that have lost a loved one to suicide. Our support groups meet in Denton, Lewisville and Flower Mound. Group members are encouraged to share their story and feelings with the hope of helping each person heal through healthy communication in which all members learn from and support one another.
Touch By Suicide Website: https://www.touchedbysuicide.net
Informative Links
Online Resources for Adolescents and Young Adults
College Planning Guide for Students with Mental Health Disorders: a comprehensive guide that assists students in navigating the programs and policies dedicated to supporting mental health. Our resource explores their rights, potential accommodations, tips on accessing mental health services, and exclusive scholarships available to them.
Preventing Self-harm in Teens: A Guide for Appropriate Intervention: It is important for anyone with a teen in their life to be aware of warning signs and understand how to appropriately address instances of self-harm.
NAMI: TEENS & YOUNG ADULTS: The National Alliance on Mental Illness explains that a mental illness is not the victim’s fault and that resources are available to help.
Your Feelings: Teens suffering from mood swings and other problems can visit GirlsHealth.gov for helpful advice.
For Young People Looking for Help: MentalHealth.gov explains that mental health issues can strike young people as well as adults. Visit their website for their definition of what constitutes a mental health problem.
Mental Health Resources for Teens: It takes courage for someone suffering from mental issues to seek help. Teen Vogue magazine explains that teenagers who have emotional or mental problems are not alone.
Behavioral Health Treatment Locator: On this page, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration provides a locator to help you find treatment options if you’re struggling with a mental illness or an addiction.
Teen Mental Health: Click this link to read more about teen mental health.
Suicide Facts and Figures: Texas 2020 https://aws-fetch.s3.amazonaws.com/state-fact-sheets/2020/2020-state-fact-sheets-texas.pdf
Texas Gun Sense: https://txgunsense.org/suicide-prevention/
Helpful Apps
Mindshift App: AnxietyBC offers an app on this page that can help those who suffer from anxiety.
AADA-Reviewed Mental Health Apps: Click this link to learn about software that has been reviewed by the Anxiety and Depression Association of America.
Medication Guides
Bipolar Medication Guide: Visit Helpguide.org for information about medication used to treat bipolar disorder. It gives tips for achieving the maximum benefit from medication and how to find the correct medicine to treat the problem.
A Guide on Psychotropic Medications for Youth in Foster Care: This document by ChildWelfare.gov concentrates on youth in the foster care system and includes information on recognizing when someone needs help.
Mental Health Medications: Medications are an important part of treating a number of mental issues.
Drugs to Treat Mental Illness: Read about medications that are commonly used to treat mental illnesses in this three-page article.
Hotlines
Hotlines for Teens (pdf): Click this link to read a document that can help you find a hotline specific to your needs
NEDA: Contact the Hotline: The National Eating Disorders Association website offers information about the counseling they offer via their helpline.
Talk to Someone Now: The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline has both a phone number and an online chat option for those who are considering suicide.
Get Help Now: The Trevor Project offers suicide counseling over the phone, via online chat, and by text message.
Crisis Text Line: Find support by text message for free, 24/7.
Advocacy Organizations
Advocacy Network: Click this link to read about Mental Health America’s Advocacy Network and how you can support their efforts.
AACAP Legislative Activities: This page by the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry discusses their legislative activities, including advocacy efforts.
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