Mental Health

Disclaimer: The information and resources shared on this page are meant as tools for learning and understanding, and not to be used for self-diagnosing or in place of seeking medical or mental health providers for help. Please seek out local providers in your area for professional help.

Key warning signs

Since mental health conditions often start in childhood, adolescence, or early adulthood, The National Alliance on Mental Health (NAMI) has gathered crucial information and resources designed to assist young people in accessing the mental health support they require.

Hearing or seeing things that other people don’t
Extreme panic
The onset of new behaviors or rituals that are repeated
Mood swings or frequent shifts in energy
Changes in how they dress

Resource: www.nami.org

Commonly Seen in Adolescents

End the
Stigma

Emotional Disorders: Anxiety and depression can significantly impact school performance and social interactions, with severe cases of depression risking suicide.

Behavioral Disorders: ADHD and conduct disorder can disrupt education and behavior, sometimes leading to criminal activity.

Eating Disorders: Anorexia and bulimia often begin in adolescence, with anorexia having a high mortality rate.

Psychosis: Emerging in late adolescence or early adulthood, psychosis involves hallucinations or delusions, impairing daily life and leading to stigma.

Suicide: A leading cause of death in 15–19-year-olds, influenced by factors like alcohol abuse, childhood trauma, stigma, and access to means. Digital media can affect prevention efforts.

Normalize mental health conversations in everyday life by referring to mental health conditions by their proper names and by being proactive about mental health topics
Avoid using language that promotes stigma, misinformation, intolerance, or fear related to mental health
Refrain from using derogatory, hurtful, or dismissive language related to mental health

Resource: Mental Health First Aid