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.
Why Mental Health Matters
Mental health is just as important as physical health. One in five adolescents experiences a mental health condition, yet many go undiagnosed and untreated. Early intervention, education, and support can change lives. This page is dedicated to helping youth, parents, and educators understand common mental health conditions and find evidence-based resources for support.
Key Warning Signs
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.
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.
You Are Not Alone – Let’s Talk About Mental Health
Click on images below for more information.
Depression
Depression Major depressive disorder affects 15% of U.S. teens (CDC). It’s more than feeling sad; it impacts everyday life.
Eating Disorders
Eating disorders affect 9% of teens and have the highest mortality rate of all mental illnesses.
Bipolar
Bipolar disorder causes extreme mood swings, from depressive lows to manic highs. It affects 2.9% of adolescents and typically emerges in late adolescence (NIMH).
Dissociative Disorders
Dissociative disorders often stem from trauma, causing disconnection from reality. They include Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID), depersonalization, and amnesia.
Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD)
BPD affects 1.6% of teens but is often misdiagnosed. It involves intense emotions and difficulty maintaining stable relationships.
Psychosis
Emerging in late adolescence or early adulthood, psychosis involves hallucinations or delusions, impairing daily life and leading to stigma.
Video Resources
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.
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.