What is Mental Health?•A state of mind in which a person is able to maintain satisfactory relationships with other people and to cope with the stresses of daily living.

Who Experiences Mental Health Problems?

•Everyone has mental health.

•Sometimes a person is healthier than at other times and sometimes he or she needs help to handle problems.

•Many people experience mental health problems at some time during their lives.

What are Mental Health Problems?

There are many mental health problems. Some are more severe than others.

Common mental health problems include:DepressionBipolar DisorderAnxiety DisordersEating DisordersObsessive Compulsive DisorderAttention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

What Causes Mental Health Problems?

•Problems in young people are caused by biology, environment, or a mix of both.

•Exposure to violence, loss of important people, abuse, or neglect.

Other Risk Factors

•Feeling continuous rejection because of:

RaceReligionSexual orientationFamily incomeDrug use

Warning Signs Feeling:

really sad and hopeless without good reason and the feelings don’t go away.

very angry most of the time, cry a lot, or overact to things.

worthless or guilty a lot.

anxious or worried a lot more than other kids.

unable to get over a loss or death of someone important.

extremely fearful – you have unexplained fears or more fears than most kids.

constantly concerned about physical problems or physical appearance.

like your mind is being controlled or is out of control.

Warning Signs continued…

Experience big changes in the way you get along; for example you:

do much worse in school.

lose interest in things you usually enjoy.

have unexplained changes in sleeping or eating.

avoid friends or family and want to be alone all the time.

daydream so much you can’t get things done.

feel as if you can’t handle life or consider suicide.

hear voices talking to you or about you that you cannot explain.

Warning Signs Continued… Find yourself limited by:

poor concentration – you can’t think straight or make up your mind.

being unable to sit still or focus your attention.

worrying about being harmed, hurting others, or about doing something “bad.”

feeling like you have to wash, clean things, or perform certain routines hundreds of times a day in order to avoid danger.

thoughts that race through your head – almost so fast you can’t follow them.

persistent nightmares.

Warning Signs continued…

Behave in ways that cause you problems, for example:Use alcohol or other drugs.

Eat large amounts of food and then make yourself vomit, abuse laxatives, or take enemas to avoid weight gain.

Continue to diet and/or exercise obsessively although bone-thin.

Constantly violate the rights of others or break the law without regard for other people.

Do things that can be life-threatening.

What Helps?

The sooner you get the right help, the sooner you may feel better. Some things that help are:

Counseling

Family therapy

Group therapy

Crisis care

Behavior therapy

Day treatment

Education programs

Tutoring

Medications

Special camp programs

How to Find Help Talk to a trusted adult such as a parent, relative, friend,

neighbor, teach, coach, member of the clergy or family doctor.

You may also decide to get help from someone trained to support those mental health problems such as: Family doctor

Psychiatrist

Psychologist

Social worker

Special education teacher

Special education teacher

Religious counselor

School counselor

Nurse

What to do if you think a friend has a mental health problem

Encourage you friend to talk to a trusted adult.

Tell a trusted adult

Listen to and be open to their feelings

Be a friend

Want More Information?

Call the National Mental Health Services Knowledge Exchange Network at

1-800-789-2627

Mental Health Checklist

I take pleasure in everyday things.

I feel able to deal with most situations and am not overwhelmed by emotions.

I can take life’s disappointments in stride.

I have a tolerant attitude toward myself as well as others.

I am realistic about my abilities.

I can accept my own shortcomings and laugh at myself.

Do you feel good about yourself?

Mental Health Checklist

I am able to love and consider the interests of others.

I have personal relationships that are satisfying and lasting.

I can trust others and feel they can trust me.

I do not take advantage of others nor do I let others take advantage of me.

I feel a sense of responsibility to others.

Do you feel comfortable with other people?

Mental Health Checklist

I do something about problems as they arise.

I accept responsibilities.

I shape my environment when possible and adjust to life’s challenges.

I plan ahead and do not fear the future.

I welcome new experiences and set realistic goals for myself.

Are you able to meet life’s demands?