Mental health problems often develop during adolescence. The sooner people get help, the more likely they are to overcome their challenges as adults. Youth and young adults may not have the information that they need to get well or they may have misconceptions about the way they feel. Misunderstanding and discrimination often aggravate a person's state of mind, overall mental health, and well-being.
Learn to recognize when someone may be experiencing mental health distress or substance abuse challenges.
Have effective conversations with youth about mental health and risk of suicide.
Encourage people to talk honestly about the way they are feeling and knowing how to respond when someone shares that they are not feeling well or are not doing good.
Know how to spot and read non-verbal communication.
Tell them that you care.
Let them know that you are concerned.
Be warm, trustworthy, and nonjudgmental.
Let them know you're available to listen whenever they need to talk.
If you don't have all the answers, tell them you can find out and get back to them.
Learn about local resources in your community.
Once you get them to talk, help connect them to treatment and resources.
Know that behaviors like withdrawal, irritability, and bad temper may be a response to trauma or crisis- remain friendly.
Offer support in whatever form seems right, including small things like a hug or having coffee together.
Talk to the person as an equal.
Don't trivialize the person's feelings or minimize their experience.
If the person wants help, offer your support and connect them to local resources.
If at any time the person becomes suicidal, or begins abusing drugs or alcohol, seek professional help.
Frequent sadness or changes in mood or behavior.
Changes in eating and sleeping patterns.
Not wanting to go to school or work.
Fighting with family and friends.
Drug or alcohol abuse.
Feelings of hopelessness.
Feeling confused, angry, forgetful, edgy, or upset.
Wanting to hurt oneself of others.
Hearing voices.
Isolation or acting distant.
Sharing thoughts of suicide or self-harm.
Sudden weight loss or gain.
Unhealthy appearance.
Frequently missing school or work.
Money problems.
Changes in friends, hangouts, or hobbies.
Getting into fights, accidents, or breaking the law.
Striking change in personality or behavior.
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Sources:
- National Institute on Drug Abuse (2013). The Science of Addiction.
-Texas Department of State Health Services. Helping a young person in need: supporting teens and young adults with mental health and substance use issues.
-Speakyourmindtexas.org
-Grant Halliburton Foundation. Know where to get help. www.GrantHalliburton.org