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Share your thoughts, secrets, or confessions anonymously. This is a safe space to express yourself without judgment. Your privacy is completely respected.

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Access Google Forms with a personal Google account or Google Workspace account (for business use).

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Access Google Forms with a personal Google account or Google Workspace account (for business use).

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How to support someone with mental illnesses

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How to support someone with mental illnesses

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Mayo Clinic. (2022, May 10). Teen mental health: What helps, what hurts [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FJfrQl7zSrE

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How to Support a Friend With Mental Illness

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PBS NewsHour. (2023, March 1). Why mental health issues are on the rise for American teens [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gnEpRDh4Y2A

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Does social media negatively impact teen mental health?

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CBS News. (2023, May 3). Teen mental health crisis growing, CDC data shows [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ROwIojQmtjs

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TEDx Talks. (2021, March 5). The secret to student mental health | Sasha Allen | TEDxYouth@DASH [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=du8siPJ1ZKo

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Youth Mental Health Canada. (2022, October 11). Youth mental health: A call to action [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jhuoFzd12yI

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American Psychological Association. (2022, October). Meeting students where they are: Mental health care on campus. APA Monitor. https://www.apa.org/monitor/2022/10/mental-health-campus-care

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Student mental health is in crisis. Campuses are rethinking their approach

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Amid massive increases in demand for care, psychologists are helping colleges and universities embrace a broader culture of well-being and better equipping faculty to support students in need.

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World Health Organization. (2021, November 17). Adolescent mental health. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/adolescent-mental-health

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Adolescence (10-19 years) is a unique and formative time. Multiple physical, emotional and social changes, including exposure to poverty, abuse, or violence, can make adolescents vulnerable to mental health problems. Promoting psychological well-being and protecting adolescents from adverse experiences and risk factors that may impact their potential to thrive are critical for their well-being during adolescence and for their physical and mental health in adulthood.

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By Luciana Romaña

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Teenagers story with their mental health

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Teenagers story with their mental health

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YouTube. (n.d.). Teenagers and mental health - The story of Mia [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9fHnkj4EtKM

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Teenagers and mental health - The story of Mia

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National Institutes of Health. (2023, May 16). Teens are talking about mental health. NIH MedlinePlus Magazine. https://magazine.medlineplus.gov/article/teens-are-talking-about-mental-health

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The prevalence of mental health issues is hard to measure, but federal data show how widespread the challenges are. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said we need to address threats to mental health in young people-especially adolescents.

More than one third (37%) of high schoolers in the United States reported experiencing poor mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a 2021 CDC study. Almost half (44%) of high schoolers reported feeling persistently sad or hopeless in the last year. Some of these feelings were also linked to experiences of racism, social stigma around gender and sexual identity, and sexual violence.

"I was also having issues with my friendships at school and an increased level of stress when it came time for tests, projects, and other assessments...the feeling of isolation, lack of appetite, and absolute hatred of school were not normal."
-Morgan, New Jersey

Studies like these can help shed light on issues that teens may be hesitant or unable to discuss with parents, doctors, and school staff.

Stigma and a lack of information or access to care also keep many teens from getting help. But sharing personal stories about mental health can offer encouragement and connection. This can help teens feel like they are not alone. That's why NIH asked high schoolers to describe these challenges in their own words for the 2022 Speaking Up About Mental Health! essay contest.

The contest was sponsored by the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), the National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities (NIMHD), and the Eunice Kennedy Shriver  National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD). They wanted to start conversations around youth mental health and highlight different aspects of this national health crisis.

In their essays, many students talked about feeling lost, embarrassed, or frustrated by their mental health struggles. Others wrote about going from being confident in early childhood to feeling alone or unseen in adolescence.

NIH-funded researcher Tamar Mendelson, M.A., Ph.D., Bloomberg Professor of American Health and Director for the Center for Adolescent Health at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, says that's not surprising. Depression rates tend to increase around puberty, especially among girls but also in boys. Dr. Mendelson said this can be caused by a combination of hormonal changes, new social relationships, and new pressures from academic, athletic, and other activities.

"For many Asian American youths, getting help for mental health can be hindered by stereotypes.  Asian American boys, in particular, may not seek therapy since their cultures expect them to be more resilient than girls. After all, as the older brother, how can I let my little sister know when I am not feeling well emotionally?"
-Evan, Texas

"Young people who are feeling overwhelmed or are not sure how to cope with emotions may be more likely to use substances to kind of help with that," Dr. Mendelson said. Such substances could include alcohol, tobacco, or prescription or illicit drugs, for example.

Puberty is also when many young people become more aware of their sexual orientations and gender identities. For some, this can lead to being unaccepted or bullied. Rates of substance use and misuse also tend to increase during puberty.

In addition to navigating the typical stressors that teens face, more recently they also had to cope with the COVID-19 pandemic and related family losses or financial struggles. They've experienced or witnessed racial- and identity-based discrimination, gun violence, political unrest, natural disasters, and climate change. These challenges coupled with other risk factors, including some parenting styles, can lead to mental health issues such as anxiety and depression.

Even though environmental triggers have changed over time, adolescent anxiety was rising even before the pandemic.

Michele Ybarra, Ph.D., an adjunct professor of mental health at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health and also an NIH-supported researcher, said that not long ago, it was widely believed that youth could not have depression because people thought, "What do [they] have to be depressed about?"

"Schools are places where students should feel safe and comfortable enough to ask for help. By using simple technology and dedicating time toward impactful mental health screening, schools can truly serve students and assist them in living happier, healthier lives."
-Huda, North Carolina

But in the last several decades, Dr. Ybarra said, mental health professionals have realized that depression can happen to anyone at any age.

Several students wrote about schools with limited, outdated, or no education on the topic. Some said they could not speak to a therapist or school counselor when they needed to.

The issue is worse for students in rural areas, in schools with limited financial resources, or who need culturally appropriate care such as bilingual mental health information.

But digital tools can connect youth to information about their mental health. For example, Dr. Ybarra said, the rise of telehealth and teletherapy since the pandemic has helped increase access for some.

Dr. Ybarra said that while technology (including social media) can have both positive and negative effects on mental health, it can also be a force for good. The nature of relationships has changed in the internet age, and connecting online is natural for adolescents. Options like crisis lines or online therapy can get help to teens quickly.

Multiple students said when they could not find resources from their schools or communities, they started their own. Some also said their experiences have inspired them to study mental health and treatments after high school.

One student said they began volunteering for a teen crisis hotline after their cousin used the same service for help. The student also joined a youth advisory group for their state governor's office and offered help as a peer-to-peer counselor at their school.

"My passion towards becoming a researcher on psychiatric disorders is stronger than ever," they wrote.

The way people talk about mental illness could also be better, one student wrote. They preferred the phrase "living" with a mental illness rather than "suffering" from one. This small change in language signals it's possible for people with such conditions to live happy and fulfilling lives. This student also said their own school began marking mental health-related absences as excused and holding an annual mental health week to encourage open conversation.

It's too early to tell what the long-term effects of the past few years will have on youth mental health. But Dr. Ybarra said some teens have become more resilient since the pandemic began.

"I don't think this generation is doomed in any way," she said. "Several kids have said [the pandemic] really gave them the time to better understand themselves, they better understand their sexuality ... Other kids took on new hobbies, and they learned how to do new things. Maybe they gave themselves permission to not talk to that toxic person in their lives." While there's no denying the pandemic has been a stressful experience, Dr. Ybarra's impression is that most teens have come out the other side with perspective and an ability to thrive.

"This is good news. It also means that we need to be diligent about identifying teens who continue to struggle and connect them to services," she said.
If you think a teen is experiencing a mental health crisis, the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is a national, 24/7 hotline that can connect you with a trained crisis counselor by phone or online chat. Call or text 988 to connect to a trained crisis counselor 24/7 or use the live online chat option. TTY users can contact the Lifeline via their preferred relay service or by dialing 711, then 988.
By the numbers

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in 2021:

36% of high school students perceived or experienced racism before or during the pandemic

Asian (non-Hispanic): 64%

Black (non-Hispanic): 55%

Multiracial (non-Hispanic): 55%

Hispanic or Latino: 42%

American Indian/Alaska Native (non-Hispanic): 27%

Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander (non-Hispanic): 55%

White (non-Hispanic): 23%

18% of female high schoolers and 5% of male high schoolers experienced sexual violence, up from 15% and 4%, respectively, in 2017

57% of female high schoolers and 29% of male high schoolers had persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness
Up from 41% and 21%, respectively, in 2017

69% of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and questioning (LGBQ+) high schoolers* and 35% of heterosexual students had persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness
14% of LGBQ+ high schoolers and 7% of heterosexual students did not go to school because of safety concerns

*Data set did not account for gender identity, although previous research has shown that transgender youth experience more stigma and are more likely to have more suicidal thoughts or behaviors compared to their peers.
NIH-supported research on adolescent mental health

Greater Engagement in Gender-Sexuality Alliances (GSAs) and GSA Characteristics Predict Youth Empowerment and Reduced Mental Health Concerns

This study, supported by NIMHD, focused on the connections between sexual and gender minority youth's involvement in extracurricular activities and their mental health. Researchers focused on gender-sexuality alliances (also sometimes called gay-straight alliances), which are school-based clubs to bring young people together to discuss shared issues or interests. Learn more about this study.

Understanding Bystanders for Self-Directed Violence Prevention: A Prospective National Study Highlighting Marginalized Youth and Young Adults

Self-directed violence refers to anything a person does intentionally that can cause injury or death to themselves. This study will examine the effectiveness of programs that train youth to be "active bystanders" and help those in danger of self-directed violence. Researchers will survey approximately 5,000 participants ages 13 to 22, recruited via social media, about the impacts of these bystander training programs in real-world situations. Read more about this study.

Strategic Framework for Addressing Youth Mental Health Disparities

This plan outlines research studies and other activities by NIMH, NICHD, and NIMHD to reduce mental health disparities among underserved and underrepresented youth by 2031. Some of the plan's goals are to develop culturally appropriate mental health interventions for youth and parents and to research co-occurring mental illness among young people in groups that have been marginalized. Read more about the framework.
Alternative accessible version (pdf)

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Teens are talking about mental health | NIH MedlinePlus Magazine

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National awareness of teen mental health challenges has risen since the pandemic. NIH held an essay contest last year which asked teens to describe their experiences and proposed solutions in their own words.

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Mind Over Marks: An English Teacher’s Take on Mental Health

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Mind Over Marks: An English Teacher’s Take on Mental Health

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Supporting Minds: A School Psychologist’s Insight on Student Mental Health

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Supporting Minds: A School Psychologist’s Insight on Student Mental Health

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Learning from the Past: A History Teacher’s Perspective on Mental Health

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Learning from the Past: A History Teacher’s Perspective on Mental Health

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The Examined Mind: A Philosopher’s Take on Mental Health

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The Examined Mind: A Philosopher’s Take on Mental Health

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By Pepe López

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Discovery Mood & Anxiety Program. (2024, January 25). 10 things every teen should know about dealing with a mental health issue. Discovery Mood & Anxiety Program. https://discoverymood.com/blog/10-tips-teen-dealing-with-a-mental-health/

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Challenges approach us every day in life. As teenagers, we often face challenges that revolve around relationships, sports, peer pressure, bullying, obesity, school stressors, the list goes on. It is important to remember that these challenges do not mean the world is ending. In fact, most of our challenges are temporary, and with a little bit of work, we can overcome our difficulties.

A rising topic surrounding our teenage world today is mental health. All teens Anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues have been more and more in teens. Our brains are begging for a breather, but many of us are so that we forget to care for our brains.

Mental health is just as important as physical health. Every teen knows that a broken arm requires a cast and time for healing. What about our brains? Do we know how to support the part of our body that is arguably the most important? Every teen should know the basics of dealing with a mental health issue, but not all of us do.

Take it from me. I am a teen, and I am struggling with many of the same challenges as you. Over the past few years, I have found there are 10 main things that every teen should know about dealing with a mental health issue. These tips apply to teens who are struggling with their mental health maintenance as well as teens who know somebody who is struggling with their mental health maintenance. Here are my top 10!

Teens Who Are Struggling with a Mental Health Issue

1. Asking for help when dealing with a mental health issue is a sign of strength.

It takes so much effort and bravery to step forward and admit that you may not be able to handle your challenges all on your own. There is absolutely nothing wrong with asking someone for help. Sometimes, we as teens, are afraid to speak up. We might think we are bothering others or becoming a burden for others. We fear that people will think we are weak because we cannot do everything by ourselves.

For three months straight, I cried every single day at school. I refused help. I was embarrassed to say that my troubles were too much for me to handle. I finally reached the point when I found acceptance of help. It was at that moment when I felt that I wasn't alone for the first time in months. Asking for help takes courage, and it will never be a sign of weakness.

2. Living a healthy lifestyle helps keep your mind balanced.

During the teenage years, things are constantly changing, and we are constantly developing. We are growing, and we are becoming more independent. It is our responsibility to make sure we are making healthy choices.

We need an adequate amount of sleep. I have spent many nights staying up far too late, and my brain is unclear the next morning. I have a hard time focusing at school, and at times, I even become a bit bratty. My solution was simple. Get to bed at a decent hour!

We also need an adequate amount of exercise. Physical activity has been to be a great way to release stress. It helps me feel better inside and out. Good nutrition has helped me to feel better inside and out as well.

When dealing with a mental health issue, I have found my #1 way to keep my mind balanced is sticking to a schedule/routine. I stay busy, so that my mind is distracted from the fixations I have on the negativity that exists in my life. I get dressed every single day, so that I feel productive. This prevents me from feeling overwhelmingly depressed. I also set goals. Setting goals always brings me a sense of accomplishment, and our minds desperately need that positivity.

3. You have power.

"I have control over my life." "I am smart." "I am unique." "I have a purpose!" Telling yourself these affirmations everyday is the best reminder that you have power.

We all possess incredibly positive qualities. They should not be overlooked. They should be constant reminders that you can overcome and that positive outcomes are possible.

As I dealt (and continue to deal) with my mental health challenges, I think about all the great things about myself. I remember being told that I was ugly, dumb, and worthless. For the longest time, those were the only words I listened to.I came to realize that my power trumped those words. I am capable of proving everyone wrong. It took a little bit of determination, but a mental health issue did not defeat me. That is because I used power to thrive.

4. There are tons of different coping skills for managing mental health.

Mental health issues are manageable. There are so many avenues that can be taken to find out how to manage your mental health. Identifying your best coping skills makes the biggest difference. I spent months trying to find coping skills that would ease my mind. I finally found that music is my passion. Writing songs, playing guitar, and recording new creations brought me to a place where I felt there was light. To this day, listening to music is still my favorite coping skill. Ultimately, I am living a happy life now. I don't feel much stress, and that is because music eases the stressors in my life.

My overall mental health is boosted by music, but that was not the only way I learned to manage my mental health state. I dedicated time to going to therapy, so I could talk about my struggles with someone who would listen. I also practice mindfulness and see a psychiatrist on a regular basis. Tracking my mood by journaling was also a great way I managed my progress.

5. Surrounding yourself with people that are healthy for you makes the recovery process smoother.

Bullying and unhealthy relationships make it much harder to deal with a mental health issue.

Finding friends who support you and treat you kindly helps to keep positivity in your life. It takes away a lot of the pain that comes with experiencing a mental health issue. Maybe speak more to support, support groups, family as a support. Want to be mindful not to oversimplify and say that support in and of itself takes away the pain of a mental health issue.

Teens Who Know Someone Who is Dealing with a Mental Health Issue

1. Teens struggling with mental health issues are often misunderstood by peers.

Provide yourself with a better understanding of mental health in general. The more you know, the less you judge. Our ignorance should not be the reason that prevents us from understanding a peer.

As teens, we are also quick to judge. Lacking knowledge of someone is not an excuse to judge that person. Lending a hand to someone who is struggling creates an atmosphere that is comforting rather than intimidating.

2. Spreading awareness reduces stigma.

Stigma surrounds our teenage world. In order to erase the stigma, we need to increasethe awareness. One way to do this is by starting or joining a mental health club on your school campus. There are mental health clubs such as NAMI on Campus that have been created already. Joining a club of that nature, or starting your own, is a great step forward in reducing the stigma that surrounds mental health.

It is also important to refer to others by their name, or the name they have clearly stated they would like to be called. Labeling and branding is a common form of stigma among teens that causes hurt and pain for others. Names such as psycho, crazy, retarded, etc. are unacceptable. Respect is necessary.

3. Your friend may be feeling emotions that prevent them from talking to you.

Handle your friend with care. They may need space, but be sure to let them know that you are there for them. Give your genuine love and support to them.

Try to include your friends in activities you are participating in or at least invite them. The worst feeling is when you are treated like an outcast.

It is very difficult to open up about a mental health issue. Giving your friend time might be the best route. Your friend is probably overwhelmed, which can cause isolation. That might be why they are not as quick to converse with you.

4. Your support consistency really helps the person who is experiencing a mental health issue.

Consistent support gives the person a rock, a shoulder to lean on. Keeping an open mind allows you to see how your friend might be feeling.

Teens who are suffering from a mental health challenge want someone who genuinely cares for them. They need someone who WANTS to help them instead of someone who feels like they have to help them.

5. Leading a positive life can be contagious.

Dealing with a mental health issue can be extremely overwhelming. Bringing positive vibes with you is a great way to boost your friend's mood. Positivity is a route to finding hope and seeing the light in every situation, or at the end of the tunnel, etc..

Setting an example of a positive life can be an eye-opener for the person who is struggling.

This list of 10 things that every teen should know about dealing with a mental health issue is just a start. Add to this list as you learn new things about mental health. Take away anything you feel doesn't fit your lifestyle. Just remember to do everything with purpose, love, and care!

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