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Teen Mental Health_ How to Know When Your Child Needs Help - HealthyChildren.org

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How social media influences the mental & behavioral health of children age 13 to 17

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Meditation, tools and check-ins: How a teen group is tackling the mental health crisis

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Meditation, tools and check-ins: How a teen group is tackling the mental health crisis

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Meditation, tools and check-ins: How a teen group is tackling the mental health crisis | CNN

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Teens are facing a mental health crisis, and the worst thing that could happen is for them to face it alone, experts said. One group meets together every month to learn tools and build community around mental health - and it wants adults to do so, too.

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Shortage of mental health services for teens forces parents to take...

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Shortage of mental health services for teens forces parents to take...

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Shortage of mental health services for teens forces parents to take desperate measures

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The Growing Mental Health Crisis Among America’s

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The Growing Mental Health Crisis Among America’s

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Poor mental health in US teens exacerbated by negative experiences during Covid-19 pandemic, survey finds

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Poor mental health in US teens exacerbated by negative experiences during Covid-19 pandemic, survey finds

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Poor mental health in US teens exacerbated by negative experiences during Covid-19 pandemic, survey finds _ CNN

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UP NEXT ON "CYCLE OF HEALTH."

TONIGHT'S TOPIC: TEEN MENTAL HEALTH.

OUR TEENS ARE NAVIGATING A COMPLEX, FAST-PACED WORLD FILLED WITH PRESSURES, EXPECTATIONS, AND CHALLENGES THAT CAN SOMETIMES FEEL OVERWHELMING.

TONIGHT WE ARE JOINED BY TWO EXPERTS WHO WILL PROVIDE STRATEGIES FOR BREAKING DOWN THE STIGMA, EQUIPPING VIEWERS WITH TOOLS TO SUPPORT STRUGGLING TEENS, AND PROMOTING MENTAL WELL-BEING IN SCHOOLS AND COMMUNITIES.

HELLO AND WELCOME TO CYCLE OF HEALTH, I'M DR. RICH O'NEILL.

TONIGHT'S TOPIC: TEEN MENTAL HEALTH.

OUR TEENS ARE NAVIGATING A COMPLEX, FAST-PACED WORLD FILLED WITH PRESSURES, EXPECTATIONS, AND CHALLENGES THAT CAN SOMETIMES FEEL OVERWHELMING.

TONIGHT WE ARE JOINED BY TWO EXPERTS WHO WILL PROVIDE STRATEGIES FOR BREAKING DOWN THE STIGMA, EQUIPPING VIEWERS WITH TOOLS TO SUPPORT STRUGGLING TEENS, AND PROMOTING MENTAL WELL-BEING IN SCHOOLS AND COMMUNITIES.

LET'S MEET OUR GUESTS: DR. MONIQUE WINNETT, LICENSED CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGIST AT ST. JOSEPH'S HEALTH DR. JESSICA UMINA, DIRECTOR OF THE ADOLESCENT INTENSIVE SERVICES PROGRAM AND ASSISTANT CLINICAL PROFESSOR IN THE DEPARTMENT OF CHILD AND ADOLESCENT PSYCHIATRY AT UPSTATE MEDICAL UNIVERSITY SO, DOCTOR, TELL US, AND OUR PARENTS LISTENING, HOW BAD THIS IS PROBLEM?

>> YES, THAT'S A GOOD QUESTION, RICH.

I WANTED TO CITE SOME RECENT RESEARCH THAT HAS COME UP FROM CDC RECENTLY.

THIS IS RESEARCH THAT HAS COME OUT FROM TWON, WHICH IS REALLY INTERESTING BECAUSE IT'S THE FIRST RESEARCH THAT WE HAVE SINCE COVID.

AND WHAT WE ARE SEEING IS, YOU KNOW, ABOUT 42% OF HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS WERE FEELING SAD OR DEPRESSED TO THE EXTENT THAT THEY WEREN'T ABLE TO CARRY OUT THEIR USUAL DAILY ACTIVITIES.

22% OF HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS WERE CONSIDERING SUICIDE.

18% ACTUALLY MADE A PLAN AND 10%, ONE IN 10 HAD ACTUALLY MADE AN ATTEMPT, AT LEAST ONCE WITHIN THAT PAST YEAR.

>> ONE IN 10 KIDS THAT'S AMAZING .

WHAT ARE THE KINDS OF THINGS, RISK FACTORS THAT CONTRIBUTE TO THIS.

IT SOUNDS LIKE IT HAS BEEN GETTING WORSE SINCE EARLY ON, 2010 WHEN THE ORIGINAL STATS WERE DONE.

WHAT ARE THE KINDS OF THINGS CONTRIBUTING TO THAT PROBLEM?

>> SO THERE ARE DEFINITELY QUITE A FEW RISK FACTORS.

WHAT WE FIND IS THAT MALES TEND TO MAKE SUICIDE ATTEMPTS MORE FREQUENTLY THAN FEMALES.

FEMALES HAVE MORE SUICIDE IDEATION.

AND SOME OF THE FACTORS ARE SUICIDE IDEATION.

THAT'S A WHOLE SPECTRUM.

IT COULD BE SOMETHING ALONG THE LINE OF I DON'T REALLY FEEL LIKE I WANT TO LIVE ANYMORE.

I WISH I WASN'T AROUND ANYMORE TO ACTIVE WILL I CREATING A PLAN ON HOW YOU WOULD WANT TO DIE BY SUICIDE.

OTHER RISK FACTORS ARE THINGS LIKE BEING BULLIED AT SCHOOL, SUBSTANCE ABUSE, HISTORY OF IMPULSIVE BEHAVIORS, SELF HARM IS A RISK FACTOR.

WE SEE THE RESEARCH THAT THERE IS A VERY STRONG CORRELATION BETWEEN SELF HARM AND ACTUAL SUICIDE ATTEMPTS.

>> SO WHEN YOU SAY SELF HARM, I ASSUME YOU SEE THIS IN YOUR PRACTICE, TOO.

WHAT ARE YOU ACTUALLY SEEING IN YOUR PRACTICE?

WHAT ARE THE KIDS ACTUALLY DOING?

>> ANY ACTIVITY WITH INTENT TO HURT THEMSELVES.

THAT CAN BE CUTTING THEMSELVES, IT CAN BE USING THINGS TO BURN THEMSELVES.

SOMETIMES THING LIKE VERY RESTRICTIVE EATING, BANGING THEIR HEADS INTO WALLS OR OTHER OBJECTS.

YEAH, SO ANY TIME WHERE SOMEBODY IS INTENTIONALLY DOING SOMETHING TO HARM THEIR PERSON.

>> HOW DOES THAT MAKE SENSE?

HOW DO WE UNDERSTAND SELF-HARM?

WHY DO KIDS DO THAT?

IT DOESN'T MAKE SENSE-- OBVIOUSLY WHY WOULD YOU WANT TO HURT YOURSELF?

>> OF COURSE.

THAT'S A GREAT QUESTION.

THE QUICKEST ANSWER IS THAT IT WORKS.

IT'S EFFECTIVE AND IT'S QUICK AND IT WORKS.

>> IT WORKS TO HURT YOURSELF BUT WHAT DOES IT WORK... WHAT, WORK IN WHAT WAY?

>> WORKS TO SOLVE A PROBLEM.

VERY OFTEN WHEN TEENS ARE SELF-HARMING, IT'S BECAUSE THEY'RE FEELING VERY EMOTIONALLY OVERWHELMED AND NOT SURE HOW TO CALM THEMSELVES DOWN.

WHEN THEY SELF-HARP, IT CALMS THEMSELVES DOWN QUICKLY.

I HAVE HAD TEENS TELL ME THEY SELF-HARM BECAUSE THEY FEEL NUMB OR DISCONNECTED TO THEIR BODY AND IT HELPS THEM FEEL CONNECTED TO THEIR BODY AND NOT FEEL NUMB ANYMORE.

I HAVE HAD TEENS TELL ME THAT THEY HAVE SO MANY THOUGHTS THAT GO THROUGH THEIR MIND THAT THEY CAN'T FUNCTION, THEY CAN'T PROCESS AND WHEN THEY SELF-HARM, IT SLOWS IT DOWN.

>> IT HELPS YOU, YOU CUT YOURSELF, YOU BURN YOURSELF, BANG YOUR HEAD, AND IT HELPS THEM CHANGE THAT NEGATIVE EXPERIENCE AND FOR SOME REASON IT HELPS THEM FEEL BETTER.

>> ABSOLUTELY.

THERE ARE PHYSIOLOGICAL EFFECTS OF SELF-HARM AND THERE ARE ALSO ENVIRONMENTAL.

SOMETIMES TEENS ARE SELF-HARMING AS A WAY OF COMMUNICATING, RIGHT, THAT I NEED HELP.

I'M IN PAIN, RIGHT?

AND THE ENVIRONMENT RESPONDS IN A WAY THAT'S POSITIVE FOR THEM.

>> WHAT KINDS OF THINGS ARE PROTECTIVE FACTORS?

WHAT KIND OF THINGS KEEP KIDS FROM DEVELOPING EMOTIONAL DIFFICULTIES?

>> THERE IS A LOT.

A SENSE OF HOPE.

WHATEVER WE CAN DO TO INSTILL HOPE IN THE YOUTH TO HELP THEM KNOW THAT THE PAIN THEY'RE EXPERIENCING IS TEMPORARY.

THINGS GET BETTER.

LIFE WILL BE BETTER.

A HUGE SENSE OF COMMUNITY AND BELONGING, FEELING LIKE THEY'RE IMPORTANT TO OTHER PEOPLE, LIKE THEY HAVE A PURPOSE, LIKE THEY MATTER, A SENSE OF PRODUCTIVITY AND FEELING LIKE THEY'RE ACCOMPLISHING THINGS CAN GO A LONG WAY.

THERE IS A LOT WE CAN DO TO BUFFER THESE THINGS THAT YOUTH ARE EXPERIENCING.

>> SO THIS IS WHY I'VE SEEN SOME STATS THAT SHOW THAT KIDS WHO ARE ACTIVELY INVOLVED IN SPORTS AND CLUBS, ET CETERA, AT SCHOOL, TEND TO DO BETTER.

I MEAN EMOTIONALLY SPEAKING.

AND THAT GIVES THEM A SENSE OF BELONGING AND A SENSE OF CONTRIBUTING AND BEING CONNECTED TO OTHER PEOPLE.

>> I MATTER.

IT'S IMPORTANT FOR ME TO BE HERE.

I SERVE A ROLE.

I HAVE SUPPORTS.

I HAVE A TEAM AROUND ME WHO IS THERE FOR ME WHO I KNOW I CAN RELY ON.

I THINK THAT'S WHY WE SAW CHANGES IN SOME OF THE STATISTICS OVER COVID WHEN YOUTH DIDN'T HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO PARTICIPATE IN A LOT OF THOSE ACTIVITIES THAT WAS PREVIOUSLY GIVING THEM THAT SENSE OF CONNECTION.

>> I NOTICED EVEN FOR ME, LIKE IT WAS HARD FOR ME TO THE TO BE ABLE TO GO TO WORK AND SCHMOOZE WITH THE PEOPLE IN THE HALLWAYS.

IT WAS LIKE, WHERE IS EVERYBODY?

AND YOU ARE SITTING BY YOURSELF ALL THE TIME I WAS SO GLAD TO GET BACK AND TALK TO PEOPLE AND COMPLAIN TO PEOPLE ABOUT THE PARKING OR JUST MAKE SOMETHING KIND OF CONNECTION.

OTHER THINGS THAT-- OTHER MYTHS FOR INSTANCE, ABOUT TEEN MENTAL HEALTH THAT WE PLIGHT WANT TO DISPEL?

WHAT KINDS OF MYTHS ARE OUT THERE.

>> SURE.

ESPECIALLY MYTHS AROUND TEENS THAT ENGAGE IN SELF-HARM ARE SUICIDE BEHAVIORS.

THERE IS A LOT OF MYTHS OUT THERE.

I OFTEN HEAR PARENTS SAY THAT THEY'RE AFRAID TO SPEAK WITH THEIR TEENS ABOUT THESE ISSUES OR EVEN OTHER PEOPLE LIKE WITH TEACHERS OR OTHER PEOPLE IN THEIR COMMUNITY, SAYING THEY'RE AFRAID TO TALK WITH TEENS ABOUT SELF-HARM OR SUICIDE BECAUSE THEY'RE AFRAID THEY'LL ACTUALLY TALKING ABOUT IT WILL MAKE THEM WANT TO DO IT OR MAKE THEM DO IT.

>> SO IF I RAISE THE ISSUE WITH MY TEEN TALKING ABOUT SUICIDE, THEY'RE GOING TO TRIGGER THEM TO ACTUALLY START DOING IT?

>> ABSOLUTELY NOT.

>> MAKING THE ATTEMPT.

>> AND YOU ARE SAYING ABSOLUTELY NOT.

>> AND IT'S HELP HELPFUL TO BE MINDFUL HOW YOU APPROACH IT.

IF YOU APPROACH IT IN A WAY THAT'S VERY CRITICAL, YOU KNOW, IT'S FINALITY, YES, OF COURSE BUT IF YOU ARE APPROACHING IT FROM A WAY THAT YOU ARE BEING SUPPORTIVE, THAT YOU ARE WORRIED, CONCERNED, SHOWING THAT YOU CARE, IT WOULD NOT AT ALL INCREASE THE LIKELIHOOD THAT THEY WOULD SELF-HARM OR MAKE A SUICIDE ATTEMPT.

>> I SEE YOU NODDING.

HOW WOULD YOU SUGGEST PARENTS TALK TO THEIR KIDS?

GIVE US AN EXAMPLE OF HOW WOULD YOU-- HERE I AM, A TEENAGER.

WHAT WOULD YOU SAY TO ME AS A PARENTED.

>> IT'S IMPORTANT FOR PARENTS TO FOSTER THAT OPEN COMMUNICATION AND ENCOURAGE YOUR TEENS TO SPEAK.

WHAT IS A TIME YOU FELT GOOD TODAY, THAT YOU HAD POSITIVE EMOTIONS.

WHAT IS A TIME TODAY YOU MIGHT HAVE BEEN FEELING DOWN AND DISCOURAGED AND OPENING IT UP AND ENCOURAGING THEM AND NOT HOP OFF THE BUS AND SAYING IT'S FINE BUT TELLING THEM THAT YOU ARE THERE FOR THEM AND BEING IN TUNE WITH THOSE EMOTIONS IS IMPORTANT BECAUSE FOLLOWING THAT THEN IS HOW WE DETERMINE WHAT WE DO TO BE PROACTIVE AND RESPOND TO SOME OF THOSE SENSATIONS THAT WE HAVE.

>> SO NOT IN A CRITICAL WAY BUT WARM WELCOMING WAY.

WHAT IF THEY DON'T WANT TO TALK?

NO, I'M NOT GOING TO TALK TO YOU ABOUT THAT.

>> IT HAPPENS A LOT WITH ADOLESCENTS.

>> I REMEMBER DOING THAT WITH MY PARENTS.

UH-HUH.

>> YOU KNOW, I THINK IF YOUR TEEN IS IN A PLACE THAT THEY'RE SAY THIS IS NOT SOMETHING I WANT TO TALK ABOUT RIGHT NOW.

IT'S IMPORTANT TO LET THEM KNOW THAT YOU ARE THERE TO TALK ABOUT WHEN THEY'RE READY AND IS THERE SOMEBODY ELSE YOU CAN CONNECT THEM TO THAT THEY MAY FEEL MORE COMFORTABLE WITH.

SOMETIMES TEENS HAVE A HARD TIME SHARING THINGS WITH THEIR PARENTS AND I'VE WORKED WITH TEENS WHO HAVE SAID I'M AFRAID I'LL WORRY MY PARENTS.

I DON'T WANT THEM TO GET UPSET.

THEY HAVE SO MUCH GOING ON.

I DON'T WANT THEM TO BE ANGRY WITH ME.

SO MAYBE THE PARENT ISN'T THE BEST FIRST PERSON FOR THEM TO TALK WITH AND MAYBE FINDING SOMEBODY IN THE COMMUNITY THAT THEY CAN SPEAK WITH.

>> I THINK I'VE HAD GOOD LUCK WITH YOUTH JOURNALING BACK AND FORTH WITH THEIR PARENTS.

SAYING THE WORDS OUT LOUD CAN BE HARD BUT HAVING A WRITTEN DIALOGUE SOMETIMES I'VE SEEN ADOLESCENTS BE ABLE TO EXPRESS THEMSELVES DIFFERENTLY THAT WAY.

I THINK TO JESSICA'S POINT, JUST OPENING UP THAT DOOR AND LETTING THEM KNOW THAT YOU ARE THERE WHEN THEY WANT TO TALK ABOUT IT.

I HAVE ALSO HAD SUCCESS SOMETIMES IF A TEENAGER IS NOT COMFORTABLE SHOWING THEIR OWN PERSONAL EXPERIENCE WITH THEIR PARENTS, ASKING THE YOUTH ABOUT THEIR FRIENDS, YOU KNOW, WHAT ARE THE THINGS THAT SEEM TO MAKE YOUR FRIENDS UPSET.

DO YOU YOUR FRIENDS EVER TALK ABOUT WANTING TO HURT THEMSELVES.

DO YOUR FRIENDS ENGAGE IN DRUG USE THAT YOU KNOW OF AND SOMETIMES THAT CAN BE THE DOOR TO NOT ONLY LET THE YOUTH KNOW THAT YOU ARE COMFORTABLE HAVING THOSE CONVERSATIONS AND THAT YOU CAN HANDLE IT BUT IT GIVES YOU A LITTLE MORE INSIGHT INTO WHAT MESSAGES YOUR CHILD MIGHTING MIGHT BE GETTING FROM THEIR PEERS.

>> LIKE ON SOCIAL MEDIA.

WHAT ROLE DOES SOCIAL MEDIA PLAY IN ALL OF THIS?

WHAT DO YOU GUYS SEE?

>> I THINK THAT THERE ARE PROs AND CONS TO SOCIAL MEDIA.

SO THERE ARE A LOT OF THINGS OUT THERE THAT CAN BE A DETRIMENT TO TEENS MENTAL HEALTH.

THERE IS A LOT MORE BULLYING THAT TENDS TO HAPPEN OVER SOCIAL MEDIA, SOMETHING ABOUT NOT SEEING THE PERSON FACE TO FACE.

>> ANONYMOUS, YOU CAN SAY ANYTHING YOU WANT.

>> ALLOWS YOU TO SAY THINGS YOU WOULDN'T SAY IN PERSON.

YOU CAN HAVE ACCESS TO DIFFERENT GROUPS AND DIFFERENT CHATS WHERE PEOPLE ACTUALLY SUPPORT THINGS LIKE SELF-HARM, TELL YOU HOW TO DO IT AND GET AWAY WITH IT OR HIDE IT THAT ENCOURAGE SUICIDE BEHAVIORS.

THERE ARE ALSO THINGS ON SOCIAL MEDIA THAT ARE SUPPORTIVE.

THERE ARE ACTUALLY ARE SOCIAL MEDIA THAT ARE THERE TO HELP PEOPLE THAT REALLY ARE PRO, YOU KNOW, PRO-LIFE AND PRONOT MAKING SUICIDE ATTEMPTS, PRONOT ENGAGING IN SELF-HARM BEHAVIORS.

A LOT OF MY TEENS WILL USE APPS ON THEIR PHONES TO MARK HOW LONG THEY HAVE GONE IN NOT ENGAGING IN A SELF-HARM BEHAVIOR OR SUICIDE BEHAVIOR AND THEY GET THINGS THAT POP UP LIKE CONGRATULATIONS.

YOU ARE DOING A GREAT JOB.

>> SO YOU MIGHT INTRODUCE YOUR TEEN TO SOME OF THOSE IF THEY AND BE AWARE OF WHAT YOUR TEENS ARE DOING WHEN THEY'RE ON THEIR PHONES AND ENGAGING IN SOCIAL MEDIA JUST IS TO BE AWARE, TO HAVE AN OPEN CONVERSATION, BE ABLE TO, IF YOU ARE CONCERNED, LOOK THROUGH THEIR PHONE IF YOU FEEL THAT'S NECESSARY BUT TO BE ABLE TO HAVE AN OPEN CONVERSATION AND WHAT PLATFORMS DO YOU CHOOSE TO VISIT, WHAT VIDEOS DO YOU CHAOS TO LOOK AT AND HOW-- DO YOU CHOOSE TO LOOK AT AND HOW DOES IT AFFECT YOU.

>> I'M HEARING ONE OF THE MAIN THEMES YOU TWO ARE BRINGING IN IS BE OPEN TO CONVERSATION, BE WARM AND INVITING AND IN A WAY THAT MIGHT BE A WAY FOR KIDS TO DESTRESS AND I KNOW WE WENT TO VISIT A PLACE WHERE KIDS CAN DESTRESS, ELM DREFT CHILDREN'S CENTER WHERE THERE IS A VOLUNTARY PROGRAM THAT KIDS CAN GO TO VOLUNTARILY TO GET A RESPITE FROM THEIR PARENTS, SOMETHING I CAN REMEMBER AS A TEEN WANTING A LITTLE TIME FROM MY PARENTS OCCASIONALLY.

SO WE WENT OUT AND VISITED.

LET'S TAKE A LOOK.

>> THERE IS A FEW THINGS THAT FAMILY MEMBERS, COMMUNITY MEMBERS, TEACHERS, CAN BE ON THE LOOKOUT FOR WHEN IT COMES TO MENTAL HEALTH CRISIS EMERGING.

CHANGES IN EATING PATTERNS, CHANGES IN ACTIVITY AND INTEREST IN ACTIVITIES, ESPECIALLY THINGS THAT THEY WOULD NORMALLY ENJOY.

A BEHAVIORAL CONCERN IS A MENTAL HEALTH CONCERN.

A CHILD'S BEHAVIOR IS ALWAYS DRIVEN BY SOMETHING; AN IDEA THEY HAVE, A FEELING THEY HAVE, AND IN MANY CASES, A BEHAVIORAL ISSUE IS ROOTED IN A MENTAL HEALTH CONCERN THAT WE MIGHT BE ABLE TO HELP WITH.

CHILDREN'S CRISIS RESPITE IS A THREE-WEEK PROGRAM WHERE YOUTH AGES 5-18 COME FOR A BREAK FOR THEMSELVES AND FOR THEIR FAMILIES.

THEY MAY BE GOING THROUGH SOME SORT OF MENTAL HEALTH CRISIS THAT IS IMPACTING THEIR ABILITIES TO KIND OF KEEP THEMSELVES TOGETHER AT HOME OR IN SCHOOL OR IN THE COMMUNITY.

SO WHEN THEY COME HERE, WE DO WORK TEACHING SKILLS, SUPPORTING THEM THROUGH THEIR SITUATIONS, PROVIDING THEM WITH INDIVIDUAL GROUP, FAMILY THERAPY, RECREATION.

LIKE I MENTIONED, BASIC LIFE SKILLS.

AND TRY TO KIND OF HELP THEM LEARN NEW STRATEGIES TO COPE WHEN THEY'RE STRUGGLING THROUGH THEIR SITUATIONS.

WE TRY TO MAKE SURE THAT IT'S NOT A HUGE TRANSITION FOR YOUTH WHEN THEY COME HERE, DOING THE SAME THINGS THEY MIGHT DO IN THEIR HOMES.

MAKE SURE THEY GET TO SCHOOL ON TIME.

WE PICK THEM UP AFTER SCHOOL.

WE COME IN HERE AND WE HAVE A VARIETY OF ACTIVITIES OFF GROUNDS WHERE WE GO TO THE YMCA, WE GO TO THE ZOO.

ARTS AND CRAFTS, DIFFERENT REC ACTIVITIES HERE.

>> OUR CRISIS RESPITE PROGRAMS ARE STRICTLY ON A VOLUNTEER BASIS.

THE LINE THAT I USE FOR THIS MOST OFTEN IS THAT WE DO NOT NEED ENTHUSIASM FROM THEM.

WE JUST NEED THEM TO AGREE.

THE REASON FOR THAT BEING THAT WE ARE GOING TO HAVE A MUCH GREATER CHANCE OF BEING HELPFUL IF THE CHILD AND FAMILY ARE BOTH AGREEING THAT THEY SHOULD BE LEER.

HERE.

>> KIDS COME HERE WITH DIFFERENT AGES, SKILLS AND ABILITIES.

YOU CAN'T JUST USE ONE APPROACH BECAUSE IT DOESN'T WORK FOR ALL.

YOU HAVE TO MEET KIDS WHERE THEY'RE AT.

INDIVIDUALIZE YOUR APPROACHES, LEARN SKILLS AND ABILITIES FROM KIDS THROUGH ENGAGEMENT AND SEE WHAT WORKS BEST WITH THAT PARTICULAR YOUTH.

THEY'RE TRYING TO FIND THEMSELVES, WHO THEY ARE, WHAT THEIR IDENTITY IS AND I THINK A LOT OF TIMES THAT CAN BE DIFFICULT FOR YOUTH WHEN THEY'RE IN AN ENVIRONMENT THAT'S NOT STRUCTURED, DOESN'T HAVE A ROUTINE, THINGS THAT THEY CAN ACTUALLY LEARN FROM AND THINGS THAT ARE MILD FOR THEM TO UNDERSTAND.

I THINK THAT'S WHY WE ARE SUCCESSFUL HERE.

WHEN THEY GET HERE, A LOT OF YOUTH ARE ABLE TO BE MODELED AFTER THINGS THAT WE ARE SHOWING THEM AND DOING WITH THEM WITH THE EXPERIENCE THAT WE HAVE.

I THINK SOME FAMILIES MAY NOT HAVE THAT EXPERIENCE WITH THOSE KINDS OF THINGS WHEN IT COMES TO RAISING CHILDREN AND STUFF LIKE THAT SO WE ARE ABLE TO GIVE THEM A LITTLE STRUCTURE, A LITTLE ROUTINE AND YOU WILL SEE AS THEY'RE HERE FOR THE SHORT PERIOD OF TIME THAT THEY ARE, THEY RELISH WANTING TO HAVE THE STRUCTURE AND THAT ROUTINE.

>> AS A CHILDREN'S CRISIS RESPITE PROGRAM, WE UNDERSTAND THAT CRISIS IS UNPREDICTABLE AND HAPPENS OUTSIDE OF REGULAR BUSINESS HOURS.

WE ARE PREPARED TO FIELD REFERRAL CALLS AND PROCESS ADMISSIONS 24/7, 365.

WE DO NOT SHUT OUR DOORS.

WE ARE HERE AND ABLE TO BE A RESOURCE FOR FAMILIES NO MATTER WHAT TIME OF DAY THE CRISIS IS HAPPENING.

>> SO THAT'S AN EXAMPLE OF A VOLUNTARY PROGRAM AND THERE ARE A WHOLE BUNCH OF OTHER VOLUNTARY PROGRAMS.

WHAT OTHER TREATMENT PROGRAMS ARE THERE, APPROACHES TO THERAPY, FOR INSTANCE?

IS THERE A VARIETY OF APPROACHES?

>> YEAH, SO I THINK THERE IS A VARIETY OF APPROACHES AND DIFFERENT LEVELS OF TREATMENT.

SO AT UPSTATE WE HAVE THE ADOLESCENT INTENSIVE OUTPATIENT PROGRAM AND THE TYPE OF TREATMENT THAT WE USE THERE IS DIALECTAL THERAPY.

IT WAS A TYPE OF TREATMENT CREATED IN THE 90s AND REALLY IS FOCUSED ON WORKING WITH PEOPLE WHO HAVE SUICIDE IDEATION THAT HAVE MADE SUICIDE ATTEMPTS THAT ARE SELF-HARMING AND FEELING REALLY EMOTIONALLY DYSREGULATED.

IT'S A WONDERFUL EVIDENCE EVIDENCE-BASED TREATMENT WITH EVIDENCE BEHIND IT.

WE WORK WITH KIDS 12-18 YEARS OF AGE AND USUALLY IT'S ABOUT NINE HOURS OF CONTACT PER WEEK AND WE ALSO HAVE A LONGER TERM SIX MONTHS TO A YEAR PROGRAM AS WELL.

>> SO A WHOLE ARRAY OF DIFFERENT PROGRAMS.

>> WHAT ABOUT ST. JOE'S?

>> THERE IS A LOT OF OUTPATIENT CLINICS THROUGHOUT S.A.T.

JOSEPH'S.

MAYBE NOT WARRANTING A LEVEL OF CARE LIKE JESSICA IS SPEAKING ABOUT BUT NEEDING TO NIP SOME OF IT IN THE BUD AND GET INTO TREATMENT EARLIER.

MULTIPLE OUTPATIENT SETTINGS AS WELL AS SERVICES INTEGRATED INTO OUR PRIMARY CARE PRACTICES.

ST. JOSEPH HAS CRISIS SERVICES WHEN PEOPLE ARE FEELING IN ACUTE NEED AS WELL AS INPATIENT UNIT SO A BROAD SPECTRUM OF SERVICES.

>> SO IT MIGHT RANGE FROM LEVELS OF CARE YOU ARE MENTIONING MAYBE ONCE A WEEK GOING IN TO TALK TO ONE OF YOU FOLKS OR SOMEBODY ELSE ON THE STAFF.

OR MORE INTENSIVE TREATMENT.

>> ABSOLUTELY.

YES, THE SAME THING WITH UPSTATE.

WE HAVE AN OUTPATIENT PROGRAM AS WELL THAT'S MORE TREATMENT FOR THOSE TEENS WHO HAVEN'T QUITE REACHED THAT LEVEL OF CARE AND THE STEP UP WOULD BE OUR PROGRAM , THE I.O.P.

AND IF THEY NEEDED MORE INTENSIVE LEVEL OF CARE WOULD BE THE INPATIENT UNIT BUT DEFINITELY DIFFERENT LEVELS OF CARE.

>> AND IF THERE IS A CRISIS, I DIDN'T QUITE CATCH WHAT YOU SAID WHAT WAS IT?

>> ST. JOSEPH'S HAVE THE C PAP PROGRAM WHICH IS AN EMERGENCY ROOM FOR PSYCHIATRIC ISSUES WHERE YOU CAN GO AND GET MORE IMMEDIATE HELP IF YOU ARE FEELING LIKE YOU ARE STRUGGLING TO KEEP YOURSELF SAFE IN THE MOMENT OR YOU NEED A PRETTY HIGH LEVEL OF CARE AS WELL AS MOBILE CRISIS SERVICES THAT ARE OFFERED THROUGH ST. JOES GLEF MOBILE CRISIS.

SO IF SOMETHING REALLY DRASTIC IS HAPPENING AND YOUR CHILD IS THREATENING TO HARM THEMSELVES, KILL THEMSELVES, YOU MIGHT CALL THE MOBILE CRISIS SERVICE AND THEY WOULD COME OUT TO YOUR HOUSE?

>> THEY DO.

AND 911 IS ALWAYS A GREAT RESOURCE IN THOSE EMERGENCY SITUATIONS AS WELL.

AND JUST BY CALLING 911, THEY CAN HELP GET THERE AND HELP KEEP THE YOUTH SAFE AND GET THEM WHERE THEY NEED TO BE AND CONNECT THEM WITH OTHER CRISIS SERVICES THAT MIGHT BE WARRANTED.

>> AND I UNDERSTAND THE NEW NUMBER 988, WHICH IS A NATIONWIDE HOT LINE, AND MY UNDERSTANDING IS THAT IT'S A PLACE WHERE YOU CAN CALL AND ACTUALLY TALK TO SOMEBODY IMMEDIATELY WHO WILL JUST SORT OF TALK AND THAT'S AVAILABLE.

>> ABSOLUTELY.

I BELIEVE YOU CAN TEXAS WELL, WHICH IS A DEFINITE PULL FOR TEENS.

>> KIDS, YEAH.

>> PART OF OUR PROGRAM IS WE PROVIDE PHONE COACHING SEVEN DAYS A WEEK PRETTY MUCH 24 HOURS A DAY WITH OUR TEENS AND MANY OF THEM PREFER TO TEXT RATHER THAN ACTUALLY CALL.

IT'S EASIER.

SO I THINK THAT'S DEFINITELY A PLUS.

>> WHAT ABOUT-- WHAT DO YOU SAY TO PEOPLE WHO SAY TEENS DON'T HAVE ANYTHING TO WORRY ABOUT.

THEY'VE GOT IT MADE WHAT DO YOU SAY TO THOSE PEOPLE?

MAYBE THEY FORGOT WHAT IT IS LIKE TOWN A TEENAGER.

>> IT'S NOT WHAT STATISTICS ARE SHOW US.

THERE ARE A LOT ON TEENS IN TERMS OF ACADEMIC PRESSURES, CERTAINLY PEER PRESSURES AND CONCERNS THERE WHICH SEEM TO BE AMPLIFIED WITH USE THE SOCIAL MEDIA NOW.

CONCERNS ABOUT STRESSES WITHIN THE FAMILY AND HOW THAT IMPACTS YOUTH, THINKING TOWARD THE FUTURE.

AND WHAT WE KNOW ABOUT TECHNOLOGY IS THAT EASY ACCESS EXPANDS WHAT WE HAVE EXPOSURE TO SO QUICKLY AND LOTS OF TIME AN ADOLESCENT BRAIN IS NOT PREPARED TO MANAGE ORDEAL WITH THAT LEVEL OF INPUT AND SO THAT CAN BE VERY OVERWHELMING ON A LOT OF LEVELS AS WELL.

>> I FIND THAT MYSELF.

I WANT TO TURN OFF MY PHONE.

I DON'T WANT TO LISTEN TO THE NEWS AT TIMES AND THESE KIDS ARE GETTING IT-- THEY ARE NEVER OFF THEIR PHONES.

>> THAT IS A CONCERN.

>> IT'S AMAZING.

>> THAT IS THAT INABILITY TO TURNS THINGS OFF.

I THINK WHEN I WAS YOUNGER IF I WANTED TO SPEND TIME WITH MY FRIENDS, I HAD TO GO OUTSIDE AND SPEND TIME WITH THEM AND WHEN I WAS HOME, I DIDN'T REALLY HAVE ACCESS TO THEM.

NOW YOU HAVE ACCESS 24/7 AND TEENS VFN OR NOT GOING OUTSIDE TO HANG OUT WITH THEIR FRIENDS.

THEY'RE USUALLY CONNECTING WITH THEIR FRIENDS, ESPECIALLY DURING THE WEEK, THROUGH SOCIAL MEDIA.

>> AND THERE IS SOMETHING ABOUT BEING WITH OTHER PEOPLE THAT'S GREAT.

WELL, LISTEN.

THAT'S JUST ABOUT ALL THE TIME WE HAVE, I WANT TO THANK OUR GUESTS: DR. MONIQUE WINNETT, LICENSED CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGIST AT ST. JOSEPH'S HEALTH DR. JESSICA UMINA, DIRECTOR OF THE ADOLESCENT INTENSIVE SERVICES PROGRAM AND ASSISTANT CLINICAL PROFESSOR IN THE DEPARTMENT OF CHILD AND ADOLESCENT PSYCHIATRY IN THE NORTON COLLEGE OF MEDICINE AT UPSTATE MEDICAL UNIVERSITY HOW ABOUT WE PAUSE FOR A MOMENT AND SHARE A GOOD LAUGH?

INCORPORATING HUMOR AND LAUGHTER INTO YOUR DAILY ROUTINE CAN BE A VALUABLE AND ENJOYABLE WAY TO SUPPORT YOUR PHYSICAL AND MENTAL WELL-BEING.

WITH THAT BEING SAID: WHY DON'T SKELETONS FIGHT EACH OTHER?

>> I DON'T KNOW, RICH.

>> THEY DON'T HAVE THE GUTS!

WHAT DO TRANSPLANT NURSES HATE?

>> I DON'T KNOW.

WHAT?

>> REJECTION!

[LAUGHTER] WELL, IF YOU WANT TO SHARE A GOOD JOKE FOR OUR LAUGHTER IS THE BEST MEDICINE SEGMENT TORE SEE MORE OF OUR PROGRAM, VISIT WCNY.ORG/CYCLEOFHEALTH.

TO HEAR OUR NEW COMPANION COMMUNITY FM RADIO SHOW, CHECK UP FROM THE NECK UP, VISIT WCNY.ORG/COMMUNITYFM FOR 'CYCLE OF HEALTH,' I'M PSYCHOLOGIST Dr. RICH O'NEILL AND HERE THIS IS WEEK'S MINI CHECK UP FROM THE NECK CHUP.

NECKUP THANKS FOR CHECKING?

>> HI, I'M PSYCHOLOGIST Dr. RICH O'NEILL WITH THIS WEEK'S CHECK UP FROM THE NECK UP.

FOUR TINY FRIENDSHIPS OR THE MAGIC OF GOOD MORNING AND JUST A LITTLE BIT MORE.

WELL, DEAR TUNE ERINERS, I HAVE LOVED RUNNING THE LAKES AT THE PARK AND TROTTING BY FOLKS AND SAYING GOOD MORNING UNTIL RECENTLY THAT WAS IT.

EVEN THOUGH I MIGHT HAVE SEEN THE SAME FOLKS A FEW TIMES.

BUT LATELY, ON THE SECOND AND THIRD TIME, I HAVE MENTIONED SOMETHING WE HAVE IN COMMON LIKE NICE AND COOL FOR THE JOG TODAY, HUH?

A BIT RISKY BECAUSE SOMETIMES PEOPLE GIVE YOU A BLANK LOOK.

OUCH.

BUT THE MORE I DO IT, THE MORE I FIND IT'S WELL WORTH BEING LEFT HANGING OCCASIONALLY.

LIKE THE OTHER DAY.

I WENT BY A COUPLE WITH THEIR LITTLE BOY AND I SAID GOOD MORNING!

LATER, THERE THEY WERE AGAIN.

LOVELY DAY, HUH?

AND THEY SAID YEAH SUMMER!

THE THIRD TIME I WAS JUST GOING TO NOD WHEN I NOTICED THEIR LITTLE GUY HAD AMAZING HAIR.

SO I PULLED UP SHORT.

YANKED OFF MY HAT AND SAID I USE TO HAVE THE SAME CURLY HAIR.

MY SON DOES NOW.

ISN'T THAT GREAT?

AND WE ALL CHAT ABOUT OUR GRANDMOTHER'S LOVING THE CURLS AND YAD YADA, YADA.

OFF WE WENT.

NEXT, DIDN'T ANOTHER JOGGER SHOUT A FUNNY AS WE WENT BY AND WE LAUGHED AND ON THE COOL DOWN, ANOTHER GUY SAID GOOD RUNNING, GUY, WITH A BIG THUMB'S UP.

ON THE SHADY BENCH SNACKING, ANOTHER STOPS AND ASKS HOW FAR I WENT AND SHARES HIS RUNNING TRIUMPH AND HIS DRIVE TOAD WILLS OVER AND WE CHAT ABOUT HOW RUNNING ACTUALLY STRENGTHENS YOUR JOINTS RATHER THAN CAUSING ARTHRITIS AND MY NAME IS RICH.

HI, COLLIN, JACKIE, AND THEY OFFER ME STRAWBERRIES AND GOOD LUCK IN YOUR RACE.

FOUR TINY FRIENDSHIPS ALL FROM A FEW WORDS ABOUT WHAT WE HAVE IN COMMON HERE AND NOW.

AND TO THINK, I WAS A SHY KID.

WHAT A LIFE, HUH.

I'M Dr.

NECK UP RICH THE CHATTY RUNNER O'NEILL.

THANKS FOR TUNING IN.

>> NEXT WEEK ON "CYCLE OF HEALTH..." >> TONIGHT'S TOPIC, OLD COVID, LONG COVID, NEW COVID.

AND VACCINES, ET CETERA.

AS COVID SURGES, AND SOME OF US GRAPPLE WITH LINGERING EFFECTS FROM PREVIOUS INFECTIONS, WE TALK WITH TWO EXPERTS TO DISCUSS LONG COVID AND THE RAPIDLY SPREADING NEW VIRAL STRAINS.

WHAT IS THE DANGER AND WHAT CAN WE DO?

♪ IF YOU WANT THE LATEST DATA TO AVOID THE DEFIBRILLATOR AND THE THOUGHT OF DIABETES GIFS YOU HEEBIE JEEBIEY ♪ AND YOU WANT THE ANSWERS ON THE CANCERS, DESIRE FOR FIRE WHEN YOU RETIRE, TUNE YOUR TELETO OUR "CYCLE OF HEALTH" ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪

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Cycle of Health | Teen Mental Health | Season 16 | Episode 4 | PBS

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Exploring teen mental health and offering tools for better well-being in the community.

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I Think I Have a Mental Health Problem. Who Can I Talk To?

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I Think I Have a Mental Health Problem. Who Can I Talk To?

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If you're feeling stressed, anxious, angry, or sad, you're not alone. At times, everyone feels emotions like these. They are a normal part of life.

But sometimes anxiety, sad moods, or stressful thoughts become too intense or happen too often. They may become hard to cope with. This can keep you from doing and feeling your best. When that happens, it might be a sign of a mental health problem that needs care. Or it might be a sign that you are going through a difficult time and need support. Getting help now can prevent things from becoming worse.

Whether you have a mental health problem or you just need support through a tough time, it helps to talk with someone.

Who Should I Talk To?

You can talk with a parent. If you can, it's best to start by talking to a parent. Your parent may already have noticed that you seem stressed or that you're struggling with something. They might even ask, "What's wrong?" Or, "What's going on?" If they ask, take the chance to open up.

But don't wait for a parent to ask. Sometimes it's up to you to take the lead. So go ahead - find a good time and share what you're feeling. Explain what you're going through. A parent can offer advice, give you support, and help you think things through.

A parent can help you set up a visit with your doctor or a therapist for a check-up. This lets you find out if you have a mental health problem or if something else is going on. You'll be able to learn what can help.

What If I can't talk with my parent? It's good when a parent can be there for you, listen calmly to what you need to share, and know how to help you. But not every parent can. Some parents have troubles of their own that make it hard for them to stay calm or help you in the way you need. If there has been a lot of conflict between you and your parent, it can be hard to talk.

If you can't talk to a parent, or if your parent can't help, talk with another adult.

For example, you could talk with:

a family member, such as a grandparent or another adult relative

your school counselor, school nurse, teacher, or coach

your doctor or a therapist

an adult mentor, youth group leader, or a friend's parent

Go to an adult you trust. Say you'd like to talk with them about a problem. You can ask them to listen and help you sort things out. You can ask them to help you decide what to do next. And you can ask them to help you set up a visit with a doctor or therapist.

Talk With Your Doctor or a Therapist

Even if you already talked with a parent or another adult, it's still good to talk with a doctor or therapist. They can ask the right questions and listen. They can identify any mental health problems. They can tell you about treatment and support that will help. They can give you the care you need or refer you to someone else who can help.

Do I Need to Talk With Someone if I'm Just Feeling Stressed?

Sometimes people dismiss stress as if it's not a big deal. You might think, "Oh, I'm just feeling stressed. It'll go away." But stress can pile up, especially if you're dealing with a challenging situation. And if you've been through trauma or adversity, you might try to suppress difficult feelings instead of cope with them. Talking with someone about these things can help you cope - and even prevent a mental health problem.

It's always best to talk with someone about what you're going through. When you keep troubles to yourself, things can stay bad or get worse. When you share what you're going through, it helps you feel closer to the people in your life. And that can be the first step to feeling better.

Date reviewed: February 2022

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I Think I Have a Mental Health Problem. Who Can I Talk To?

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If you have a mental health problem or you just need support through a tough time, it can help to talk with someone. Here's how teens can find that help.

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US youth are in a mental health crisis—we must invest in their care

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US youth are in a mental health crisis—we must invest in their care

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US youth are in a mental health crisis—we must invest in their care

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Lack of adequate mental health care places heavy burden on young people

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Chances are good that you, or someone you know, is dealing with anxiety. One in five Americans over 18, and one in three teenagers 13 to 18, reported having a chronic anxiety disorder during the past year. And when I talk to college students, they're not at all surprised that a whopping 63% of students felt tremendous anxiety during their freshman year, according to a report by the National College Health Association.

The toll of anxiety can be high: it increases a person's risk for other psychiatric disorders like depression, and can contribute to diabetes and cardiovascular problems. One sobering study shows that people with anxiety tend to be more sedentary and do less intense forms of physical activity, if any. That's ironic, because lacing up your sneakers and getting out and moving may be the single best nonmedical solution we have for preventing and treating anxiety.

As a psychiatrist who studies the effects of exercise on the brain, I've not only seen the science, I've witnessed firsthand how physical activity affects my patients. Research shows aerobic exercise is especially helpful. A simple bike ride, dance class, or even a brisk walk can be a powerful tool for those suffering from chronic anxiety. Activities like these also help people who are feeling overly nervous and anxious about an upcoming test, a big presentation, or an important meeting.

How does exercise help ease anxiety?

Engaging in exercise diverts you from the very thing you are anxious about.

Moving your body decreases muscle tension, lowering the body's contribution to feeling anxious.

Getting your heart rate up changes brain chemistry, increasing the availability of important anti-anxiety neurochemicals, including serotonin, gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA), brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), and endocannabinoids.

Exercise activates frontal regions of the brain responsible for executive function, which helps control the amygdala, our reacting system to real or imagined threats to our survival.

Exercising regularly builds up resources that bolster resilience against stormy emotions.

The details

So exactly how much exercise does one need to protect against episodes of anxiety and anxiety disorders? While pinpointing this is not easy, a recent meta-analysis in the journal Anxiety-Depression found that people with anxiety disorders who reported high-level physical activity were better protected against developing anxiety symptoms than those who reported low physical activity. Bottom line: when it comes to treating anxiety, more exercise is better.

If you're just starting out, don't despair. Some research also shows that just a single bout of exercise can help ease anxiety when it strikes.

Which type of exercise you choose may not matter greatly. Studies point to the effectiveness of everything from tai chi to high-intensity interval training. People experienced improvement no matter which types of activity they tried. Even general physical activity is helpful. The important thing is to try activities and keep doing them.

To maximize the benefits:

Choose something enjoyable so you will do it repeatedly, building resilience.

Work toward getting your heart rate up.

Work out with a friend or in a group to reap the added benefit of social support.

If possible, exercise in nature or green space, which further lowers stress and anxiety.

While scientific studies are important, you don't need to consult a chart, statistics, or an expert to know how good you feel after working up a sweat. Remember those feelings and use them as motivation to do something physical every day. Time to get up and get moving!

Follow me on Twitter @jratey

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Can exercise help treat anxiety? - Harvard Health

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Millions of Americans report having an anxiety disorder. Evidence shows engaging in any sort of physical activity is one of the best ways to ease symptoms of anxiety. Regular activity is best, but even a single bout can help.

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How Common are Mental Health Issues in Children and Adolescents?

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How Common are Mental Health Issues in Children and Adolescents?

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Harvard Medical School Continuing Education

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How Common are Mental Health Issues in Children and Adolescents? Part 1

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How to help your child get the sleep they need

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How to help your child get the sleep they need

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How to help your child get the sleep they need - Harvard Health

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Without enough quality sleep, children are more likely to have health and behavioral problems — and difficulty learning. Here are a few simple things you can do to help your child get…

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U.S. Teens Were Already in Mental Health Crisis Before Pandemic Hit

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U.S. Teens Were Already in Mental Health Crisis Before Pandemic Hit

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By Dennis Thompson HealthDay Reporter

MONDAY, Jan. 24, 2022 (HealthDay Now) -- Alaina Stanisci has grappled with an eating disorder since she was 10, and the disruptions of the pandemic only made things worse for the high school senior.

"I actually experienced a relapse at the beginning of the pandemic because of this lack of structure," Stanisci, 18, of Mountain Lakes, N.J., said during a HealthDay Now interview. "During the pandemic, we really saw especially among teens a craze about exercise and eating healthy. Across the whole country, we really saw a rise in eating disorders, which impacted me as well."

Stanisci and the rest of her generation are facing what amounts to a mental health crisis in the United States, experts say. These kids and teens already faced significant challenges, and the pandemic has only made them worse.

"We're seeing a lot of depression and anxiety, self-harm, and a lot of sort of similar kinds of things," Janis Whitlock, a senior advisor for The Jed Foundation, told HealthDay Now.

U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy warned in a December report that the pandemic has intensified mental health struggles that were already widespread among American teens.

His message came on the heels of an October "national emergency" declaration regarding youth mental health from the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, and the Children's Hospital Association.

Between March and October 2020, the percentage of emergency department visits for children with mental health emergencies rose by 24% among children aged 5 to 11 and by 31% among children aged 12 to 17 years, the groups said.

There also were 50% more suspected suicide attempt-related emergency room visits among girls aged 12 to 17 in early 2021 compared with early 2019, and recent data also show that more than 140,000 U.S. children have suffered the loss of a primary or secondary caregiver during the pandemic, the groups added.

Shaun Zarate, 18, a high school senior in Pomona, Calif., lost two extended family members to COVID-19 and found his family torn apart over the pandemic.

"When we would go out to our extended family, meetings and functions, it was really weird. It's almost as if everybody was torn apart," Zarate told HealthDay Now. "There's anti-vaxxers in my family. There's people who want to stay safe. And then there's just the children caught in the middle who need support in all that. A lot of fractures. A lot of fights. It was just really hard."
Pandemic brings isolation, loneliness
Zarate and Stanisci said students are also dealing with isolation, loneliness and a lack of structure brought on by school closures and COVID-19 protection measures.

In some ways, the pandemic highlighted problems that up until now kids had been able to push to the side, Stanisci said.

"Before the pandemic, people could use sports, play, practice, to get their minds off of things that were going on either at home or just the constant struggle of their mind," Stanisci said. "When people found themselves isolated and being home alone and unable to use these coping strategies, I think it really led to a lot of self-reflection and realizing, 'Hey, maybe I'm not OK in this area, you know?'"

"I'm hearing a lot of struggles," said Zarate, who serves as a peer counselor helping younger classmates.

"The death of a family member. A lot of restrictions, not just coming from COVID, but what stems from COVID. Their parents putting a lot more pressure on them because of COVID and all of that. School just being overwhelming with COVID," Zarate added.

"A very normal part of adolescence is actually becoming more independent from parents and certainly having more time with one's peers," Dr. Anisha Abraham, a pediatrician with Children's National Hospital in Washington, D.C., told HealthDay Now. "And if you think about the COVID pandemic, it certainly has been a time where young people have missed that opportunity to perhaps connect, to not be in the usual extracurricular activities, or even at the same level in school."

Kids have been turning to social media to stay connected, but both teens and experts agreed that's less than ideal.

"Even if people stay connected through social media, the ratio to how many people actually reach out to one another is extremely low," Zarate said. "I know because I'm usually the one who's checking up on my friends."

Abraham added, "In my work with young people that have had eating disorders, we've seen that there's an increase in kids that have, for example, eating-related behaviors when they spend more time on certain social media platforms. So I would say that if a young person is spending a lot of time on social media and particularly on certain forms of social media and they're having increased depression or anxiety or other mood-related issues," then cutting back on social media could be important.

Abraham said parents worried about their kids' mental health should keep an eye out for signs like:

"Many times parents and caregivers are nervous about asking as to whether or not someone's depressed or suicidal," Abraham said. "But the most important thing is to be able to specifically ask, and then to be able to get the help that they need."

Watch the HealthDay Now interview below:

However, parents should keep in mind that medication is not the answer for most kids dealing with a mental health problem, Abraham added.

"In some cases, young people may benefit from being on a medication as well. I would say this is the minority of young people that I work with, but there are some patients that can benefit," Abraham said.

"It's also really important to know about family history," Abraham continued. "Certainly if there's, for example, a mother or father or aunt or someone else that struggled with issues related to depression or anxiety, then a child or teenager is at higher risk."

Whitlock suggested that just listening to kids can be helpful, as well as providing opportunities for physical activity.

"Help them to vocalize the things that they're experiencing and feeling, give words to their experiences and their frustrations and their challenges, and then find healthy outlets for the energy and the anxious energy that we all have," Whitlock said.

"Hours and hours on social media is not a good idea," Whitlock continued. "Spending lots and lots of time watching movies and shows can be calm feeling for a moment, but it's not authentically soothing. So help young people understand what they can do that does authentically make, help them feel a little bit better."

Teens also will find their own way. Zarate turned to making music as a way of dealing with the pandemic, while Stanisci started a clothing business to fill the time she normally would have spent with sports.

"I always loved fashion but I never really had time, so I think the pandemic was a little silver lining there for me," Stanisci said. "It led me to start designing clothes in my basement after school, which I never would have had time for with all my other activities."

SOURCES: Alaina Stanisci, high school senior, Mountain Lakes, N.J; Shaun Zarate, high school senior, Pomona, Calif.; Janis Whitlock, PhD, MPH, senior advisor, Jed Foundation; Anisha Abraham, MD, MPH, pediatrician, adolescent medicine specialist, Children's National Hospital, Washington, D.C.

Copyright © 2022 HealthDay. All rights reserved.

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U.S. Teens Were Already in Mental Health Crisis Before Pandemic Hit

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US News is a recognized leader in college, grad school, hospital, mutual fund, and car rankings. Track elected officials, research health conditions, and find news you can use in politics, business, health, and education.

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How Can I Help a Friend Who Is Depressed?

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How Can I Help a Friend Who Is Depressed?

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Everyone feels sad or moody from time to time. But if you've noticed that a friend has been feeling sad for a couple weeks or longer, or isn't enjoying or taking part in things they used to, it could be a sign of depression.

Depression can make it hard for someone to see a better future. Friends or family are often the ones who notice how serious things are.

What Are Signs & Symptoms of Depression?

Depression affects how people think and feel about themselves, and how they act. The signs can be subtle and easy to miss. Someone who is depressed might:

act irritable or easily annoyed

be self-critical, focus on failures, or feel guilty

lose interest in friends, activities, or school, or stop enjoying things they used to enjoy

engage in risky behaviors, like drug and alcohol use, or self-harm

sleep too little or too much or have a change in eating habits

have low energy or trouble concentrating

complain of headaches, bellyaches, or other pain

say things like "I wish I were dead" or "It would be easier if I weren't here anymore"

What Can I Do to Help if My Friend Is Depressed?

Encourage your friend to talk with a trusted adult. This could be someone like a parent, teacher, school counselor, mentor, or coach. You can even offer to go along. If your friend isn't able to speak with an adult, let an adult know that you're concerned. Ask this person to reach out to your friend or help your friend meet with a therapist. Just having someone listen and care can help your friend feel more hopeful and less alone.

If there isn't an adult to turn to, have your friend reach out to a helpline. They're staffed by people your friend can talk with 24 hours a day. They can listen and guide your friend on how to get help.

In the United States, they can contact:

What if It Seems Like an Emergency?

If your friend mentions suicide, self-harm, or hurting others, get help right away:

Talk with a trusted adult.

Call or text 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, or contact them through their website.

Text HOME to the Crisis Text Line at 741741.

You may want to try to help your friend on your own, but it's always safest to get help. If your friend made you promise not to tell anyone what's going on, the best way to help is by breaking that promise. It may feel like you're betraying your friend, but if your friend has thoughts of suicide, telling someone could save their life.

How Is Depression Treated?

Depression is treated by talking with a trained therapist, psychologist, or other mental health provider. How long this treatment lasts depends on the person and the symptoms. Sometimes, doctors also prescribe medicine.

How Can I Also Take Care of Myself?

It's natural to feel worried, sad, or upset about your friend. But it can be draining if you get too caught up in worrying about another person's problems. Even if your friend isn't ready to talk with someone, you can. It can help you to confide in an adult you trust. Explain what's going on and how you feel.

Treatment for depression takes time, but supporting your friend while caring for yourself can help you both.

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How Can I Help a Friend Who Is Depressed?

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Depression can make it hard for someone to see a better future. Here's how to help a friend who's depressed.

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Young People Seek Help for Mental Illness

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Young People Seek Help for Mental Illness

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Awareness surrounding mental health illnesses and the need to act to get treatment has been growing in recent years. Campaigns designed to educate and support those struggling with depression, addiction, anxiety, or other illnesses have created a platform to have a conversation. Despite this progress, many young adults who need help for a mental health issue don't seek it. According to the National Institute of Mental Health or NIMH , 30-80% of people with mental health issues don't seek treatment. It includes 50% of people with bipolar disorder, 55% of people with panic disorders, 56% of people with major depression, and an overwhelming 78% of people with alcohol use disorder ( ). With mental health issues becoming more visible than they ever have, and with more treatments and care being made available, why do so few young adults seek help?

Stigma

Perhaps the number one obstacle standing in between a person deciding to seek treatment or not seek treatment is the stigmas. Regardless of progress, people are afraid of being stigmatized, not only for their illness but for seeking help at all. The perception is that someone is weak or incapable of overcoming their issue and should do so independently. However, these illnesses are diseases and disorders of the brain, not unlike other autoimmune disorders or conditions of the body and other organs requiring treatment to function at their best.

Other studies suggest that those struggling with a mental illness are in a less secure position. Therefore, they might be uncertain of themselves and their position in life and therefore, it might be challenging to risk social and professional capital to seek help. Merely admitting the problem personally from within can be very difficult ( National Center for Biotechnology Information ).

Help is for Other People

Someone in need of mental health care might not know it because they are in denial. The implications of admitting a mental illness and seeking help are too great to comprehend. Even when the problem is recognized, excuses present themselves to justify why one does not need help. Sometimes, the one struggling with a mental issue is not aware that what they are experiencing is a mental health concern that can benefit from treatment. The individual only understands what it is like to be them, so it might not occur to them to get the help they need. Disorders such as depression, social anxiety, ADHD and others could go untreated for years because these are often confused for being personality traits rather than treatable health issues.

Personal Conditions

Sometimes the desire to reach out and acquire help is there; however, finding a therapist or making an appointment could feel like an impossible task. Such tasks seem unbearably difficult when in a depressive state. Additionally, a social anxiety disorder can make the prospect of telling a doctor or therapist about the issue feel incredibly intimidating. These personal conditions can make it hard for the individual to take the initiative and seek treatment on their own, much along the same lines as driving themselves to the hospital when they have a terrible flu. Having the support of friends and family and public support programs is essential to encourage and motivate those who need help to seek it comfortably and healthily.

Practical Reasons

There are valid reasons why it is hard to get care; for one, it's availability. Many rural residents don't have the number of options as, say, those in more populated areas such as cities. Such places are often medically underserved, and mental health addiction treatment is worse ( ). However, more recently, with the rising need for telemedicine and telehealth, these methods have been shown to ameliorate this issue and expand upon care options for those in rural areas.

There is also the matter of financial issues to help pay for the treatment. While most insurers cover mental health to a certain degree, young adults are less likely to have insurance. Additionally, young adults are also at a higher risk for addiction and other mental health issues. Lower-income populations also face unique pressures that increase the chances of mental illnesses and decrease the likelihood that they will have the necessary options to get help ( ). However, most therapists can charge on a sliding scale and more and more clinics are beginning to offer free or low-cost therapy.

Scared of Treatment

Much like a stigma, fear is also among the top obstacles for someone moving ahead in life. Someone who has not sought treatment for a mental health issue might have some misinformed ideas about how different treatments work. Others might fear being vulnerable enough to share their feelings and emotions. Some even decide that no treatment will work for them or fear that it won't work. However, treatment is a form of help and should not become interpreted as something to fear. In reality, treatment such as therapy offers a relaxed environment where one does not need to discuss or disclose anything they do not feel comfortable discussing. Sessions can also happen over the phone or through video chat so a patient can focus on the session without having to stress about time and cost spent traveling. Studies also support that most people benefit from treatment and even notice significant improvements in a relatively short amount of time ( ).
Understanding and educating oneself about mental illnesses help play a critical role in identifying behavioral health issues. At DiscoveryMD, we provide multiple treatment centers. If you or someone you love is struggling with mental health issues, then it is time to act. DiscoveryMD can help make you aware of the resources available to you in your area. We uphold values grounded in security, comfort and confidentiality to ensure you are in the best environment to get the most help and the most potential for growth after treatment. To learn more, contact us today.

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Young People Seek Help for Mental Illness - DiscoveryMD

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Most young people don't get help for their mental health because they don't know where to start. Reach out to DiscoveryMD to attain the resources needed to start.

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Data and Statistics on Children's Mental Health

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Data and Statistics on Children's Mental Health

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Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

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Mental health is an important part of children's overall health and well-being. Mental health includes children's mental, emotional, and behavioral well-being. It affects how children think, feel, and act. It also plays a role in how children handle stress, relate to others, and make healthy choices.

Mental disorders among children are described as serious changes in the way children typically learn, behave, or handle their emotions, causing distress and problems getting through the day. Among the more common mental disorders that can be diagnosed in childhood are attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), anxiety, and behavior disorders.

There are different ways to assess mental health and mental disorders in children. CDC uses surveys, like the National Survey of Children's Health, to describe the presence of positive indicators of children's mental health and to understand the number of children with diagnosed mental disorders and whether they received treatment. In this type of survey, parents report on indicators of positive mental health for their child and report any diagnoses their child has received from a healthcare provider. The information on this page provides data about indicators of positive mental health in children and mental health disorders that are most common in children.

Facts about mental health in U.S. children

National data on positive mental health indicators that describe mental, emotional, and behavioral well-being for children are limited. Based on the data we do have:

Facts about mental disorders in U.S. children

ADHD, anxiety problems, behavior problems, and depression are the most commonly diagnosed mental disorders in children. Estimates for ever having a diagnosis among children aged 3-17 years, in 2016-19, are given below.

ADHD 9.8% (approximately 6.0 million)

Anxiety 9.4% (approximately 5.8 million)

Behavior problems 8.9% (approximately 5.5 million)

Depression 4.4% (approximately 2.7 million)

Some of these conditions commonly occur together. For example, among children aged 3-17 years in 2016:

Having another mental disorder was most common in children with depression: about 3 in 4 children with depression also had anxiety (73.8%) and almost 1 in 2 had behavior problems (47.2%).

For children with anxiety, more than 1 in 3 also had behavior problems (37.9%) and about 1 in 3 also had depression (32.3%).

For children with behavior problems, more than 1 in 3 also had anxiety (36.6%) and about 1 in 5 also had depression (20.3%).

For adolescents, depression, substance use and suicide are important concerns. Among adolescents aged 12-17 years in 2018-2019 reporting on the past year:

Learn more about high-risk substance use among youth. Learn more about suicide.

Mental, behavioral, and developmental disorders begin in early childhood
1 in 6 U.S. children aged 2-8 years (17.4%) had a diagnosed mental, behavioral, or developmental disorder.

Prevalence of mental disorders change with age

Diagnoses of ADHD, anxiety, and depression become are more common with increased age.

Behavior problems are more common among children aged 6-11 years than younger or older children.

Adverse childhood events (ACEs) are associated with children's physical and mental health. In 2016-2019, among children aged 6-17 years:

Children who were discriminated against based on race or ethnicity had higher percentages of one or more physical health conditions (37.8% versus 27.1%), and one or more mental health conditions (28.9% versus 17.8%).

Racial/ethnic discrimination was almost seven times as common among children with three other ACEs compared to those with no other ACEs.

Note: The estimates reported on this page are based on parent report, using nationally representative surveys. This method has several limitations. It is not known to what extent children receive these diagnoses accurately. Estimates based on parent-reported diagnoses may match those based on medical records, but some children may also have mental disorders that have not been diagnosed, or receive diagnoses that may not be the best fit for their symptoms. Limited information on measuring children's mental health nationally is available.

Read more about children's mental health from a community study.

Access to mental health treatment

Early diagnosis and appropriate services for children and their families can make a difference in the lives of children with mental disorders. Access to providers who can offer services, including screening, referrals, and treatment, varies by location. CDC is working to learn more about access to behavioral health services and supports for children and their families.
View information by state describing the rates of different types of providers who can offer behavioral health services providers by county. Read a recent report describing shortages of services, barriers to treatment, and how integration of behavioral health care with pediatric primary care could address the issues. Read a policy brief on potential ways to increase access to mental health services for children in rural areas
Data sources for mental health and related conditions

There are many different datasets which include information on children's mental health and related conditions for children living in the United States.

Healthy People 2030
Healthy People 2030 sets data-driven national objectives to improve health and well-being over the next decade, including children's mental health and well-being.

National Survey of Family Growth (NSFG)
NSFG gathers information on family life, marriage and divorce, pregnancy, infertility, use of contraception, and general and reproductive health.

National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES)
NHANES assesses health and nutritional status through interviews and physical examinations, and includes conditions, symptoms, and concerns associated with mental health and substance abuse, as well as the use and need for mental health services.

National Health Interview Survey (NHIS)
NHIS collects data on children's mental health, mental disorders, such as ADHD, autism spectrum disorder, depression and anxiety problems, and use and need for mental health services.

National Survey of Children's Health (NSCH)
NSCH examines the health of children, with emphasis on well-being, including medical homes, family interactions, the health of parents, school and after-school experiences, and safe neighborhoods. This survey was redesigned in 2016.

For previous versions of this survey, see also:
National Survey of Children's Health (NSCH 2003, 2007, 2011-12)
National Survey of Children with Special Healthcare Needs (NS-CSHCN 2001, 2005-6, 2009-10)

National Survey of the Diagnosis and Treatment of ADHD and Tourette Syndrome (NS-DATA)
NS-DATA collects information about children, 2-15 years old in 2011-2012, who had ever been diagnosed with ADHD and/or Tourette syndrome (TS), with the goal of better understanding diagnostic practices, level of impairment, and treatments for this group of children.

National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH)
NSDUH, administered by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), provides national- and state-level data on the use of tobacco, alcohol, and illicit drugs (including non-medical use of prescription drugs), as well as data on mental health in the United States.

National Vital Statistics System (NVSS)
NVSS contains vital statistics from the official records of live births, deaths, causes of death, marriages, divorces, and annulment recorded by states and independent registration areas

National Youth Tobacco Survey (NYTS)
NYTS is a nationally representative school-based survey on tobacco use by public school students enrolled in grades 6-12.

School Associated Violent Death Study (SAVD)
SAVD plays an important role in monitoring trends related to school-associated violent deaths (including suicide), identifying the factors that increase the risk, and assessing the effects of prevention efforts.

School Health Policies and Programs Study (SHPPS)
SHPPS is a national survey assessing school health policies and practices at the state, district, school, and classroom levels. Collected data includes mental health and social service policies.

Web-based Injury Statistics Query and Reporting System (WISQARS)
WISQARS is an interactive database system that provides customized reports of injury-related data.

Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System (YRBSS)
The YRBSS monitors health-risk behaviors, including tobacco use, substance abuse, unintentional injuries and violence, sexual behaviors that contribute to unintended pregnancy, and sexually transmitted diseases.

References

1. Perou R, Bitsko RH, Blumberg SJ, Pastor P, Ghandour RM, Gfroerer JC, Hedden SL, Crosby AE, Visser SN, Schieve LA, Parks SE, Hall JE, Brody D, Simile CM, Thompson WW, Baio J, Avenevoli S, Kogan MD, Huang LN. Mental health surveillance among children - United States, 2005-2011. MMWR 2013;62(Suppl; May 16, 2013):1-35. [Read summary]

2. Bitsko RH, Claussen AH, Lichtstein J, Black LJ, Everett Jones S, Danielson MD, Hoenig JM, Davis Jack SP, Brody DJ, Gyawali S, Maenner MM, Warner M, Holland KM, Perou R, Crosby AE, Blumberg SJ, Avenevoli S, Kaminski JW, Ghandour RM. Surveillance of Children's Mental Health - United States, 2013 - 2019 MMWR, , 2022 / 71(Suppl-2);1-42. [Read article]

3. Ghandour RM, Sherman LJ, Vladutiu CJ, Ali MM, Lynch SE, Bitsko RH, Blumberg SJ. Prevalence and treatment of depression, anxiety, and conduct problems in U.S. children. The Journal of Pediatrics, 2018. Published online before print October 12, 2018 [Read summary]

4. Bitsko RH, Holbrook JR, Ghandour RM, Blumberg SJ, Visser SN, Perou R, Walkup J. Epidemiology and impact of healthcare provider diagnosed anxiety and depression among US children. Journal of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics. Published online before print April 24, 2018 [Read summary]

5. Cree RA, Bitsko RH, Robinson LR, Holbrook JR, Danielson ML, Smith DS, Kaminski JW, Kenney MK, Peacock G. Health care, family, and community factors associated with mental, behavioral, and developmental disorders and poverty among children aged 2-8 years - United States, 2016. MMWR, 2018;67(5):1377-1383. [Read article]

6. Hutchins HJ, Barry CM, Valentine V, Bacon S, Njai R, Claussen AH, Ghandour RM, Lebrun-Harris LA, Perkins K, Robinson LR (submitted). Perceived racial/ethnic discrimination, physical and mental health conditions in childhood, and the relative role of other adverse experiences. Adversity and Resilience Science published online May 23, 2022. [Read summary]

7. US Department of Health and Human Services Health Resources and Services Administration & Maternal and Child Health Bureau. Mental health: A report of the Surgeon General. Rockville, MD: US Department of Health and Human Services, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, Center for Mental Health Services, and National Institutes of Health, National Institute of Mental Health; 1999. [Read report]

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Data and Statistics on Children's Mental Health | CDC

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Read data highlights about children's mental health.

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Mental Health Facts: Children and Teens [downloadable]

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Did you know that 1 in 5 teens between the ages of 13 and 18 have or will have a serious mental illness? Or that 50% of all lifetime cases of mental illness begin by age 14 and 75% by... Read more >>

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Crisis services are an integral component of addressing mental illness in communities across the state. The mental health crisis lines listed below are available for all people in Washington regardless of your income or whether you have insurance or not.

For immediate help: call 911 for a life-threatening emergency or 988 for a mental health emergency.

You may call your local county crisis line to request assistance for you or a friend or family member (24/7/365) regardless of whether you have insurance. Crisis line phone numbers by county
What happens if you call a crisis line?
Call, text, or chat 988 to be connected to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (NSPL). It will be confidential, free, and available 24/7/365.

Services are available in Spanish, along with interpretation services in over 250 languages. For people who are deaf, hard of hearing, and TTY users: Use your preferred relay service or dial 711 then 1-800-273-8255.

You can dial 988 if you are having:

Thoughts of suicide

Mental health crises

Substance use concerns

Any other kind of emotional distress

You can also dial 988 if you are worried about a loved one who may need crisis support.

988 does not replace any crisis call centers in Washington state. It is an addition to the state's network of crisis center providers. The ten-digit NSPL number, 1-800-273-TALK (8255), is still active along with 988.

For questions about the 988 programs, please email 988ProgramInfo@doh.wa.gov. Do not use this inbox if you or someone you know needs crisis support. Instead, call, text, or chat 988.

Native and Strong- 9-8-8 line

One of our state's three 988 crisis centers, this line is available for people who call the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline and is specifically for Washington's American Indian and Alaska Native communities. Calls are answered by Native crisis counselors who are tribal members and descendants closely tied to their communities. The Native and Strong Lifeline counselors are fully trained in crisis intervention and support, with special emphasis on cultural and traditional practices related to healing.
Nation's first Native and Strong Lifeline Launches as Part of 988 | Washington State Department of Health

Poisonings and overdose attempts are on the rise- the best prevention in case of exposure is to have the hotline number handy.

Safe Medication Return's new website and toll-free number

Secure storage and safe disposal of medication helps reduce overdoses, poisonings, and suicide attempts. Safe Medication Return lets people appropriately dispose of unwanted household over the counter and prescription medications (including medications for household pets).

Call (844) 482-5322 or visit the site for more information or to order mail-back supplies.

Out-of-home firearm storage interactive map

The goal of Harborview's Injury Prevention & Research Center and University of Washington's Firearm Injury & Policy Research Program is to reduce firearm injury and death and prevent suicide and domestic violence. This interactive map found here shows local businesses and law enforcement agencies willing to consider requests for temporary, voluntary firearm storage.

You're not alone. There is someone that's willing to listen to you without judgment. Teen Link is a program of Crisis Connections that serves youth in Washington State.

Our teen volunteers are trained to listen to your concerns and talk with you about whatever's on your mind - bullying, drug and alcohol concerns, relationships, stress, depression, or any other issues you're facing. No issue is too big or too small! Calls and chats are confidential. Talk it out!

Trans Life Line (all ages)

Peer support, advocacy and micro grant information 'run by and for trans people.'

translifeline.org

Call: 1-877-565-8860, Available: 7am-1am, everyday.

The Trevor Project (Ages 13-25)

Call, text, or chat with us anytime you need support. If you are thinking about suicide, or feeling lonely, we're here to listen.

Trevor Lifeline Hotline: 1-866-488-7386. 24 hours, 7 days/week

Trevor Text Line: Text "START" to 678678

thetrevorproject.org

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Crisis services are an integral component of addressing mental illness in communities across the state. The mental health crisis lines listed below are available for all people in Washington regardless of your income or whether you have insurance or not.

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If you are having thoughts of suicide, feel very hopeless or depressed, or feel like you might harm yourself or others, call a suicide or crisis hotline. They offer free help right away.

You can also turn to a crisis hotline if you have been through trauma, violence, abuse, sexual assault, or rape.

You can reach out to these resources for 24/7 help:

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call 1-800-273-8255 or call or text 988. You also can contact them through their website.

Trevor Lifeline for the LGBTQ community: Call 1-866-488-7386, text START to 678678, or contact them through their website.

Crisis hotlines: These help survivors of rape, abuse, violence, and other traumas. Some may also provide short-term counseling. To find one, do an online search for your state and "crisis hotline."

Other places you can go to get help:

Emergency rooms. Local hospital emergency rooms or an urgent care center can evaluate and care for people in emotional emergencies as well as physical ones. If you think you might hurt yourself or someone else, you can also call 911.

Local crisis centers. To see if there's a walk-in crisis center near you, search online. Enter the name of your city, county, or state and terms like "crisis center," "crisis counseling center," "psychiatric emergency services," or "crisis intervention."

If you're dealing with a crisis, get help right away. There are people who will listen, talk with you, and help.

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If you are having thoughts of suicide, feel very hopeless or depressed, or feel like you might harm yourself or others, call a suicide or crisis hotline. They offer free help right away. You can also turn to a crisis hotline if you have been through trauma, violence, abuse, sexual assault, or rape.

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Episode 2: So...How Do Health Crises Affect Mental Health?

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Episode 2: So...How Do Health Crises Affect Mental Health?

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Summary: In our second episode of Kids are Philanthropists, Too!, we explore mental health challenges that come with being sick. By listening to this intergenerational conversation, you will have new insights about how to help individuals and families during and after a health crisis. This episode helps us move beyond "just call me if you need anything."
Our co-hosts: Jayden, Alona, Leo, Ismahil, Ibrahim and Sam. These 10-12 year old students were 2021 Fellows of The Giving Square. Know of someone who would enjoy being a co-host? Have them apply for our next cohort of TGS Fellows (write to info@thegivingsquare.org for more information).
Our special guests: Jennifer Aspengren, Founder of the Alongside Network, and Kids for Kids Fund Alumni at Rolling Terrace Elementary School.
Episode sponsor: Hillshire Farms Snacked! Would you or your organization/company like to be a sponsor for a future episode? Write to us.
The series: "Kids are Philanthropists, Too!" demonstrates what we all can learn from children who have embraced their philanthropic identity and capacities. Like the podcast? Spread the word! Get involved, follow and support The Giving Square.
Want to engage more in this topic? Start by reading or listening to The Giving Square-approved personal narratives such as:
Lucky Broken Girl by Ruth Behar (ages 10 to adult) Just Ask by Sonia Sotomayor (ages 4 to adult) Sadako and the Thousand Paper Cranes (ages 7 to adult) Individual stories found on the StoryCorps website. Vocabulary: mental health, congenital defect, cartilage, PTSD, NICU, respiratory

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episode 2: so...how do health crises affect mental health?

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‎Kids are Philanthropists, Too!: Episode 2: So...How Do Health Crises Affect Mental Health? on Apple Podcasts

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Summary: In our second episode of Kids are Philanthropists, Too!, we explore mental health challenges that come with being sick. By listening to this intergenerational conversation, you will have new insights about how to help individuals and families during and after a health crisis. This episode h...

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BelievePerform - The UK's leading Sports Psychology Website

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Mental Health Infographics - Sports and Mental Fitness - BelievePerform

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Those working in the sporting community can utilise our mental health infographics to visualise how we can adapt, build resilience and perform better.

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ADAA Brochures | Anxiety and Depression Association of America, ADAA

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ADAA brochures are available to download.

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The effects of social media on teens' mental health

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The effects of social media on teens' mental health

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American Black Journal
Clip: Season 51 Episode 41 | 6m 44s |

From Twitter to Instagram and now TikTok, social media use by teens is widespread. What impact is it having on their mental health? Former One Detroit summer intern Zion Williams talks with three of her high school friends, as well as mental health experts across Michigan, about how social media can affect teens' developing minds and how parents can monitor their children's well-being and online h

Aired: 10/11/23

Rating: NR

Problems Playing Video? Report a Problem |

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American Black Journal | The effects of social media on teens' mental health | Season 51 | Episode 41 | PBS

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How does social media effect teens' mental health? Zion Williams searches for the answers.