For Young People Looking for Help
Mental health problems don't only affect adults. Children, teenagers, and young adults can have mental health problems, too. In fact, 3 out of 4 people with mental health problems showed signs before they were 24-years-old.
What Does “Mental Health Problem” Mean?
Are you having trouble doing the things you like to do or need to do because of how you feel—like going to school, work, or hanging out with friends?
Are you having a rough day? Have you been feeling down for a while? Everyone goes through tough times, and no matter how long you've had something on your mind, it's important that you talk to someone about it.
Talk to your parent, guardian, or a trusted adult if you experience any of these things:
- Changes in appetite or sleep patterns
- Can't perform daily tasks like going to school
- Don't want to hang out with your friends or family
- Don't want to do things you usually enjoy
- Fight a lot with family and friends
- Can't control your emotions, and it's affecting your relationships with your family and friends
- Have low or no energy, or feel hopeless
- Feel numb or like nothing matters
- Can't stop thinking about certain things or memories
- Feel confused, forgetful, edgy, angry, upset, worried, or scared
- Want to harm yourself or others
- Have random aches and pains
- Smoke or drink excessively
- Hear voices
Learn more about specific mental health problems.
Learn More About Young People, Bullying and Mental Health
- Is your mental health, or someone else's, affected by bullying? Learn what to do if you or someone you know is being bullied.
- Once you know the facts about mental health problems, you can share them with other people. Remember to treat people with mental health problems with respect.
Get Help
You are not alone. Lots of people have been where you are or are there right now. But there are also lots of people who want to help you.
Another way to get help is by talking to someone you trust. This could be a parent, family member, teacher, school counselor, spiritual leader or another trusted adult, who:
- Gives good advice when you want and ask for it
- Respects your need for privacy so you can tell him or her anything
- Lets you talk freely about your feelings and emotions without judging, teasing, or criticizing
- Helps you figure out what to do the next time a difficult situation comes up
Need Help?
- If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org.
- To learn how to get support for mental health, drug, and alcohol issues, visit FindSupport.gov.
- To locate treatment facilities or providers, visit FindTreatment.gov or call SAMHSA’s National Helpline at 800-662-HELP (4357).