Get Informed on Mental Illness

Mental Illness Awareness Week is October 5th –October 11th. It is important to be informed on how mental illness affects our youth, not just this week but year round. One in five teens suffers from a mental illness. Having a mental illness should not be any different than experiencing a physical illness. Now let’s learn about the different types and warning signs.

 

Types of mental illnesses include:

  •  Anxiety
  • Mood disorders
  • Eating disorders
  • Impulse control
  • Personality disorders
  • Obsessive-compulsive disorders
  • Post-traumatic stress

 Warning signs in teens include:

  • Mood swings
  • Behavioral changes
  • Consequences in school
  • Physical symptoms
  • Self-medicating

Ways  teens can strive for mental and emotional health:

Encouraging the following:

  • Enough rest and good nutrition
  • Practicing self-discipline and self-control
  • Avoiding stressful situations
  • Surrounding themselves with positive people
  • Open communication and trust
  • Seeking professional help

Ways you can  participate in Mental Illness Awareness Week:

  • Participate in depression and health screenings
  • Join walks
  • Attend faith oriented events
  • Donate or volunteer at a mental health organization
  • Join conversations on social media to raise awareness

 

For more information on Mental Illness Awareness Week and to learn how you can help, log on to:

NAMI.org

Il.nami.org

Namistl.org

Webmd.com/mental-health

Teenmentalhealth.org

psychiatry.org/teens

 

art by 2013 participant- Jocelyn Romero, Hubbard High School.

 

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