MENTAL HEALTHTeenage

Teen Mental Health FactsRisk FactorsWarning Signs

How to Help

Agenda

Betty J. White, M.A.

MENTAL HEALTH...everyone has

... just like everyone has physical health!And like physical health, maintaining good mental health takes a

little bit of effort.

RESILIENCY FACTORSFamily and social

support/acceptance

Access to appropriate services

Healthy coping strategies

Physical health (including sleep)

Extracurricular activities

Religious and/or community

involvement

1 IN 5 TEENS

have or will have a

mental illness

ANXIETYAnxiety disorders are characterized by

excessive worry and fear. They are the

most common of all mental illnesses. This

includes generalized anxiety disorder,

panic disorder, post traumatic stress

disorder and social anxiety, among

others.

DEPRESSIONexperience

Depression is characterized by a

persistent sad or negative mood that

affects thoughts, feelings and daily

activities. Depression greatly increases

the risk of suicide and usually requires

professional treatment.

32% 13%

experience

ADOLESCENCEmay also develop in

Bipolar DisorderEating DisorderAttention Deficit DisorderSubstance AbuseObsessive CompulsiveDisorder

"NORMAL"?What is

It is normal for teens to experience a wide range ofemotions. It is typical, for example, for teens to feel

anxious about school or friendships, or to experiencea period of depression following the death of a close

friend or family member.

Mental health disorders, however, are characterizedby persistent symptoms that affect how a young

person feels, thinks, and acts.

Mental health disorders interfere with regular

activities and daily functioning, such as

relationships, schoolwork, sleeping, and eating.

RISK FACTORSPotential

Family history of mental illness

Traumatic life event(s), abuse

and/or toxic stress

Brain chemistry

Existing disability (ex. Autism)

Lack of family/social support

Stigma around mental health

issues and treatment

WARNING SIGNSwhat to look for:

Extreme & persistent moodiness e.g. often

angry, worried or emotional

Loss of interest in activities they used to

enjoy e.g. friends, sports, movies

Isolation and withdrawal

Neglect of major responsibilities, including

school, family and social

Repeated talk about death/wanting to die

WARNING SIGNSwhat to look for:

Substance abuse

Increase in physical complaints

Changes in sleep & eating habits

Unhealthy relationships (controlling,

manipulative behaviors)

Lack of goals or dreams for future

Self-harming behavior (cutting, risk-

taking)

MENTAL HEALTHhow to support

Modeling

Empathy

Patience

healthy self-care habitscoping skillsresilience and positive thinking

accept and normalize your child's feelingsavoid judgmental or dismissive languagedon't rush to problem-solve

a mental illness is too much forteens to handle by themselves.

MENTAL HEALTHtalking about

I'm here to listen.

That sounds really hard/upsetting/sad ...

How can I help?

Have you had feelings like this in the past?

What have you tried that helped before?

Do you feel like you want to talk to

someone else about your problem?

I'm worried about your safety. Can you tell

me if you have thoughts about harming

yourself or others?*

FREE/LOW COST SERVICES

Provider search: maps.lacounty.gov/dmhSL

Didi Hirsch Center: 310-390-6612 or http://www.didihirsch.org/chat

Enki Health East LA: 866-227-1302

Uno Paso Mas (parent/family support group): fperez@prpsn.org

Los Angeles Child Guidance Clinic: 3787 S. Vermont Ave

WEB & MOBILE SUPPORT

National Crisis Text Line: Text HELLO to 741741 to be connected to a

trained crisis counselor.

National Parent Helpline: 1-855-427-2736

Ok2Talk Online Community: ok2talk.org

There's an app for that... Mind Shift (Anxiety), What's Up (Depression),

NotOK (Help)

TOOLS

THANK YOUquestions?

the end.Betty J. White, M.A.

*Statistics and data from National

Institute of Mental Health, 2018