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Mental Health Hotlines
Mental Health Hotlines
There are hotlines up and running 24/7 for all different mental health needs. There are also text lines available for those who feel more comfortable communicating with counselors that way. If you don’t know where to start, we suggest dialing 2-1-1 on your phone to be connected with the national human service call center.
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255
New Jersey HopeLine : (855)-654-6735
Youth Crisis Hotline 1-800-448-4663
United Way Crisis Helpline 1-800-233-HELP
Kennedy Memorial Hospital – Cherry Hill Division, Mental Health Emergency Hotline: 856-428-HELP (4357)
PerformCare: 1-877-652-7624
Crisis Text Line: Text SUPPORT to 741-741
More hotlines for more specific crisis help can be found here: http://www.pleaselive.org/hotlines/
Also, reach out to the West SAC Counselor (Ms. Koutsouradis) or your guidance counselor: https://sites.google.com/chclc.org/cherry-hill-high-school-west-g/home/counselor-contact-information
Warning signs
Warning signs
The effects of mental illness may vary from person to person, but there are many common warning signs that you could be struggling with a mental illness. If you think you are struggling with a mental illness, speak to a doctor or an adult that you trust.
Depression
Depression
Symptoms of depression often include feelings of sadness, emptiness, or hopelessness. It is not a feeling that can be overcome in a snap or “shaken off” and can become exhausting and intrusive as time goes on. People with depression can feel irritable or experience extreme tiredness or insomnia. Many lose interest in things that they once enjoyed. For some people with depression, symptoms can be severe enough to cause problems in day-to-day activities, such as work, school, social activities or relationships with others.
Anxiety
Anxiety
Everyone occasionally experiences anxiety. It is a normal part of life. However, people with anxiety disorders frequently have intense, excessive and persistent worry and fear about everyday situations. Anxiety disorders interfere with everyday life, making it difficult to function. Common anxiety signs and symptoms include feeling nervous, restless, or tense. People with anxiety also tend to have trouble concentrating or thinking about anything other than the present worry. It can also lead to insomnia or sleep loss.
Eating Disorders
Eating Disorders
Eating disorders are serious conditions related to persistent eating behaviors that negatively impact health, emotions, and the ability to function in everyday life. The most common eating disorders are anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa and binge-eating disorder. Most eating disorders involve hyperfixation on weight, body shape, or food. Eating disorders can harm the heart, digestive system, bones, and teeth and mouth, and lead to other diseases. More information about different types of eating disorders can be found here:
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/eating-disorders/symptoms-causes/syc-20353603
Mental Illness is treatable. If you think you are struggling, contact a doctor or trusted adult.
Mental Illness is treatable. If you think you are struggling, contact a doctor or trusted adult.
The National Alliance on Mental Illness has a comprehensive list of symptoms of mental illnesses, which can be found at the link below:
How to Speak to Family and Friends about Mental Health
How to Speak to Family and Friends about Mental Health
Speaking to family about your mental health can be scary. You might worry that you’ll upset or anger them, or you might not fully understand your feelings, so trying to share them can make you feel like you’re dumb or faking it. You might also struggle with guilt or shame. A good question to ask yourself in this situation is how would you feel if someone you love were suffering and came to you? Likely, you would be upset that they were struggling, but you would not be upset with them. You would be glad they confided in you and ready to help them in any way you could. Ideally, the people around you will understand your illness and encourage you. But the important people in your life might not know much about mental illness. They may want to help you, but not know how to help. You can give friends and family a better chance to help by thinking ahead about how to tell them about your mental illness. By telling the right people and suggesting ways for loved ones to help, you can start building a strong social support network. At first, you might be afraid to talk about your experiences. But don't give up looking for support and encouragement from others. You'll discover that many people want to help you.
For more resources about how to talk to family about mental health, visit these sites:
For more resources about how to talk to family about mental health, visit these sites:
Debunking Stereotypes
Debunking Stereotypes
People often make judgments about people who are struggling with their mental health. This can hurt them more and make them feel as if they have something to be ashamed about. Learning about these stereotypes and judgments is one step you can take to become a better ally to someone who is struggling.
These resources list some common stereotypes and the truths behind them:
These resources list some common stereotypes and the truths behind them:
https://www.mentalhealth.gov/basics/mental-health-myths-facts
Additionally, reading a blog may be helpful. They can remind one that they are not alone in their struggles and that there are other people who understand. A link to a source of blogs is found below:
Additionally, reading a blog may be helpful. They can remind one that they are not alone in their struggles and that there are other people who understand. A link to a source of blogs is found below:
https://www.nami.org/Blogs/NAMI-Blog?searchtext=depression&searchmode=anyword
Statistics About Teen Stress
Statistics About Teen Stress
Teen stress is not as uncommon as many people think it is. Since it is still stigmatized, not many people openly talk about how it affects them and other people they know. The stats in the link serve to communicate the message that you are not alone in your struggles and there are people who have gone through similar situations who can help. https://www.apa.org/monitor/2014/04/teen-stress
Ways to Combat Stress
Ways to Combat Stress
When you feel stressed, there are ways to try to relax and distract yourself from the stress. Below are some websites and videos. Additionally, some Apple Watches and Fitbits have apps or programs on them to do a brief guided breathing session. For more information, visit our Stress Relief page.
Top 10 Stress Management Techniques for Students: https://www.verywellmind.com/top-school-stress-relievers-for-students-3145179
Coping Skills: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8lM8pgMgjEs
Feeling Anxious? Take some deep breaths: https://youtu.be/Wdbbtgf05Ek
Mindful Minutes
Mindful Minutes
We reached out to Physical Education and Health teacher Ms. Wilson for some Mindful Minute videos and we have included some of these videos below. They are in different categories based on length and type.
Mindfulness:
Mindfulness:
Meditation:
Meditation:
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