Many teens in today’s generation are afraid of embracing who they really are. They are afraid that they will be laughed at or called “crazy.” They want to be “normal” like everyone else, only they are different. Mentally, physically, emotionally, we all are not the same. Statistics show that every 1 in 5 children between the ages of 13-18 years old, have or will soon develop a mental illness. This is significant because this means that 20% of our youth have a mental condition, meaning that there should be special precautions already established to help comfort these youth, and help them to feel connected with the world and other youth. Having a mental illness is not a choice but there are ways to help. Although identifying teen mental illness is difficult, extreme changes in mood and/or behaviors can help identify mental conditions more clearly. Due to today’s society and its perception on receiving therapy, many teens decide to mask their true emotions. Masking what they’re going through helps protect them which in some cases is unhealthy. All teens have different ways to cope with what they are going through whether it is depression, anxiety, or even PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder). Complex interactions between a person's genes and environment can cause disorders of brain functions resulting in mental illness. One way to help someone suffering from a mental illness is to try and find healthy and safe coping mechanisms that work for them, and also to be there for support, you never know what may be going through their mind. In extreme cases, youth may have to be hospitalized in order to ensure their safety or even the safety of others. Youth may admit themselves voluntarily, but they also may be admitted involuntarily. An involuntary commitment to hospitalized mental health treatment is called a 302. In my upcoming Podcast, “Mask Off”, I will be discussing not just personal but also testimonial stories from youth just like you and how they either mask or embrace their mental illness.