Fact: Mental health problems are actually very common.

In 2014, about:

• One in five American adults experienced a mental health issue

• One in 10 young people experienced a period of major depression

• One in 25 Americans lived with a serious mental illness, such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or major depression

Suicide is the 10th leading cause of death in the United States. It accounts for the loss of more than 41,000 American lives each year, more than double the number of lives lost to homicide.

The American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry report suicide is the 2nd leading cause of death for children, adolecents, and young adults ages 5 to 24.

Centers for Disease Control reported suicide death rates in children ages 10 to 14 have doubled since 2007.

Fact: Even very young children may show early warning signs of mental health concerns.

These mental health problems are often clinically diagnosable, and can be a product of the interaction of biological, psychological, and social factors.

Half of all mental health disorders show first signs before a person turns 14 years old, and three quarters of mental health disorders begin before age 24.

Unfortunately, less than 20% of children and adolescents with diagnosable mental health problems receive the treatment they need. Early mental health support can help a child before problems interfere with other developmental needs.

Fact: Studies show that people with mental health problems get better and many recover completely.

Recovery refers to the process in which people are able to live, work, learn, and participate fully in their communities.

There are more treatments, services, and community support systems than ever before, and they work.

Fact: Friends and loved ones can make a big difference.

Only 44% of adults with diagnosable mental health problems and less than 20% of children and adolescents receive needed treatment. Friends and family can be important influences to help someone get the treatment and services they need by:

• Reaching out and letting them know you are available to help

• Helping them access mental health services

• Learning and sharing the facts about mental health, especially if you hear something that isn't true

• Treating them with respect, just as you would anyone else

• Refusing to define them by their diagnosis or using labels such as "crazy"

What to Look For

It is important to be aware of warning signs that your child may be struggling. You can play a critical role in knowing when your child may need help.

Consult with a school counselor, school nurse, mental health provider, or another health care professional if your child shows one or more of the following behaviors:

• Feeling very sad or withdrawn or easily irritated for more than two weeks

• Seriously trying to harm or kill themselves, or making plans to do so

• Experiencing sudden overwhelming fear for no reason, sometimes with a racing heart or fast breathing

• Getting in many fights or wanting to hurt others

• Showing severe out-of-control behavior that can hurt oneself or others

• Not eating, throwing up, or using laxatives to make themselves lose weight

• Having intense worries or fears that get in the way of daily activities

• Experiencing extreme difficulty controlling behavior, putting themselves in physical danger or causing problems in school

• Using drugs or alcohol

• Having severe mood swings that cause problems in relationships

• Showing drastic changes in behavior or personality

• A drop in their school performance

https://www.sandiegounified.org/departments/counseling_and_guidance/resources

In case of life threatening emergency call 911

To text with a crisis counselor, send a text to 988 on your phone.

San Diego County Crisis and Access Line 888-724-7240

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 800-273-TALK(8255)

San Diego Unified School Police Department (619) 291-7678

County of San Diego Network of Care

Search the Network of Care comprehensive database to find services in your community. Resources for the service directory are maintained an provided by 211 San Diego. 211 San Diego helps people by connecting them efficiently to the service delivery system and providing vital trend information for community planning.

Up2SD

The It's Up 2 Us campaign is designed to empower San Diegans to talk openly about mental health challenges, recognize symptoms, utilize local resources and seek help. By raising awareness and providing access to local resources, we aim to inspire wellness, reduce stigma and prevent suicide. Recovery is possible and help is available. It's Up2SD to make a difference in the lives of San Diegans experiencing mental health challenges by offering support and providing opportunities. Find easy access to mental health and suicide prevention resources by visiting the Up2SD resource guide.

National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)

The National Alliance on Mental Illness in San Diego (NAMI San Diego) is the community's voice on mental illness. We are a part of grass-roots, nonprofit, national NAMI organization and also an affiliate of NAMI California. NAMI San Diego was founded in 1978 by family members of people with mental illness. Access resources and information via their helpline.

https://www.samhsa.gov/mental-health/how-to-talk/parents-and-caregivers