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Mental health is an important part of overall health and well-being. Mental health includes our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how we think, feel, and act. It also helps determine how we handle stress, relate to others, and make healthy choices. Mental health is important at every stage of life, from childhood and adolescence through adulthood.
Mental health is an important part of overall health and well-being. Mental health includes our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how we think, feel, and act. It also helps determine how we handle stress, relate to others, and make healthy choices. Mental health is important at every stage of life, from childhood and adolescence through adulthood.
Parent We Care with subtitles.mp4Where Can I Get Help?
Where Can I Get Help?
You are not alone. Lots of people have been where you are or are there right now. But there are also lots of people who want to help you.
If you're thinking about harming yourself get help immediately. You can call 911 or the National Suicide Prevention Line at 1-800-273-TALK (8255).
Another way to get help is by talking to someone you trust. This could be a parent, family member, teacher, school counselor, school psychologist, nurse, spiritual leader or another trusted adult, who:
Gives good advice when you want and ask for it
Respects your need for privacy so you can tell him or her anything
Lets you talk freely about your feelings and emotions without judging, teasing, or criticizing
Helps you figure out what to do the next time a difficult situation comes up
24/7
24/7
We can all help prevent suicide. The Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals.
How to take care of yourself
How to take care of yourself
How to Help others
How to Help others
Resources
Resources
Help for Parents
Help for Parents
Warning Signs
Warning Signs
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Feeling very sad or withdrawn for more than two weeks
Seriously trying to harm or kill himself or herself, 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 himself or herself lose weight
Having intense worries or fears that get in the way of daily activities
Experiencing extreme difficulty controlling behavior, putting himself or herself in physical danger or causing problems in school
Using drugs or alcohol repeatedly
Having severe mood swings that cause problems in relationships
Showing drastic changes in behavior or personality
Because children often can't understand difficult situations on their own, you should pay particular attention if they experience:
Loss of a loved one
Divorce or separation of their parents
Any major transition—new home, new school, etc.
Traumatic life experiences, like living through a natural disaster
Teasing or bullying
Difficulties in school or with classmates
How can parents help?
How can parents help?
What to Do
What to Do
If you are concerned your child's behaviors, it is important to get appropriate care. You should:
Talk to your child's doctor, school nurse, or another health care provider and seek further information about the behaviors or symptoms that worry you
Ask your child's primary care physician if your child needs further evaluation by a specialist with experience in child behavioral problems
Ask if your child's specialist is experienced in treating the problems you are observing
Talk to your medical provider about any medication and treatment plans
Please call 911 for emergency or the National Suicide Prevention Line at 1-800-273-TALK (8255).
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