Mental Health

Going outside for some fresh air and sunlight can drastically affect one's mood. If you're feeling down or overwhelmed try going for a 10 minute walk around your neighborhood.

Hanging out with friends and being social has been proven to release dopamine and uplift one's moods.

Being in a clean and organized space can help declutter thoughts and keep you busy. Throw on your favorite music and get scrubbing!

A simple 10 minute workout can boost your mood and help you be active. Enacting healthy behaviors can make you feel better about yourself and your healthy habits.

When thoughts are overwheming, being mindful can help you relax your mind and come back to neutral. Meditation, yoga, and focusing on your breathing can all be beneficial in times of stress.

One of the best forms of self care is getting enough rest. Teens need at least 8-10 hours of sleep, however listening to what your body needs and catching up on rest is more important than a generalized recommendation.

Enjoying a book is a great way to not only distract yourself, but also improve your reading comprehension. Find a genre you like and discover different authors and topics. Reading articles is also a great way to spend time and gain some knowledge.

Social media is one of the most detrimental leisure activities. Unless your feed is filled with positive messages and things you enjoy, it's unlikely that you will gain pleasure from unrealistic lifestyles and habits of others.

Try making a new recipe filled with nutritious foods to fuel your next activity. Discover a taste you've never tried, or make dinner for your family. Cooking is a valubale life skill and is a great way to spend time.

Anxiety is a mental health condition that causes people to experience excessive and persistent worry about everyday situations. This condition can be genetic, or be brought on by environmental factors or previous experiences. People often experience obsessing over the future, overthinking conversations or interactions, racing thoughts, fast heartrate and increased perspiration, inability to relax or constantly feeling tense. Treatments include behavioral cognitive therapy, medication, relaxation methods, exercise, and lifestyle changes.

19.1% of the US population has been diagnosed with this disorder.

Depression is a mental illness that involves a depressed mood and loss of interest in activities for a prolonged period of time. This condition can  be caused by chemical abnormalities or changes in the brain, genetic factors, environmental factors, psychological factors, and life events or illnesses. People may experience intense fatigue, persistent feelings of worthlessness or sadness, thoughts of suicide or self harm, and changes in appetite. Treatments include behavioral cognitive therapy, medication, exercise, and other approaches.

8.3% of the US population has been diagnosed with this disorder.

What is depression?

PTSD or post traumatic stress disorder is a mental health condition that can develop after someone experiences or witnesses a traumatic event. People can experience reliving the event or flashbacks, being startled easily, always on edge, feeling detached or numb, sleep problems, reckless or self-destructive behavior, hypervigilance, or irritability among other symptoms. PTSD can significantly impair a person's ability to function at work, at home, and socially. The main treatment is known as psychotherapy or 'talk therapy,' however medication may also be helpful.

About 6% of the US population has been diagnosed with this disorder.

OCD or obsessive compulsive disorder is a chronic mental illness that causes people to experience unwanted, recurring thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors (compulsions). People may experience excessive concern with morality, need for order, neatness, symmetry, or perfection, fear of contamination, fear of causing harm to yourself or others, fear of making a mistake, or feelings of doubt or disgust. Treatment includes medication and psychotherapy among other methods. 

2.3% of the US population has been diagnosed with this disorder.

BPD or borderline personality disorder is a mental illness that causes people to have unstable emotions and difficulty regulating them. People can experience impulsive actions, issues with self image, emotional instability, unstable relationships, feelings of emptiness, paranoia, having difficulty with daily tasks, or using substances such as food, drugs, or alcohol to cope. Treatments include psychotherapy and medication among other methods.

About 1.4% of the US population has been diagnosed with this disorder.

Bipolar is a mental illness that causes extreme mood swings, also known as manic and depressive episodes. Manic episodes are described as periods of intense elation, irritability, or energy. People with bipolar disorder may feel very happy, excited, or overactive. They may also have an inflated sense of self-worth, talk quickly, or have trouble concentrating. Depressive episodes are periods of sadness, hopelessness, or indifference. People with bipolar disorder may feel low energy, lack motivation, or have difficulty concentrating. Causes can be due to genetics or biological differences in the brain. Treatments include medication, psychotherapy, and support groups.

2.8% of the US population has been diagnosed with this disorder.

Schizophrenia is a chronic mental illness that affects a person's thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. People with schizophrenia may experience hallucinations, delusions, disorganized thinking, and unusual behaviors. They may also have difficulty concentrating and remembering things, and may withdraw from social activities. The causes of schizophrenia are not fully known, but it's likely a combination of genetics and environmental factors. Having a close relative with schizophrenia increases your risk of developing it. It can be managed with a combination of medications, therapy, and social support. Schizophrenia can be severely disabling if left untreated. Early intervention may help improve the course of the disorder.

About 1% of the US population has been diagnosed with this disorder.

ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder), and ADD (attention deficit disorder) are developmental disorders that can cause persistent symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. People can experience racing thoughts, difficulty paying attention, forgetfulness, mood swings, irritability, restlessness, or interrupting others. Symptoms of ADHD can range from person to person, and girls are more likely to have internalized ADHD whereas boys act out more, which leads to lower diagnoses in females than males as the effects are not seen. Treatments include medication, psychotherapy, exercise, and education.

6% of US adults and 11.4% of children have been diagnosed with this disorder.

People with panic disorder have frequent and unexpected panic attacks. These attacks are characterized by a sudden wave of fear or discomfort or a sense of losing control even when there is no clear danger or trigger. A panic attack can be described as a brief episode of intense anxiety that can cause physical and mental symptoms. People can experience shortness of breath, heart palpitations or chest pain, a feeling of impending doom, feeling disconnected from your body (depersonalization), or hot flashes. Causes include having a relative with the disorder, having anxiety or depression, or chemical imbalances. Treatments include psychotherapy, medication, and exposure therapy.

4.7% of the US population has been diagnosed with this disorder.