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Signs something might be wrong

  • Withdrawal from activities and people 

  • Out of control or impulsive behaviors 

  • Sudden weight change

  • Changes in eating habits or throwing up 

  • Severe mood swings 

  • Drug and alcohol use 

  • Sudden, overwhelming fear for no reason

  • Poor self-care habits 

  • Changes in behavior or sleeping habits

  • Lack of energy and motivation 

  • Extreme restlessness and lack of concentration 

  • Self-harm such as cutting or burning 

  • Threats of suicide 

  • Seeing, hearing, or believing things that are not real

How to help

Worried? Speak up!

Whether you're concerned for yourself or asking for help for a friend, speaking up is the first step. Here's how:

Tell Someone

Such as:

  • A family member

  • A close friend

  • A teacher

  • A counselor or coach

  • A faith or extracurricular leader

Don't know What to say?

For a friend:

  • I've noticed you (sleeping more, eating less, seeming down, etc.) Is everything ok?

  • I've noticed you haven't been acting like yourself lately. Is something going on?

  • It makes me afraid to hear you talking like this. Let's talk to someone about it 

For yourself:

  • I haven’t felt right lately and I don’t know what to do. Can I talk to you about it?

  • I’m having a really hard time lately, will you go with me to see someone?

  • I’m worried about stuff that’s going on right now, do you have time to talk?

What to do 

Getting help early for mental health matters in keeping your life on track. 

First talk to your primary care doctor. They can rule out other physical health conditions.

Be honest about what you’re feeling and be clear about what you want. This is your care. 

Ask for help finding a therapist or mental health specialist that works for you.

Things to keep in mind

It can take awhile to get an appointment with a specialist 

If you need to see a specialist right away, speak up to get an appointment sooner

Connect with others

Lots of youth and young adults live with a mental health condition. Look in your community for peer and support groups and you will discover that you are not alone.