 There are many mental health problems. Some are more severe than others.  Common mental health problems include:  Depression  Bipolar Disorder  Anxiety Disorders  Eating Disorders  Obsessive Compulsive Disorder  Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

 Race  Religion  Sexual orientation  Family income  Drug use

 Feeling:  really sad and hopeless without good reason and the feelings don’t go away.  very angry most of the time, cry a lot, or overact to things.  worthless or guilty a lot.  anxious or worried a lot more than other kids.  unable to get over a loss or death of someone important.  extremely fearful – you have unexplained fears or more fears than most kids.  constantly concerned about physical problems or physical appearance.  like your mind is being controlled or is out of control.

 Experience big changes in the way you get along; for example you:  do much worse in school.  lose interest in things you usually enjoy.  have unexplained changes in sleeping or eating.  avoid friends or family and want to be alone all the time.  daydream so much you can’t get things done.  feel as if you can’t handle life or consider suicide.  hear voices talking to you or about you that you cannot explain.

 Find yourself limited by:  poor concentration – you can’t think straight or make up your mind.  being unable to sit still or focus your attention.  worrying about being harmed, hurting others, or about doing something “bad.”  feeling like you have to wash, clean things, or perform certain routines hundreds of times a day in order to avoid danger.  thoughts that race through your head – almost so fast you can’t follow them.  persistent nightmares.

 Behave in ways that cause you problems, for example:  Use alcohol or other drugs.  Eat large amounts of food and then make yourself vomit, abuse laxatives, or take enemas to avoid weight gain.  Continue to diet and/or exercise obsessively although bone-thin.  Constantly violate the rights of others or break the law without regard for other people.  Do things that can be life-threatening.

 The sooner you get the right help, the sooner you may feel better. Some things that help are:  Counseling  Family therapy  Group therapy  Crisis care  Behavior therapy  Day treatment  Education programs  Tutoring  Medications  Special camp programs

 Talk to a trusted adult such as a parent, relative, friend, neighbor, teach, coach, member of the clergy or family doctor.  You may also decide to get help from someone trained to support those mental health problems such as:  Family doctor  Psychiatrist  Psychologist  Social worker  Special education teacher  Religious counselor  School counselor  Nurse

 Encourage you friend to talk to a trusted adult.  Tell a trusted adult  Listen to and be open to their feelings  Be a friend

 Call the National Mental Health Services Knowledge Exchange Network at

 I take pleasure in everyday things.  I feel able to deal with most situations and am not overwhelmed by emotions.  I can take life’s disappointments in stride.  I have a tolerant attitude toward myself as well as others.  I am realistic about my abilities.  I can accept my own shortcomings and laugh at myself. Do you feel good about yourself?

 I am able to love and consider the interests of others.  I have personal relationships that are satisfying and lasting.  I can trust others and feel they can trust me.  I do not take advantage of others nor do I let others take advantage of me.  I feel a sense of responsibility to others. Do you feel comfortable with other people?

 I do something about problems as they arise.  I accept responsibilities.  I shape my environment when possible and adjust to life’s challenges.  I plan ahead and do not fear the future.  I welcome new experiences and set realistic goals for myself. Are you able to meet life’s demands?