High school can bring many struggles and so much change that it can leave your head spinning. Not only is your body changing, but each year can leave you with more responsibilities and an increasingly complicated schedule as you try to balance classes, homework, extracurricular activities, duties at home, and even a job.
With all of these changes, it is no wonder why you may feel like you have been a lot more emotional as of late. The new stresses in your life and the worries that can come up in high school regarding your future and identity can leave you unsure where to turn.
You are not alone if you have been struggling with sadness, hopelessness, stress, fear, or anxiety. The World Health Organization estimates that one in seven 10-19-year-olds globally experiences a mental health disorder such as anxiety and depression.
If you have been feeling depressed or overwhelmed lately, the good news is that plenty of mental health resources are available to high schoolers that can help set you on a path toward healing.
Keep reading as we look at the common mental health conditions high schoolers struggle with and the available resources to help get you back on your feet.
Reducing the Stigma: It’s OK to Talk About Mental Health
Unfortunately, while mental health issues have become increasingly common among high school students, many do not seek the help they desperately need because of the stigma associated with mental health treatment.
While it is perfectly normal to need support for a mental health condition, many teens fear being shamed or judged by their family or friends if they admit to struggling with their mental health. However, you should not let the fear that others may judge you deter you from seeking treatment.
The reality is that society is changing, and people are more understanding about mental health issues than ever before. Furthermore, it is only when people are willing to talk about their mental health that the stigma will start to go away, as people will finally begin to see how common these conditions are.
Of course, if you are not ready to talk about your mental health journey with family or friends, plenty of confidential resources are still available to you.
What Should You Be Aware Of?
One of the most significant barriers to mental health care for teens is that many don't know whether their feelings are normal or suffering from a mental health condition.
While it is customary to occasionally feel sad, scared, or anxious, these feelings should not become chronic and get in the way of your daily activities. A few warning signs that you may need to seek resources for mental health support include:
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Feeling very sad or withdrawn for more than two weeks.
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Making plans to harm oneself or attempting to do so.
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Out-of-control, risk-taking behaviors.
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Sudden, overwhelming fear for no reason.
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Seeing, hearing, or believing things that aren't real.
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Drastic changes in mood, behavior, personality, or sleeping habits.
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Extreme difficulty concentrating or staying still.
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Intense worry, dread, or fear get in the way of daily activities.
Talking About Your Mental Health
For many high school students, seeking mental health care is often difficult as they don't know who to talk to about their problems, or how to start the conversation.
Considering the stigmas surrounding mental health care, who can you trust to help you seek treatment?
Your High School Counselor
While many resources are available to help high school students get the mental health care they need, the number of options can also be overwhelming and make it difficult to know where to start.
If this is the case, you should consider making an appointment with your high school guidance counselor.
While you may see them as merely an academic resource, they can also be vital in helping you when you are experiencing a mental health crisis as well. They have the resources to get you started on your mental health journey.
At St. John Bosco High School, we know that high school can be a difficult time of transition for many students. If you or someone you care about is struggling with mental health, do not hesitate to ask for support.
Related Article: Top 5 Benefits of Online Learning for High Schoolers.
Contact a Medical Professional
If you have a good relationship with your primary care doctor, talking to your doctor during your next appointment would be an excellent place to start. Your primary care doctor can review your symptoms with you and help rule out other physical health conditions that could be causing your symptoms.
Doctors are not only experienced in handling mental health issues, so you won't have to worry about stigma or judgment, but most states also grant teenagers confidentiality regarding mental health issues.
When talking to your doctor, be honest about what you're feeling and clear about what you want. Talk to them about treatment options and ask for help finding a therapist or mental health specialist.
It is important to note that getting an appointment with a specialist can take a while, making it critical that you speak up if you are having a mental health crisis and need help sooner. Finding a therapist or psychiatrist who is right for you may take time, so don't get discouraged if the first one is not a good fit. Finding the right specialist is essential in managing your mental health.
Talk to Someone You Trust
Of course, many teens do not feel comfortable about discussing their mental health with their doctor alone. If this is the case, you may be more comfortable opening up with someone you trust and asking them to help you get care.
While talking about your mental health can be difficult, it is a great way to get help, as you will have someone by your side to support you during your mental health journey. You can start by talking to family members, friends, teachers, counselors, coaches, or anyone in your life who you feel safe opening up to. If you aren't sure how to start the conversation, consider saying something like:
"I haven't been feeling right lately and am not sure where to turn. Can I talk to you about how I've been feeling?"
"I've been feeling really overwhelmed lately; do you have time to talk?"
"I'm having a really hard time lately. Will you help me find someone to talk to about my mental health?"
Preparing what you will say ahead of time can be huge in helping you find the courage to talk about such a personal topic.
Online Mental Health Resources for High Schoolers
If talking to your doctor or someone in your life does not seem like something you are ready for, you are not out of options.
Fortunately, you can choose from countless online mental health resources for teens, many of which offer support or mental health services to teens free of charge. Here is a look at just a few of your options.
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The National Alliance on Mental Health (NAMI): This program offers online resources for those suffering from mental illness, with specific resources available for teens. Their website is a great place to start learning more about managing your mental health and tips on how to talk to your family and friends.
If you are experiencing a mental health crisis, you can also call the NAMI helpline at 1-800-950-NAMI (6264) M-F, 7 am to 3 pm PT, for free support. You can also text NAMI to 741-741 to connect with a trained crisis counselor to receive free, 24/7 support via text message.
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Crisis Text Line: If you live in the United States, you can also connect with a trained crisis counselor at any time using the Crisis Text Line. A crisis counselor receives your message and responds from a secure online platform, and the volunteer crisis counselor will help you move from a hot moment to a cool moment. Just text “hello” to 741741 and someone will be there to help you via text.
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The National Institute of Mental Health: The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) offers information about mental health disorders and a range of related topics that can help individuals get the mental health support they need. They also provide information on the latest in mental health research.
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Mental Health America: Mental Health America promotes mental health as a critical part of overall wellness and provides early identification and intervention for those at risk. They also offer integrated care, services, and support for those who need them, with the ultimate goal of helping people achieve recovery.
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National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: If you or someone you love is experiencing a mental health crisis, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988.
Mental Health Matters, and You’re Not Alone
One of the most important things to take away from this article is that you are not alone, and there are so many tools and resources for you that support your mental health throughout your high school years.
Remember, high school isn’t always easy to navigate, and there are probably more people in your shoes than you may think. For some more tips from a St. John Bosco High School counselor, visit our Instagram post.