Mental health is a serious issue that affects people of all ages.

Often, mental health problems begin to manifest earlier in life, during the teen or young adulthood years. According to the American Psychiatric Association, half of mental illnesses begin by the time someone is 14. They also note that three-quarters of mental illnesses appear by the age of 24. For these reasons, it’s important that people understand what mental illness is and how it can impact their lives and the lives of loved ones. Most importantly, however, you should know that help is available and you are not alone.

Get help. Today. Whether for you or someone you love, pick someone to talk to. Someone who is not judgmental, is a good listener, respects the need for privacy, and will take what is said seriously. This person should also be someone who you’re comfortable talking to and who gives good advice. If you’re not comfortable talking to someone you know about your problems, you can also talk to someone anonymously by calling a hotline or using another type of support service with professionals who are ready to help today. 

HOTLINES

 

NATIONAL SUICIDE PREVENTION LIFELINE

If you or someone you know is suicidal or in emotional distress, contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. Trained crisis workers are available to talk 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. These centers provide crisis counseling and mental health referrals.

YOUTH HELPLINE - YOUR LIFE YOUR VOICE

The Your Life Your Voice National Hotline is a 24-hour toll free number available to kids, teens and young adults.

THE RECOVERY VILLAGE

Teenagers often resort to drug use as a cry for help. Underlying psychological factors such as depression are present in a number of these cases. If your teen is using drugs and seems depressed, they may be at risk for committing suicide. It’s essential you get help now. 

THE TREVOR PROJECT

The Trevor Project is the leading national organization providing crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning (LGBTQ+) young people ages 13-24. 

TRANS LIFELINE

Transgender people supporting transgender people in crisis.

 

ONLINE RESOURCES

  • ACTIVE MINDS - a leading nonprofit organization that empowers students to speak openly about mental health in order to educate others and encourage help-seeking. We are changing the culture on campuses and in the community by providing information, leadership opportunities and advocacy training to the next generation.

              http://www.activeminds.org

  • MENTAL HEALTH AMERICA - the nation’s leading community-based nonprofit dedicated to addressing the needs of those living with mental illness and to promoting the overall mental health of all Americans.

             https://www.mhanational.org

  • NATIONAL ALLIANCE ON MENTAL ILLNESS - NAMI is the nation’s largest grassroots mental health organization dedicated to building better lives for the millions of Americans affected by mental illness. 

             https://www.nami.org

  • TEEN HEALTH & WELLNESS- provides middle and high school students with nonjudgmental, straightforward, curricular and self-help support, aligned to state, national, and provincial standards. Topics include diseases, drugs and alcohol, nutrition, mental health, suicide and bullying, green living, LGBTQ issues, and more.

http://www.teenhealthandwellness.com

 

LOUISVILLE RESOURCES

 

SMARTPHONE APPS

  • Calm - meditations, breathing programs, music, and sounds from nature to relax your mind and body and promote better sleep.

  • Headspace - mindfulness and meditation

  • Moodnotes - thought journal and mood diary

  • Moodpath - daily questions in order to assess your well-being and screen for symptoms of depression. The screening progress aims to increase your awareness of your thoughts, emotions, and feelings.

  • Pacifica - a toolbox to deal with daily anxiety and stress, along with a highly supportive community of like-minded individuals.

  • SuperBetter - a game focusing on increasing resilience and the ability to remain strong, optimistic, and motivated when presented with challenging obstacles in life.

  • 7 Cups - provides online therapy and emotional support for anxiety and depression. There are more than 160,000 trained listeners and licensed therapists who are available to anonymously speak with 24/7. Speak your mind and confide in listeners without the fear of being judged.

  • Happify - a space to overcome negative thoughts and stress and build resilience. Whether you are feeling stressed, anxious, or sad, Happify helps you to regain control of your thoughts and feelings.

  • My3 - you define your network and your plan to stay safe. With MY3 you can be prepared to help yourself and reach out to others when you are having thoughts of suicide.