Where to Start
NAMI Children and Teens Knowledge Center section mental health conditions are common among teens and young adults. 50% of all lifetime mental illnesses develop by age 14, and 75% develop by age 24. A mental health condition isn't your fault. These conditions develop for complicated reasons that researchers are only just starting to understand. But we do know a lot about how you can live well with a mental health condition. You have the power to improve your mental health. Find some frequently asked questions here.
NAMI Knowledge Article: Can I get mental health help even though I'm only a minor? Experiencing mental health symptoms can be scary and confusing. That's why speaking up and asking for help is a sign of strength. It can be hard to know what to say, but start with something like, I'm not feeling right. I think I need help. Can I talk to you about it? Whether you reach out to a parent, coach, teacher or religious leader, a trusted adult can help you figure out what's next. Mental health services and supports are available and the earlier you access them, the better.
NAMI Knowledge Article: I'm going through something right now. Am I experiencing everyday emotions, or could this be a mental health condition? Negative emotions like sadness, fear, and anger can be overwhelming. When you feel bad, it can be hard to have fun, spend time with other people, or try new things. If you feel really bad, you might start to worry that something is wrong. This article will help you understand the difference between everyday emotions and warning signs of a mental health condition.
NAMI - Teen - Getting the Right Start is an illustrated one page guide that makes taking the first steps to asking for help less overwhelming.
NAMI - Teens Page is a resource that is focused on finding help, how to talk to your friends, how to talk to your parents or guardian, social media and mental health, and your mental health and school.
NAMI Video - 10 Common Warning Signs Of A Mental Health Condition learn common warning signs of a possible mental health condition in youth and young adults.
NAMI Video - How Teens Can Ask for Help is a video on who to reach out to and ways to put your thoughts and feelings into words to receive help for a mental health condition.
NAMI Video - How Young Adults Can Seek Help if you are looking for support with your mental health, there are options out there. Here are a few helpful tips on how to find support for your mental health.
Asian American Health Initiative Video - Let's Talk About Mental Health (Chinese) this video offers a comprehensive overview of mental health in Chinese by highlighting definitions of mental health and mental illness, relevant statistics, protective and risk factors, signs and symptoms.
Asian American Health Initiative Video - Let's Talk About Mental Health (English) this video offers a comprehensive overview of mental health by highlighting definitions of mental health and mental illness, relevant statistics, protective and risk factors, signs and symptoms.
Asian American Health Initiative Video - Let's Talk About Mental Health (Hindi) this video offers a comprehensive overview of mental health in Hindi by highlighting definitions of mental health and mental illness, relevant statistics, protective and risk factors, signs and symptoms.
Asian American Health Initiative Video - Let's Talk About Mental Health (Korean) this video offers a comprehensive overview of mental health in Korean by highlighting definitions of mental health and mental illness, relevant statistics, protective and risk factors, signs and symptoms.
Asian American Health Initiative Video - Let's Talk About Mental Health (Vietnamese) this video offers a comprehensive overview of mental health in Vietnamese by highlighting definitions of mental health and mental illness, relevant statistics, protective and risk factors, signs and symptoms.
Center for Dignity in Healthcare for People with Disabilities - Help! I Need a Therapist! Guide is a guide for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) to become good shoppers for mental health services.
Mental Health is Health - Be there for them friends and family are often the first to notice when someone we care about is struggling. When we’re worried that a loved one is having a hard time, it’s important to trust our instincts and reach out. Here are tips and resources to help start the conversation, offer support and also look after ourselves in the process.
Trevor Project - How to Support Bisexual Youth: Ways to Care for Bisexual, Pansexual, Fluid, and Queer Youth Who are Attracted to More than One Gender is an introductory educational resource that covers a wide range of topics and best practices for supporting bisexual young people in your life, which may include yourself. Educating ourselves is an ongoing practice, and how we define and express identity is an ongoing journey.
Trevor Project - The Coming Out Handbook coming out isn’t always easy. It’s when a person decides to reveal an important part of their identity to someone in their life. For many LGBTQ people, this involves sharing their sexual orientation and/or gender identity. Explore what coming out means to you with tools and guiding questions.
Go Ask Alice - Emotional Health Alice! is not one person, but a team. The Go Ask Alice! site is supported by a team of Columbia University health promotion specialists, health care providers, mental health counselors, and other health professionals, along with a staff of information and research specialists and writers who have answers to your questions about emotional health.
Jed Foundation - Why do I feel “weird” or “off”? it’s completely normal not to feel like ourselves from time to time and having an “off” or “weird” day or two is common. In fact, when we feel like this it can tell us a lot about how our environments and habits are affecting us. If your off or weird feelings last more than a day or two, we suggest trying to get to the root of what’s going
on with you.
Mental Health is Health - Take control of your emotional health looking after our physical health means seeing a doctor, if we don’t feel well. Likewise, we don’t have to wait till we’re overwhelmed to take care of our mental health. Explore the resources here to help feel your best.
Seize the Awkward starting a conversation about mental health does not need to be uncomfortable, and it can make all the difference. Check out these resources to learn how to support a friend – or get help for yourself.
Seize the Awkward Video - Lindsey Stirling On Accepting The Help of Others Lindsey Sterling on accepting the help of others.