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Getting the Right Start

Spring is around the corner and the days are long, and the weather is warmer. Weather like this can help youth and young adults with their mental health. But someone having trouble with their mental health isn't always easy to spot. There signs and steps to teach youth on helping others with their behavior, feelings, or thoughts. 

If a friend, family member, or yourself are having trouble with mental health, here is a way to learn the signs. The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) infographic has ten common warning signs to look for. Which include "feeling sad or withdrawn for more than two weeks" or "seriously trying to harm or kill oneself or making plans to do so."  The "Getting the Right Start - Student Guide to Mental Health" lists warning signs, as well as other information, to help notice any mental health issues happening in your life.


Following that, read the rest of the infographic, and you will see useful information, like who to talk to (a family member, close friend, teacher, etc.). How to talk to them about it (starting with "I haven't been myself lately," or "can you go with me to see someone, I've been having a rough time lately.") Of course, you don't have to bring it up word for word like this, as long as you are honest about what's going on and talk to your family or friend.



Here is an author's note to anyone going through mental health issues because this topic is relatable and hits close to home. 

"It's not easy to talk about it, but it should be talked about. Whatever you're feeling, no matter how small or unimportant it feels, please, find someone that you trust to talk to. Sometimes these feelings go away pretty quick, but if they don't, or you are unsure, again, talk to someone you trust. The more you can explain and just talk about it, the better. 

The worst thing to do is bottle it up or hide how you're feeling from those who care about you. Trust me, I've found out personally that it never ends well, so do yourself a favor and speak up when you can. And the reverse is true as well. If someone is trying to talk to you about anything like this, please listen and give them your full attention. Help them any way you can, they will appreciate the fact that you decided to listen to them at least. Thank you" - J.Hayer

How do you feel about the infographic? Was there anything here that you didn't know beforehand? Write down your thoughts in the comments section. For youth ages 13-26, join us on the SPAN youth chats, Wednesdays from 3-3:30 PM. Scroll under resources to find the link. Invite a friend! 

Author,

Jeremy Hayer

Resources:

  1. The SPAN Youth Chat: the-span-youth-chat

  2. NAMI Infographic - Getting the Right Start: https://www.nami.org/NAMI/media/NAMI-Media/Infographics/NAMI-Getting-the-Right-Start.pdf

  3. Youth-Focused Videos: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLGXju3IK5UOWXGDV1Fzfrc2DJuDDqOKTu

  4. Subscribe to SPAN's YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/SPANAdvocacy

  5. Link to SPAN's website: https://spanadvocacy.org/

  6. Link to SPAN’s Youth In the Know Resource Page: Youth in the Know

  7. We’re here for you!  Call SPAN if you need assistance: 1-800-654-7726


    
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