50% of all lifetime mental illness begins by age 14. And, 1 in 6 U.S. youth experience a mental health disorder between ages 6-17[1]. Youth.gov provides risk factors, warning signs, treatment options, and more about mental health in youth[2]. Despite these stats, there is hope for thriving with mental illness through holistic, collaborative approaches.
Signs and Symptoms
According to the NIMH[3], an adolescent might need help if they:
- Lose interest in activities
- Have difficulty sleeping or eating
- Excessively exercise, diet, and/or binge eat
- Use alcohol, tobacco, or other drugs
- Have thoughts of suicide
- Have reduced energy
- Spend more time alone
- Harm themselves (e.g., burning or cutting their skin)
- Engage in risky or destructive behavior
- Think their mind is out of their control or hear things other people cannot hear
Resources
National Alliance on Mental Illness
National Institutes of Mental Health
Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration
Additional mental health and substance use disorder education and resources, including Tools to Thrive.
American Foundation for Suicide Prevention
Call 800-273-8255
Text TALK to 741741
Conversation guides, social media tools, and resources for patients and providers.
National Suicide Prevention Helpline
1-800-273-TALK (8255)
Free and confidential crisis and suicide prevention helpline.
Find the Best Therapists and Psychologists in North Carolina – Psychology Today
Find a therapist by patients’ insurance, age, and specific needs.
NC-PAL – North Carolina Behavioral Health Consultation Line
NC-PAL is a free telephone consultation and education program to help health care providers address the behavioral health needs of pediatric and perinatal patients.
Quartet Health
Refer via Quartet Health platform for patients 16 yrs and up.
MindPath Health
Provides services for patients 4 years and up. Refer through Proficient Health, Quartet, or by fax to 855-420-6402.
[1] Mental Health By the Numbers | NAMI: National Alliance on Mental Illness
[2] Mental Health | Youth.gov
[3] NIMH » Child and Adolescent Mental Health (nih.gov)