When To Get Help?

Dealing with a mental illness isn't easy. The stigma on mental health makes it even harder. The negative view on having a mental illness causes those who are dealing with one to feel ashamed or embarrassed. Those who are wanting to get help are hiding behind the fear of being seen as "weird" or "crazy". Getting help for yourself is never too late. The first step is realizing you aren't your normal self anymore. You've stopped hanging out with your core group of friends, you don't go to the mall or favorite store anymore. This is when you would try to talk to someone who can listen closely to your feelings and current emotions to help guide you to the right professional help. There are therapist and support groups that give you back the control over your mind and health.

If you, or someone you know, is having a hard time getting up in the mornings or trying to do daily activities, please speak to someone about how you've been feeling. The fear in not knowing what you may be experiencing isn't worse than your symptoms worsening if you don't get the proper help.

For those who may know someone who isn't acting as themselves lately, look for these symptoms:

Depression

• weight gain/loss
• loss of interest on daily activities
• feelings of worthlessness, sadness

Anxiety

• rapid heartbeat, dizziness
• panic attacks
• unable to be calm

Eating Disorder

• eats once a day, small or large portions
• excessive exercise
• uses the bathroom after every meal

Bipolar Disorders

• high levels of energy 
• aggressive behavior
• episodes of deprssion

more information: http://www.mentalhealth.gov/what-to-look-for/index.html

What is Anxiety?

Anxiety disorder is experiencing an unpleasant state of anxious or overwhelming emotions during any given time. Anxiety can be mild to severe, which can lead to having panic episodes. Anxiety disorders affect 1 in 8 youth, according to Youth Mental Health First Aid USA, the prevalence in children 9-17 years of age is 13 percent. There are many signs and symptoms of an Anxiety Disorder. Physically you could experience rapid breathing or shortness in breath, muscle aches and pains, dizziness, dry mouth, and excessive sweating. Other signs and symptoms include confusion, excessive fear and worry, phobic behaviors, isolation, and sleep disturbance. There is many risk factors for anxiety disorders. Having a sensitive emotional nature and seeing the world as a threat, exposure to traumatic events during childhood, parental separation and activity with AOD (alcohol, other drugs).

In the Youth Mental Health First Aid USA book, it is a guide to those who want to learn how to help assist someone in need of a supporter during a mental health crisis This book is designed to give tips on what to look for in any given mental illness and what to do when dealing with a young person in a crisis. The book is not in any way giving an individual the ability to diagnose someone else. I personally have learned from this book, all the different symptoms to many mental illnesses and who to help another youth in a moment of need.