For Young People Looking for Help

Mental health problems don't only affect adults. Children, teens and young adults can have mental health problems, too. In fact, three out of four people with mental health problems showed signs before they were 24 years old.

If you’re thinking about harming yourself get help immediately. You can call 911 or the National Suicide Prevention Line at 1.800.273.TALK (8255).

What Does “Mental Health Problem” Mean?

Are you having trouble doing the things you like to do or need to do because of how you feel – like going to school, work or hanging out with friends?

Are you having a rough day? Have you been feeling down for a while? Everyone goes through tough times, and no matter how long you’ve had something on your mind, it's important that you talk to someone about it.

Related Video

Demi Lovato shares her personal story with mental health problems and offers advice for young adults. If you have, or believe you may have, a mental health problem, it may be helpful to talk about these issues with others.

Talk to your parents or a trusted adult if you experience any of these things:

  • Can’t eat or sleep
  • Can’t perform daily tasks like going to school
  • Don't want to hang out with your friends or family
  • Don't want to do things you usually enjoy
  • Fight a lot with family and friends
  • Feel like you can't control your emotions and it's effecting your relationships with your family and friends
  • Have low or no energy
  • Feel hopeless
  • Feel numb or like nothing matters
  • Can’t stop thinking about certain things or memories
  • Feel confused, forgetful, edgy, angry, upset, worried, or scared
  • Want to harm yourself or others
  • Have random aches and pains
  • Smoke, drink, or use drugs
  • Hear voices

Learn more about specific mental health problems. 

Related Video

Kay Jamison, Ph.D., from the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, shares a personal story of hope and recovery from mental health problems. She talks about her treatment and recovery from mental health problems, and the importance of getting care.

Where Can I Get Help?

You are not alone. Lots of people have been where you are or are there right now. But there are also lots of people who want to help you.

If you’re thinking about harming yourself get help immediately. You can call 911 or the National Suicide Prevention Line at 1.800.273.TALK (8255).

Another way to get help is by talking to someone you trust. This could be a parent, family member, teacher, school counselor, spiritual leader or another trusted adult, who:

  • Gives good advice when you want and ask for it
  • Respects your need for privacy so you can tell him or her anything
  • Lets you talk freely about your feelings and emotions without judging, teasing, or criticizing
  • Helps you figure out what to do the next time a difficult situation comes up

Learn More About Young People and Mental Health