Maravilloso
Magazine
Being a teenager is hard. You have many stressors that affect you daily and many that can’t be avoided such as your family, school, and peers. Furthermore, worrying about these stressors is normal. Even adults worry. As a teenager, you will experience mood swings and change in emotions, but feeling very sad, depressed, and hopeless may be a sign of a mental illness. Don’t freak out on me, having a mental illness does not make you “crazy” or “retarded”. Many people equate mental illness to being “crazy” or “retarded”, but they are not the same.
Mental illness is real and can sometimes be severe, but with the right treatment you can live life without anyone knowing you have a disorder. You have to treat your mental health as you would your physical health. If you had a heart problem, you would see a cardiologist. If you had cancer, you would see an oncologist. If you have a mental illness, you see a psychiatrist. Your mental health is just as important as your physical health. When you are free of depression, anxiety, excessive stress and worry, addictions, and other psychological problems, you are more able to live your life to the fullest. Being mentally healthy equates to a better quality of life.
by LaKisha Coleman, MSW.
Taking Care of Your Mental Health
Often feeling very angry or worried
Doing reckless things that could harm you or others.
Don't wait until your symptoms are too bad! GET HELP NOW!
Often feeling very angry or worried
Many studies have shown that when people receive appropriate mental health care, they visit their doctor less often. Studies also show that people with untreated mental health issues visit their doctor twice as much as someone who receives appropriate mental health care. Excessive anxiety and stress can contribute to physical problems such as heart disease and ulcers. Anxiety and stress can also reduce the strength of the immune system, making people more vulnerable to other conditions. Mental illness untreated may also increase the chances of you making poor behavioral choices such as smoking, excessive alcohol or drug use, poor eating habits, and reckless behavior that can all result in severe physical problems and the need for medical services.
Always remember, mental health is treatable and as with any other medical care, you treatment is confidential. Mental illness can be treated with talk therapy and/or medications. There is no shame in ensuring that you are healthy in all aspects of life. To receive help, talk with your parents, counselors at school, or local mental health provider.
You may need to seek professional help if you exhibit some of the following!