Mental health is such a serious topic that you can’t talk enough about. As a 15-year-old freshman
in high school, I’ve seen what mental health can do to a teenager, especially with the stress of school,
sports, and relationships. Having a mental health disorder isn’t something you should be ashamed of.
Often, people with a mental health disorder choose to keep quiet because it feels like it makes them weak,
which isn’t the case. Common mental health disorders are depression, generalised anxiety disorder
(GAD), panic disorders, phobias, social anxiety disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), and
post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). According to the National Library of Medicine.
Some of these mental disorders can become very serious over time and could make you suicidal.
A mental disorder is not just something you can snap out of; it is a genuine illness that you can get
treatment for. There are so many resources out there that can help. According to Mental Health America,
some mental health treatments are psychotherapy, medications, case management, hospitalization, and
support groups.
If you feel that you need help right at that moment, there are some crisis lines that you can use.
988 is for an immediate mental health crisis, where if you are feeling suicidal, experiencing substance
abuse, or experiencing emotional disasters. For the Disaster Distress Helpline, call 1-800-985-5990. For
the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, call 800-273-8255. And if you don’t want to sit on a call with
someone, there is the Crisis Textline – text TALK to 741741. If you are having a hard time with mental
health, you’re not alone, and please don’t hesitate to reach out for help, because there are people who want
to help you get through this.
