Mental Health
Local Crisis Line: (509) 575-4200
Mental health embodies a broad range of emotional, psychological, and social factors in a person’s well-being. According to Drugfree.org, 65% of youth with a substance use disorder also have a mental health disorder necessitating professional help. Because of this, we believe it is imperative to educate and connect Yakima County youth to mental health resources.
How can you tell if a teen might be experiencing mental health decline? Have you noticed:
- A change in their usual sleeping patterns; such as excessive sleeping or insomnia?
- Low self-esteem, perhaps partnered with negative self-talk?
- A loss of interest in their favorite hobby, sport, or other pastimes?
- A sudden, negative shift in their academic performance?
- A change in their appetite, either eating too much or too little?
Changes to their personality such as aggression or becoming closed off?
Early identification of mental health decline means a less prolonged negative impact on a youth’s:
Education
Relationships
Ability to gain employment
Motivation and productivity
Overall well-being
To get support today, please reach out to your family doctor or call 2-1-1 for more local resources.
- Local Mental Health Crisis Line: (509) 575-4200
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1 (800) 273-8255
- The TREVOR Project: 1 (866) 488-7386
Mental Health is Not a Taboo Subject
Teens and adults experiencing mental health disorders are just as adequate and acceptable as those who do not suffer from them. According to the CDC, at least 1 in 5 Americans experience mental illness or a mental health disorder in any given year. It is common for many of us to have periods of depression, anxiety, or other mental health struggles/conditions.
A decline in mental health warrants attention, professional help, and monitoring.
Have frequent conversations with the young people in your life about identifying their specific stressors, triggers, and personal symptoms that may indicate a decline in their mental health.
If there is a teen or adolescent in your life struggling with their mental health you should:
Be a compassionate and active listener
Sometimes a teen won’t be ready (and might never be ready) to talk with you about what’s going on in their world. But knowing that you are a solid pillar in their life will make the journey significantly easier.
Reach out to a professional
Every school has counselors on staff to help you and young people through this period. Yakima County also has several dedicated mental health professionals available to those seeking help. Take a look at the resources below or dial 2-1-1 to find one near you.
Monitor teens’ health for sharp declines that might lead to suicide
If you believe a young person in your life has thoughts of suicide and is in immediate danger call 9-1-1.