Deciding when to ask for help.

If you notice that you feel differently and you don’t enjoy things you typically have in the past — like hanging out with friends, playing on your sports team, making good grades in school, eating when you’re hungry — it’s time to talk to an adult that you trust.

How to talk to your parents or guardian.

Think about how you will explain what you are experiencing. It may be helpful to let your parents or guardian know in advance that you are going through something difficult and you’re nervous to bring it up, but you hope they can understand and help you figure out how to handle it.

Recognize the effect of social media on your mental health.

You are growing up in a world where social media has always been a part of connecting with others, especially friends and classmates. However, digital platforms can also make things more difficult for you emotionally. It’s important to recognize when patterns of social media use are unhelpful and understand the potential consequences.

Think of your mental health as you would about a physical health issue.

Think about having a stomach ache. Often, it is mild and short-term. But what if you wake up every morning with stomach pain? You might have other symptoms, and they might get in the way of your work, school, or sleep. Now, imagine that instead of stomach pain, you’re experiencing feelings of anxiousness. Like pain, anxiety can alert us to a problem. If you are struggling, it’s important to talk to a professional. That is the first step in addressing the problem and getting better.