One in five Americans will be affected by a mental health condition in their lifetime, and every American is affected or impacted, in some way, by mental illness through their friends and family. Despite how common it is, there remains a stigma around this illness, and many people go without help. Middle Earth works hard to fight this stigma and provides support for those who need it. We ask that you join us in learning more about mental illness. Here are some links to blogs we have written in the past about adolescent mental health:

Warning Signs of Teen Mental Health Problems

Encouraging Tolerance of Teen Mental Illness

Preventing Adolescent Depression

Preventing Teen Suicide

Developing Coping Skills in Teens

Resources

If you, your child, or someone you need help from a mental health provider, your local practitioner or family doctor is the best source for a recommendation. Additionally, national agencies and advocacy and professional organizations have information on finding a mental health professional and sometimes practitioner locators on their websites:

• Anxiety and Depression Association of America 
• Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance 
• Mental Health America 
• National Alliance on Mental Illness 

Or you can obtain help over the phone:

Covenant House’s Nineline
http://www.nineline.org/
1-800-999-9999

National Suicide Hotline
1-800-SUICIDE

In Somerset County, New Jersey, try:
Family and Community Services
1-732-356-1082
http://fcssomerset.org

Final Thoughts…

Mental illness does NOT just go away on its own, and someone cannot just “shake it off.” Your child MUST see a doctor and/or therapist to get the help that they need.