How to Support Teen Mental Health This World Teen Mental Wellness Day
Resources, Comfort, & Care for Your Mental Health
Guest Author, Brittney Moses
March 2nd is World Teen Mental Wellness Day where we take the time to highlight the importance of caring for the mental health of teens everywhere. Not only do teen mental health conditions tend to go undiagnosed and untreated but according to the National Institute of Mental Health, in 2021, “an estimated 49.5[%] of adolescents has had a mental health disorder at some point in their lives.”
This means that almost half of teens are likely to experience mental distress to the extent that it significantly impacts their lives…
It’s important to promote preventative care and mental health maintenance so life doesn’t have to be even more difficult among the dynamic of pressures and changes that teens may already be facing. This means having more conversations to raise awareness, engaging in psychoeducation like reading this blog to learn more about mental health and knowing what resources are available in times of crisis.
Read-on for Warning Signs & Resources for World Teen Mental Wellness Day
7 Warning Signs of Teen Mental Illness:
It’s common for all of us, including teens, to experience some level of emotional distress in our lives at any given time. What sets apart normal fluctuations in mood from a serious mental health condition worth looking into depends on for how long their symptoms are persisting, how much it’s impairing their daily functioning, including their academic and social life, and most importantly if any suicidal thinking is present for them.
As sensitive as these conversations can be, they can save lives even to know they don’t have to go through their challenges alone- especially when it can be difficult to see the other side at this age.
Here are some common signs to pay attention to that may warrant checking-in on their mental health and possibly looking into getting more help from the expertise of a counselor or therapist:
- Loss of interest in school or hobbies
- Low energy and constant fatigue
- Significant changes in sleeping, eating or hygiene habits
- Irritability and unpredictable mood swings
- Social withdrawal, isolation, and loneliness
- Erratic or risky behavior
- Substance use or self-harm
It’s safe to say that whether or not we can fully assess what’s going on with our loved one, when we’ve noticed a significant change or impairment in their usual functioning… And don’t forget to pray!
Make sure to check-in and see how we can meet them where they are to be the most supportive!
Support Mental Wellness for Your Whole Family
WeShare in Mental Wellness
WeShare by UHSM members have so much to look forward to in the New Year when it comes to mental wellness: the future is bright for those looking for extra help, care, and love from a community of likeminded Christians. While members have always had the availability of in-person, counselor-led care through
1.2 million+ providers in the PHCS PPO network, as of 2023, WeShare has partnered with BetterHelp to provide members virtual care, at a special, shared price, further adding to the value of membership for all members individually.
The UHSM Ministry acknowledges the need for additional mental wellness resources, and has both expanded and improved membership offerings and programs to directly address the needs of the whole community,
again, for the advantage of the whole community. As of 2023, WeShare members can access mental wellness care anytime, anywhere, with BetterHelp’s phone, video, or chat sessions.
As the world’s largest, 100% online, therapy service, BetterHelp takes a tailored approach to counselor-led care that focuses on individuals, couples, and wellness for teens. With more than 30,000 therapists available, BetterHelp provides ultimate accessibility for families and individuals on the go.
Final Thoughts & Resources for World Teen Mental Wellness Day
Ways to support teen mental health:
1. Have an open an honest conversation
2. Encourage therapy and / or talking to a trusted adult
3. Educate yourself on what your teen is feeling
Direct Resources for Teens:
The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: Dial 9-8-8. 988 has been designated as the new three-digit dialing code that will route callers to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline and is now active across the United States.
Crisis Text Line: is a free, 24/7 crisis support by text message. When someone is in crisis or feeling distressed, they can text HOME to 741741 to connect with a Crisis Counselor.
The NAMI helpline (the National Alliance of Mental Illness): (U.S. based) 1-800-950-NAMI (6264) or info@nami.org can help answer questions about mental health issues including:
- Symptoms of mental health conditions
- Treatment options
- Local support groups and services
- Education programs
- Helping family members get treatment
NAMI also provides guided resources for ways to support loved ones presently struggling with mental health challenges.
You can text NAMI to 741-741 for NAMI’s text crisis line.
Self-Harm Hotline: 1-800-DONT CUT (1-800-366-8288)
National Crisis Line for Anorexia and Bulimia: 1-800-233-4357
Warm lines were created to give people support when they just need someone to talk to. These calls are typically free, confidential, and you don’t have to be in a crisis to call. Here is a list of warm lines you can call by state!
TeenMentalHealth.org: Is website that provides learning tools on a variety of mental health conditions with video and resources for teens.
About the Guest Author:
Brittney Moses,
UHSM Ambassador, Mental Health Author, Lifestyle Content Creator, & Faith Advocate
Ambassador of UHSM, Brittney Moses is a mental health Author, Lifestyle Content Creator, and Advocate over integrating faith, culture, and wellness into one’s life. A mom and Los Angeles native, Brittney walks in-faith, using an informed approach to mental health. She is deeply seated in compassion for those she serves, from churches to youth non-profit ministries, Brittney Moses is a NAMI-certified Support Group Facilitator and Crisis Textline Counselor. Brittney Moses encourages others through a variety of mental health crises, and helps others through practical, holistic, and an evidence-based approach. Her latest publication and book, Worthy, helps others to focus on clarity and peace every day.
You can grab your very own copy of Worthy directly on the Amazon book marketplace!
Next Week:
“Supporting women from community to health: Strong Women of Faith”
WeShare in a community that is uplifting, caring, and rooted in faith!
WeShare members have admission to the largest, independent PPO PHCS network in America, with access to over 1.2 million doctors and specialists. Not only that, but members can also access pharmacy services at over 68,000 locations, nation-wide. WeShare is so much more, WeShare as a community and truly care for our members with a holistic approach to wellness, one which focuses on a preventative and proactive approach to one’s mental, physical, and spiritual well-being.
Call us at (800) 900 – 8476 or send an email to hello@uhsm.org
We can’t wait to chat with you about WeShare, our healthcare sharing ministry memberships!
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