Resource Library-Notice. Talk. Act.® at School: High School Student Poster 12x18

Pdf Summary

Mental health is as significant as physical health, especially among teenagers, where nearly one in five struggles with mental health issues. It is crucial to notice changes or signs indicating that something might be wrong and talk about them to understand the situation better. Everyone requires support from time to time, whether for themselves or their friends going through difficult times. If you notice something unusual in your or your friends' behavior, such as mood changes, agitation, aggressive behavior, risky actions like drug or alcohol use, or talks of self-harm or suicide, it's important to acknowledge these signs.<br /><br />Taking action involves opening up a conversation about feelings and concerns. Look for a private and comfortable space to discuss your feelings honestly. It is key to remind yourself and others that struggling with mental health is widespread and no one is alone in this journey. When worried about someone else, begin the conversation with an open-ended question, offering your support and readiness to listen when they are ready to share. <br /><br />To connect with mental health resources, talk to trusted adults like parents, school staff members, or coaches about your feelings. Engage with school mental health professionals, including social workers, psychologists, nurses, or guidance counselors, or reach out to your doctor. Remember the core steps: NOTICE, TALK, and ACT. It is beneficial to leverage available resources such as apaf.org/schools, seizetheawkward.org, and nami.org for more information and support in tackling mental health issues.

Asset Caption

This resource aims to increase high school students’ awareness about signs of potential mental health concerns they themselves or their friends may be experiencing, provide guidance on how to talk to someone about these concerns, and share different ways to act to get connected to mental health resources if needed.

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Keywords

mental health

teenagers

support

conversation

behavior changes

self-harm

resources

communication

awareness

support networks