Every day, people face worries and stress that can affect mental health. While everyday stressors are a part of life, they can often make us feel overwhelmed. That’s why it’s important to take care of yourself. If you are struggling, learn more about self-help or professional mental health support. You deserve resources that work best for you. Because your mental health is health.
A mental health challenge is anything that affects thinking, emotions, behaviors, or mood. Signs of mental health challenges vary across age groups. These challenges can impact day-to-day living and how we interact with others. If you or a loved one is experiencing any of the signs below for more than two weeks, consider getting more information and help.1
Younger Children 
Older Children & Preteens 
If you or someone you know is in crisis, there are options available now that can help you. Visit the Suicide Prevention page to learn more.
Teens
If you or someone you know is in crisis, there are options available now that can help you. Visit the Suicide Prevention page to learn more.
Adults
Although common, these signs can present themselves differently in adult men and adult women. Learn more about mental health for men and mental health for women.
If you or someone you know is in crisis, there are options available now that can help you. Visit the Suicide Prevention page to learn more.
Older Adults
If you or someone you know is in crisis, there are options available now that can help you. Visit the Suicide Prevention page to learn more.
1 Signs of mental health challenges courtesy of WebMD.
From Self-Help to Outside Support
Self-help (or self-care) is our way of maintaining a healthy relationship with our body and mind. While self-help can be much needed when you’re having a bad day,2 outside support may be necessary to help symptoms that last two weeks or more. Some things you can do to practice self-help include:
Tap the icons below to see how to strengthen your well-being.
Working out
Being physically active can reduce stress and tension, and improve your mood, among other benefits. Aim for 30 minutes of exercise every day. Activities like playing with your children or taking the stairs instead of the elevator all count.
2https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/caring-for-your-mental-health
Practicing self-care for just a few minutes a day can help relieve stress. Taking care of our mind and our bodies with these activities can have big benefits.
1-Minute Stress Busters
15-Minute Stress Busters
30-Minute Stress Busters
1-Hour+ Stress Busters
Treat your body like it’s your best friend. If you’re feeling sad or tired, it could be your body asking for help. Remember that you can reach out and seek support that’s right for you.
3 https://www.verywellmind.com/what-is-4-7-8-breathing-5204438
While practicing self-care during a rough day can be helpful, remember that you don’t have to struggle on your own. Mental health professionals such as psychologists, psychiatrists, and counselors aren’t just for anxiety or depression. Outside help like therapy can provide support for a lot of other challenges:
4https://www.mhanational.org/get-professional-help-if-you-need-it
Mental health support can vary depending upon personal preferences, symptoms, history, and many other factors.
COVID-19 changed how we go about our lives and continues to make many of us feel burned out or overwhelmed. If you or someone you know needs help navigating stress, anxiety, or depression, or is struggling with substance use, swipe for tips and resources.
Stigma refers to judgments or inaccurate beliefs that people might have about a specific group of people. People with mental health challenges sometimes face discrimination because of the stigma around mental health.
Scroll through the images below to see how you can fight back against mental health stigma.
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