Being a teenager can be stressful due to pressures from school, relationships, and decisions. Feeling very sad, hopeless or worthless for an extended time could indicate a mental health problem. Mental health problems are real and sometimes severe issues that deserve treatment. Seeking help is not a sign of weakness - it is important to talk to a parent, teacher, counselor or call a helpline if experiencing any of the warning signs like prolonged grief, anger, reckless behavior or thoughts of harming oneself or others. Contact information is provided for local resources that are available to help 24/7.

1. Being a teenager is hard.
You're under stress to be
liked, do well in school, get
along with your family and
make big decisions. You can't
avoid most of these pressures,
and worrying about them is
normal.
But feeling very sad, hopeless or worthless could be warning
signs of a mental health problem.

2. Mental health problems are real,
painful and sometimes severe.
You might need help if you have the signs
mentioned above, or if you:
•Often feel very angry or very worried
•Feel grief for a long time after a loss or death
•Think your mind is controlled or out of control
•Use alcohol or drugs
•Exercise, diet and/or binge-eat obsessively
•Hurt other people or destroy property
•Do reckless things that could harm you or others

3. Pride and denial can often get in our way of accepting that we
have a problem. Mental health problems can be treated. To find
help, talk to your parents. If that is not an option for you, a school
faculty or counselor who cares will take your call 24 hours a day.
Stand up for yourself, pick up the phone, and make a call.
Jon Corippo, teacher 676-1935
Claudia vanDenbergh, counselor 960-3603
Chelsea Milloirn, teacher 994-5848
Dustin Ginter, school nurse 760-2279
Jolinda Thomas, counselor 641-6321

4. Or, here are several other places to call:
24-hour phone lines (888) 275-9779
Emergency psychiatric services 673-3508
Madera County Behavioral Health Services 673-3508
Screening and referral for mental health 675-7850
Screening and referral for substance abuse 673-3508
TTY for hearing impaired 800-735-2922
Madera County Sherriff’s Headquarters 675-7770 or 9-1-1