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Mental Health & Awareness

It can feel really scary to talk about a mental health condition. Maybe it’s been stigmatized by peers, family or in the community at-large? Maybe you’re afraid people will look at you negatively or differently if you seek out help? Mental health is just as important as your physical health! It can be empowering to take a stand and prioritize your self-care. 

Below you will find a list of the top 10 warning signs of a mental health condition according to the National Alliance on Mental Health’s Say It Out Loud Campaign:

  • Feeling very sad or withdrawn for more than two weeks (e.g. crying regularly, feeling tired, feeling unmotivated). 
  • Seriously trying to harm or kill oneself or making plans to do so. 
  • Severe out-of-control risk taking behaviors that can cause harm to self or others. 
  • Sudden overwhelming fear for no reason, sometimes with a racing heart, physical discomfort or fast breathing. 
  • Not eating, throwing up or using laxatives to lose weight; significant weight loss or gain. 
  • Severe mood swings that cause problems in relationships.
  • Repeated use of alcohol or drugs. 
  • Drastic changes in behavior, personality or sleeping habits (e.g. waking up early and acting agitated). 
  • Extreme difficulty in concentrating or staying still that puts a person in physical danger or causes school failure. 
  • Intense worries or fears that get in the way of daily activities like hanging out with friends or going to classes. 

Citation: Say It Out Loud NAMI Citation: Jensen, Peter, et. al. (October 24, 2011). Overlooked and Underserved: ‘Action Signs’ for Identifying Children with Unmet Mental Health  Needs. Pediatrics.aapublications.org/content/early/2011/10/21/peds. 2009-0367. August 14, 2014. 

If you experience any of the above signs/symptoms or know a friend who is, please reach out to someone you trust to get support. 

Yuma Union School District partners with Arizona’s Children Association (AzCA) to offer School-Based Behavioral Health Services. Services include:

  • Behavioral Health Assessment
  • Diagnosis
  • Case Management
  • Individual & Group Counseling 
  • Family Support
  • Skills Training
  • Psychiatric Services 

For additional information please contact (928) 344-8800 or contact AzCA at IntakesBH@arizonaschildren.org