Mental Health refers to a person’s emotional, psychological, and social wellbeing. It affects how people think, feel, act, and handle stress. Mental health is important at every stage of life, from childhood through older adulthood.
Good mental health does not mean feeling happy all of the time, it means being able to cope with life’s challenges, maintain relationships, work toward goals, and recover form setbacks.
Did You Know?
- 1 in 6 youth live with a mental illness, and 50% of mental illnesses start by age 14. Most mental illnesses start around puberty, as this is when the emotional centers of the brain start developing quickly.
- 1 in 5 adults in the United States experience a mental illness each year.
- 819,000 adults in Minnesota have a mental health condition. That is more than 9x the population of Duluth.
- Mora than half of the people with a mental health condition in the U.S. did not receive any treatment in the last year.
- 7 out of 10 youth in the juvenile justice system have a mental health condition.
What are Mental Health Conditions?
Mental health conditions are health conditions that affect a person’s thoughts, emotions, or behavior. Common mental health conditions include anxiety disorders, depressive disorders, bipolar disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, and more. These conditions can disrupts daily life, making it difficult to maintain relationships, perform at work, or cope with everyday stress. These conditions are highly treatable and range from mild to severe.
Seeking help for mental health concerns is a sign of self-care and strength, learn about who you can reach out to for help on our Mental Health Resources Page.
Some Signs & Symptoms
- Excessive worrying or fear
- Feeling excessively sad or low
- Extreme mood changes
- Avoiding friends and social activities
- Changes in sleeping habits
- Changes in eating habits
Learn more at about signs and symptoms from NAMI
Ways to Support Mental Health
- Maintain regular sleep habits
- Exercise regularly
- Stay connected with your community and support system
- Practice stress-management techniques
- Take breaks when needed
- Spend time outside
- Seek professional help when concerns arise
Learn more about how to support your mental health
Youth Mental Health
Training Opportunities for Youth Mental Health and Suicide Prevention in Kanabec County
- COMET: Changing Our Mental and Emotional Trajectory
- Question. Persuade. Refer. (QPR)
- Youth Mental Health First Aid
- Changing the Narrative Presentation. Changing the Narrative is an interactive conversation that empowers participants to change perceptions of mental health towards hope and resilience.
If you are interested in hosting a training or would like additional information, please reach out to our East Central Suicide Prevention Coordinator brianne.mcclellan@kanabeccountymn.gov
Talking to Youth About Mental Health Resources
- National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)
- How to Talk to Your Child About Their Mental Health
- Tips for Talking to Your Child About Mental Health
- How to Talk About Mental Health With Your Child
Helping Youth Develop Coping Skills and Build Resilience
Mental Health & Technology/Social Media
- Social Media and Mental Health in Children and Teens
- Helping Teens Build Healthy Social Media Habits
- Social Media and Mental Health
If you someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org.