What Is Mental Health?

Mental health includes our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how we think, feel, and act. It also helps determine how we handle stress, relate to others, and make choices. Mental health is important at every stage of life, from childhood and adolescence through adulthood.

World Mental Health Day, observed on 10 October, is an opportunity to raise awareness of mental health issues and to mobilize efforts in support of mental health. This year, the theme is suicide prevention.

Download the accompanying teacher toolkit from https://www.annafreud.org/wahmhtoolkit It's free! We All Have Mental Health is an animation designed to give young people aged 11-14 a common language and understanding of what we mean by mental health and how we can look after it.

If you are in crisis, reach out for help. Text REASON to 741741.

http://www.crisistextline.org

Free, 24/7, confidential.

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline

DIAL: 1-800-273-8255

http://www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org

Resources

Find additional support and services through these resources and advocacy organizations:

• Discussion Guide

• Suicide prevention: American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (Talk Saves Lives VIDEO)

• LGBTQ youth suicide prevention & crisis intervention: The Trevor Project

• Suicide prevention advocacy: American Association of Suicidology

• Suicide Prevention: Thursday’s Child

• Sexual assault & healing: RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network)

• For men who have experienced sexual abuse or assault (18+): 1in6

• Depression: National Institute for Mental Health

• Anxiety: Anxiety and Depression Association of America

• Substance abuse prevention and education: DARE

• Drug abuse and addiction: National Institute on Drug Abuse for Teens

• Alcohol abuse: National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism

• Bullying: StopBullying.gov

• School Counselors: American School Counselors Association

• Mental Health: Mental Health America

• Gun Violence: American Public Health Association

• Gun Violence

If you think you may be struggling with any mental health issues you may want to speak with a trusted adult. This website does not provide a complete list of organizations or health professionals who can offer help for those considering self-injury, suicide or who are otherwise in need. It’s for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice or treatment.