To find answers to other frequently asked questions visit the following sites:

National Mental Health Association

Alegent Health Ask the Expert

Kids Health – For Parents, Kids, and Teens

NAMI National Information Helpline

MayoClinic.com – Ask a Mental Health Specialist

Please e-mail us if you have additional questions.

What does it mean to have a mental illness?
What are some warning signs of mental illness?
Will I ever be normal again?
What is a therapist?
Are there other kids like me?
What if I feel embarrassed to talk about this?
Am I weak if I have a mental illness?
What happens to kids with a mental illness?
Will I have to take medication if I have a mental illness?
I’ve been taking medication for a mental illness but feel much better now, is it OK for me to stop taking my medication?
How can I help my friend facing a mental illness?
Where can I go for help?

What does it mean to have a mental illness?
Having a mental illness can mean lots of different things. Mental illness is a sickness of the body and is similar to some other illnesses we hear about. The exact cause of most mental illnesses is not known, however through research it is believed that a number of different things contribute to them.

Genetics, or the genes passed on to you by your parents, may play a role. Many mental illnesses run in families, but just because your mother or father may have a mental illness doesn’t mean you will have one. Heredity just means that you are more likely to get the illness than if you didn’t have an affected family member.

Experts believe that many mental conditions are linked to problems in multiple genes -- not just one, as with many diseases -- which is why a person may be more likely to be affected by a mental disorder, but doesn't always develop one. The disorder itself occurs from the interaction of these genes and other factors -- such as psychological trauma and an individual’s environment -- which can influence, or trigger, the illness in a person who has inherited a susceptibility to it.

Biology may also play a role. Some mental illnesses have been linked to an abnormal balance of special chemicals in the brain called neurotransmitters. Neurotransmitters help nerve cells in the brain communicate with each other. If these chemicals are out of balance or are not working properly, messages may not make it through the brain correctly, leading to symptoms of mental illness. In addition, injury to certain areas of the brain also have been linked to some mental conditions.

Some mental illnesses may be triggered by psychological trauma suffered as a child. Some such traumatic experiences may include severe emotional, physical, or sexual abuse; a significant early loss, such as the loss of a parent; or neglect.

Your environment, or the places you live and surround yourself, also has an impact on mental illness. Certain stressors -- such as a death or divorce, a dysfunctional family life, changing jobs or schools, and substance abuse -- can trigger a disorder in a person who may be at risk for developing a mental illness.

One thing is for sure -- mental illness is not the result anything you did. You are not weak for having a mental illness.

Will I ever be normal again?
Only you can measure being “normal” and it can be defined in many different ways. It is important to know that many individuals with mental illness lead healthy, productive and successful lives. There are a number people , who want to help you live your best life possible. Some youth may participate in therapy to assist in achieving their goal of a better life.

There are several different types of therapy available. Regardless of the method, as you progress through the therapeutic process, you should begin to notice some changes. Some may feel gradual relief from their distress; others may develop self-assurance, and have a greater ability to make decisions; in addition still others may develop an increased comfort in relationships. Many individuals will notice changes in each of these areas. Therapy may be painful and uncomfortable at times but episodes of discomfort occur during the most successful therapy sessions. Mental health treatment should help you cope with your feelings more effectively.

What is a therapist?
A therapist is someone who has gone to school for special training in the way people think and feel and know how to help people feel better. They know lots of things about kids and specialize in helping kids like you solve problems and deal with tough situations. A therapist can help kids figure stuff out so they can feel better.

Are there other kids like me?
You are not alone. Lots of kids suffer from mental illness. In Nebraska alone it is estimated that over 20% of youth or 23,000 youth have a mental illness.

Mental illnesses are very common; in fact, they are more common than cancer, diabetes or heart disease. According to the U.S. Surgeon General, an estimated 23% of American adults (those ages 18 and older) -- about 44 million people -- and about 20% of American children suffer from a mental disorder during a given year. Mental illness does not discriminate. It can affect people of any age, income, race, religion, or education level.

What if I feel embarrassed to talk about this?
There is no need to be ashamed or embarrassed about seeking mental health care. Mental health professionals provide services just like other health care professionals. You will be treated with respect and your privacy will be protected.

Many mental health professionals will want to talk with you about lots of different topics. In addition to discussing a possible mental illness, a therapist may want to know more about your life, what you do, where you live, and with whom you live. It is also common to be asked about your family and friends. This information helps the professional to assess your situation and help you develop a plan for treatment.

If you don’t feel comfortable talking with the professional after the first, or even several visits, talk with someone you trust about how you are feeling. Don’t be afraid to contact another counselor. Feeling comfortable with the professional you choose is very important to the success of your treatment.

Am I weak if I have a mental illness?
Mental illness is not a character flaw or a sign of weakness. It is a condition that has a variety of causes, symptoms, and treatments. You would not consider yourself weak if you needed treatment for other medical conditions such as diabetes or arthritis, and you are not weak if you seek treatment for a mental health condition.

What happens to kids with a mental illness?
Every kid is different yet there are some things that are common for kids with mental illnesses to go through. For instance, you may need to talk with a therapist or counselor to talk about all you are working through. Other kids may need to take some medication to help in their recovery. Because everyone is different, different things work for different people. You may need to try a few different things before figuring out what works best for you.

Will I have to take medication if I have a mental illness?
Like a physical illness such as the flu, medication may be prescribed for mental illness as well. Your doctor or psychiatrist will work closely with you to find the best treatment available. There are lots of different medications available since each of us is different. Please click here to read more information about different medications or ask questions of a psychiatric pharmacist.

I’ve been taking medication for a mental illness but feel much better now, is it OK for me to stop taking my medication?

It is not uncommon for people to stop taking their medication when they feel their symptoms have become controlled. Others may choose to stop their medication because of side effects. A person may not realize that most side effects can be effectively managed. While it may seem reasonable to stop taking the medication, the problem is that at least 50% of the time the symptoms come back. If you are taking medication, it is very important that you work together with your doctor before making decisions about any changes in your treatment.

Another problem with stopping your medication, especially if you stop it abruptly, is that you may develop withdrawal symptoms that can be very unpleasant. If you and your doctor feel a trial off your medicine is a good idea, it is necessary to slowly decrease the dosage of medications so that these symptoms don’t occur.

It is important that your doctor and pharmacist work together to make sure your medications are working safely and effectively. You should talk with them about how you are doing and whenever there are side effects that might make you want to stop your treatment.

How can I help my friend facing a mental illness?
If you are worried someone may need your help, let them know you are concerned. Remind them that you care about them and are willing to help find others who can help them to feel better. If you are not comfortable talking with them alone you may want to talk with a trusted adult who would also be able to help. Share this information with them. If you believe someone you know is in crisis or may be suicidal, call one of the crisis hotlines available for immediate help.

What are some warning signs of mental illness?
Symptoms of mental disorders are different for each person. They also may vary depending on the type and severity of the condition. Some general symptoms that may suggest a mental disorder include:

In adults
• Confused thinking
• Long-lasting sadness or irritability
• Extreme highs and lows in mood
• Excessive fear, worrying, or anxiety
• Social withdrawal
• Dramatic changes in eating or sleeping habits
• Strong feelings of anger
• Delusions or hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that are not really there)
• Increased inability to cope with daily problems and activities
• Thoughts of suicide
• Denial of obvious problems
• Many unexplained physical problems
• Abuse of drugs and/or alcohol

In older children and pre-teens
• Abuse of drugs and/or alcohol
• Inability to cope with daily problems and activities
• Changes in sleeping and/or eating habits
• Excessive complaints of physical problems
• Defying authority, skipping school, stealing or damaging property
• Intense fear of gaining weight
• Long-lasting negative mood, often along with poor appetite and thoughts of death
• Frequent outbursts of anger

In younger children
• Changes in school performance
• Poor grades despite strong efforts
• Excessive worrying or anxiety
• Hyperactivity
• Persistent nightmares
• Persistent disobedience and/or aggressive behavior
• Frequent temper tantrums

Exhibiting these symptoms does not necessarily indicate that a person has a mental illness, however they are warning signs to others that something may be bothering the individual. It is important to reach out to others and talk about such behaviors before they become bigger issues.

Where Can I Go For Help?
Where you go for help will depend on the nature of the problem and/or symptoms and what best fits you. Often, the best place to start is by talking with an adult you trust about your concerns. This may be a parent, family doctor, school counselor, teacher, coach, or family friend. It is important to ask for help when you need it and to keep talking with others until you find someone who can help you.

There are people and places all over the state of Nebraska available to talk, to listen, and to help. For additional information and resources please visit our finding help or Resources.