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PA MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES GUIDE
PA Mental Health Resources
Your mental health is important.
Just as we strive for better physical wellness, we can take steps to improve our mental health. This looks different for everyone. Perhaps you’d like to talk to someone, focus more on self care, consider medication, and/or seek other treatments.
No matter your challenges, there are options to help you. Use this guide to find the support that works for you and your loved ones.
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​​I'm Part of the LGBTQ Community 
You deserve to feel fully heard and understood when seeking support and resources. There are professionals/organizations that understand the unique experiences that come with being LGBTQ.
https://www.pa.gov/guides/mental-health/#LGBTQ​

​Find Support Connect With Other LGBTQ Young People
  • Meet LGBTQ friends with TrevorSpace . This space is for LGBTQ young people ages 13 to 24.
  • Join a weekly youth chatroom  on the LGBT National Help Center website. This chatroom is for young people ages 19 and younger.
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​I'm a Teenager/Young Adult
Your struggles are real and valid, and there is so much help available to you.
Whatever you are going through, you are absolutely not alone. Even though people your age might not be talking about feeling down, experiencing anxiety, or having other mental health struggles, these issues are common and it’s not your fault that you are experiencing them. 
https://www.pa.gov/guides/mental-health/#teen​

If you are having thoughts of suicide or are thinking about harming yourself, please reach out to a trusted adult and/or consider texting the Crisis Text Line: Just text PA to 741741 to get the conversation started.

You deserve to feel mentally well. Here are some common signs that you might want to reach out for help  so you can start feeling better:
  • Often feel angry or worried
  • Have difficulty sleeping or eating
  • Lost interest in activities you used to enjoy
  • Isolating yourself and avoiding social interactions
  • Feeling grief for a long time after a loss or death
  • Using alcohol, tobacco, or other drugs
  • Obsessively exercising, dieting, and/or binge eating
  • Hurting other people or destroying property
  • Having low or no energy
  • Feeling like you can’t control your emotions
  • Having thoughts of suicide
  • Harming yourself (for example: burning or cutting skin)
  • Thinking your mind is being controlled or is out of control
  • Hearing voices
Resources Helping A Friend
If a friend confides in you that they are considering harming themselves, do not keep it a secret. Reach out to a trusted adult and/or call The Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255.
The best thing you can do for your friend is intervene, and quickly.
Here are tips on what to do from the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) :
  • Share your concerns with your friend. Focus on being nonjudgmental, compassionate, and understanding.
  • Reach out to someone you trust. You don’t need to go at this alone.
  • Offer support. Ask questions like:
    • How can I best support you right now?
    • Can I help you find mental health services and supports?
    • Can I help you with stuff you need to get done?
    • Would you like me to go with you to your appointments? Do you need a ride?
  • Continue being there for your friend. Ways to do that:
    • Regularly check-in with them.
    • Include them in your plans.
    • Learn more about what your friend is going through.
    • Avoid judgmental/dismissive language (such as “snap out of it”)
Keep Your School Safe
​Safe2Say Something is a youth violence prevention program run by the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General.
Do you think someone is going to harm themselves? Did you see something scary that concerns you online?
If it makes you uncomfortable, submit a tip. It will be up to your school to determine what the next steps are. 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aABCy18Ti5c&t=12s