Maintain a Healthy State of Mind: High School Students (Part 2)
How will I know if I need help to cope with what I'm feeling?
It's possible to try these ways to feel better and still not be able to get back to your regular routine or feel as good as you used to. You might want to see a counselor if, after several or more weeks, you
- Suffer so much or for so long you are not sure you can stand it
- Can't think clearly or do your schoolwork
- Can't handle helping out in your family, like caring for brothers or sisters or doing chores.
- Are doing yourself injury or disease by
- Drinking or smoking more than you usually do
- Using street drugs to help feel better or to escape your daily life
- Using too much or too little prescribed medication
- Speeding or driving carelessly
- Threatening, hurting, or fighting people
- Still have eating or sleeping problems, or are getting sick from stress
- Withdraw from other people, such as close friends or family
- Feel like hurting yourself or others
How would I get outside help?
Asking for support may feel uncomfortable, but seeking the assistance you need really can help. You can start by talking to one or more of these people:
- Your family doctor or health care provider
- A school counselor or teacher
- A religious leader
- A trained mental health professional
- Your community health center or the local mental health clinic
- Mental health groups
What should I do if a disaster or terrorist attack occurs?
If you are prepared, you may find it easier to take appropriate action:
- Stay informed, and follow official instructions to protect yourself and your family.
- Use the plan you and your family developed. Use those items that will help you distract yourself from the disaster while it is happening.
- Find trusted, safe sources of information.
- Limit how many TV reports and images you see of the disaster.
- Remind yourself that feelings of upset will fade and disappear.
- Be patient, especially with yourself. Find time to relax. Find a place to go where you feel safe, so you can figure out how you're feeling and what you want to do.
- Return to your regular routine like school, sports, a part-time job, and so on as soon as possible.
- Keep up your exercise and good health habits. Get plenty of rest and drink plenty of water.
- Stay in touch with friends, family, religious activities, neighbors, and so on.
- Talk about your thoughts and feelings with people you trust.
- Spend time with family and people you like.
- Ask for help when you need it.
U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (Updated 2014, February 10). Maintain a healthy state of mind: High school students. Retrieved May 31, 2015, from http://emergency.cdc.gov