Let's Talk About It: Mental Illness Awareness Week

You've probably heard of Mental Health Awareness Month in May, but did you know there's a week in October set aside for mental health, too? This year, Mental Illness Awareness Week runs October 4–10, and it's a good excuse for all of us to slow down, check in, and keep the conversation going.

At Boone County Alliance, we believe talking openly about mental health is one of the most powerful things we can do, both for ourselves and for the young people in our lives. So let's talk.

Why This Matters for Our Kids

Here's something that surprises many people: according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), one in six U.S. youth ages 6–17 experiences a mental health disorder each year. Even more striking, half of all lifetime mental illness begins by age 14.

That means the teen and pre-teen years are a really important window. The good news? When we notice what's going on early and offer support, it can make a big difference.

So, What Is Mental Illness?

A mental illness is a condition that affects how a person thinks, feels, behaves, or experiences their mood, and it makes a real impact on daily life and relationships. These conditions are incredibly common, even if they don't always feel easy to talk about. If you or someone you love is struggling, you're far from alone.

Trust Your Instincts: Signs to Notice

Teens are moody sometimes. That's part of growing up! But there's a difference between a rough week and something deeper. Trust your gut, and pay attention if you notice changes like these, especially if they last more than a couple of weeks:

• Pulling away from friends, family, or activities they used to love

• Changes in sleep, whether sleeping much more or much less than usual

• Changes in eating habits or noticeable weight gain or loss

• Slipping grades or suddenly not wanting to go to school

• More irritability, anger, or mood swings than seems typical for them

• Frequent headaches, stomachaches, or other physical complaints without a clear cause

• Talking about feeling hopeless, worthless, or like a burden

• Increased secrecy, especially around phones, friends, or where they've been

• Signs of self-harm, such as unexplained cuts or bruises, or wearing long sleeves in warm weather

• Using alcohol, vaping, or other substances

If something feels off, you don't need to have all the answers before you start a conversation. Try something simple like, "I've noticed you seem a little down lately. How are you really doing?" Listen more than you talk, stay calm, and let them know you're on their side, no matter what.

When Substances Affect the Mind: Cannabis and Psychosis

Part of understanding mental illness is knowing that substances can bring on mental health symptoms, too. With cannabis more widely available than ever, this is something every parent should know.

The teenage brain is still developing into the mid-20s, and today's cannabis products, like vapes, dabs, and edibles, can contain very high levels of THC (the ingredient that causes a high). Higher potency and more frequent use are linked to greater risk, including cannabis-induced psychosis, a condition where a person loses touch with what's real. For some, symptoms fade once they stop using. For others, it can be an early sign of, or a trigger for, a longer-term condition like schizophrenia.

Signs of psychosis can include:

• Extreme paranoia or feeling watched

• Hearing or seeing things that aren't there

• Unusual beliefs that don't match reality

• Confused or hard-to-follow speech

• Seeming "not like themselves"

If you see these signs, especially after cannabis use, seek medical help right away. Psychosis is treatable, and early help leads to better outcomes.

The most protective thing you can do? Talk with your kids about cannabis before they're offered it, and keep that door open without judgment.

When to Get Help

Common conditions like anxiety and depression usually come with warning signs. If you or your child are experiencing any of the following, reach out for help as soon as possible:

• Feeling sad or withdrawn for more than two weeks

• Thinking about, planning, or attempting self-harm

• Sudden, intense fear that doesn't have a clear cause

• Worries or fears that get in the way of everyday life

• Substance use or dependence

Reaching out sooner rather than later really can make a difference.

You're Not Alone

Whether you're a teen who's struggling or a parent who's worried, please know that support is out there, and reaching out is a sign of strength.

NAMI, the nation's largest grassroots mental health organization, has more than 650 affiliates across the country. For young people, the NAMI Teen & Young Adult HelpLine is a free, confidential peer support service. It's there for any teen, whether they have a mental health condition or are just going through a hard time and need someone to talk to.

The HelpLine is available Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. ET:

• Text FRIEND to 62640

• Call 1-800-950-6264

• Email helpline@nami.org

If you or someone you know is in crisis or thinking about suicide, call or text 988 to reach the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, available 24/7. In an emergency, call 911.

One of the best ways to feel connected is to be part of something bigger. At Boone County Alliance, we offer opportunities to volunteer and work alongside others in our community. Visit our programs page to learn more about getting involved and making a difference.

Let's keep talking, this week and every week.