eTeen Mental Health

Watch an Expert Explain the 3 Steps to Finding Mental Health Information Online

In today’s world, everyone uses the Internet. It’s a good way to find quick answers to our questions. Below are some tips for finding information about your mental health online!

Most teens like using their phones to look up stuff about their mental health because it’s convenient and easy.

Everyone feels stressed or overwhelmed at times. We use coping skills to help us feel okay, and sometimes teens look for these on the Internet. Make sure you search for positive coping skills.

• Positive coping skills help us to feel calm and in control. Some examples are listening to music, practicing yoga, or hanging out with friends.

Your doctors gave us a list of some good websites you can use to find information about mental health. You can tell that these websites are accurate and trusted because …

• They end in .org, .edu, or .gov
• They come from hospitals or government agencies
• They are written by professionals, like licensed therapists or doctors
• They have a works-cited page

For more information about searching for physical health information online, check out this page!

As you look through a web page, think about how you feel. 

• Use your instinct!
• Does the website make you feel worried, bad, or confused?
• If so, go to a different site.  

Don’t use any websites that give you tips for self-harm or new diets. These types of websites are dangerous!

Steer clear of websites with quizzes that diagnose you with a mental health condition. There are so many tests out there and not all of them are “validated” or medically accurate.

Lots of teens read blogs by other teens who have gone through similar things as them. That’s a great way to find support!

It can be confusing looking at long lists of symptoms online. If you are feeling unhappy or irritable, that doesn’t mean you have Depression. Only your doctor or therapist can truly diagnose you with a mental health condition.

It can be scary to talk to your parents or doctors about your mental health, especially when you aren’t sure how they will react. 

• If you are overwhelmed, make a list of your feelings and what you want to share with them. 
• If talking in person seems hard, you can write them a note or send them a text!
• Trusted adults like your parents, doctors, or school counselors want to hear how you’re feeling and want to help!

Here are some conversation starters:

• “I’ve been feeling __________. Can we talk?”
• “I found this website and I feel like it applies to me.”

Resources

Your doctors made a list of helpful websites and apps that you can use to help with your mental health:

Apps

• Thought Challenger
• Buddhify (Meditation)
• Headspace
• Calm

Hotlines

Here are some numbers you can call or text if you need help right away: 

• If you are in an emergency or life threatening situation, call 911 or go to an Emergency Department
• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
  • Call: 1-800-273-8255
  • Text: “Start” to 741-741
• National Eating Disorders Association Helpline
  • Call: 1-800-931-2237
• Netcare Access 
  • 24-hour mental health and substance abuse crisis and assessment service for Franklin County, Ohio
  • Call: 614-276-2273