Mental Health & Suicide

Mental health conditions affect a person’s thinking, emotions, behavior, or mood, significantly impacting daily life and relationships. Two of the most common mental health conditions in the U.S. are depression and anxiety. In East Windsor, 16.2% of youth report “almost always” and 14.3% “always” feeling anxious or nervous in the past year, with academics being the leading source of anxiety. The survey also showed 26.2% of East Windsor teens felt sad or hopeless for two weeks in a row.  

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If you have a mental health condition, you are not alone!

• 1 in 5 U.S. adults experience a mental illness each year.

• 1 in 20 U.S. adults experience a serious mental illness each year.

• 1 in 6 U.S. youth (ages 6-17) experience a mental health disorder annually.

• 50% of all lifetime mental illness begins by age 14, and 75% by age 24.

Common Symptoms of Mental Health Conditions

Mental health conditions present with different symptoms. Some common signs in adults and teens include:

• Feeling persistently sad or withdrawn for more than two weeks

• Suicidal thoughts, plans, or attempts

• Engaging in reckless or risk-taking behaviors

• Sudden overwhelming fear or panic attacks

• Disordered eating habits (not eating, excessive weight loss/gain, or purging)

• Experiencing hallucinations or delusions

• Repeated substance misuse

• Significant mood, behavior, or personality changes

• Difficulty concentrating or staying still

• Severe anxiety that interferes with daily life

Signs in Children

• Declining academic performance

• Avoidance behaviors due to anxiety

• Hyperactivity

• Nightmares

• Aggression or defiance

• Frequent temper tantrums
   

If these symptoms persist for more than two weeks and significantly interfere with daily life, seeking professional help is crucial. Early intervention and treatment lead to more successful outcomes.