find answers to your questions about mental illness and abuse.
These questions have been asked by young adults, and have been answer by a mental health professional. If you have any questions or would like more information, please send us your question or look at our resource page.
I was in a situation about a year ago that I believe qualifies as rape but I'm not sure, how do I know if that's what it was? also is it too late to get help?
You can absolutely still get help. Our Student Resource Officer, Officer Grimes, can answer your questions and may be able to get you counseling through victim services.
How can I get people to like me? How I can become accepted by people? How can I be normal?
First off, there is no “normal”. Just be yourself! You want people to like you for the person that you are, not a fake person that is trying to please someone else. Be yourself and you will attract others like yourself who are your true friends. Joining a club can help you find people you have the same interests as you.
Is Social anxiety a big deal in a high School full of many students that have awesome personalities?
Social anxiety does not have to be a big deal, but it can be a huge deal, if it makes you uncomfortable enough. It all depends on how “anxious” you are in the social environment. Learning strategies to help you cope with the social anxiety will help reduce/minimize the effects.
I show a smile on my face but I'm not happy. I don't like the fact that I don't show my emotions, and I've grown numb to the sadness. How do I learn to care again?
Learning to care again can be learned. The question that you might need to look at is why are you numbing yourself to your emotions. If you can figure that out (speaking with a counselor can help you with this), you can get back in touch with your emotional side.
How do I move on from losing contact with a loved one? How do I move on from a passed loved one?
Grieving is a difficult journey, especially when it is a recent loss. I would recommend you speak with a parent, trusted adult, or counselor to help you learn about the grieving process. There is no need to do it alone!
How do I know if I'm suffering from a disease? How do I get help? How do I get the courage to see/talk to someone?
If you are referring do an emotional “disease”, there are doctors, counselors, psychiatrists, and other professionals that can help you learn about your “disease” and provide support and treatment.
How do I help someone else go to get help with a mental illness?
Encourage them to come talk to a counselor who can refer them for professional help. It is very difficult to treat a true mental illness without professional help.
How do I get people to stop messing with me about my medical condition?
Speak with the Assistant Principals. They can help you with any students that are being disrespectful/bullying.
Why do people feel like they need to stay in an abusive relationship? Why does it feel addictive?
This varies on the person. Often, people feel “in love” with the abuser and feel like they might be alone if they leave them. Some people are attracted to the drama. Some simply don’t know how to get out or are afraid to leave. There are lots of reasons to stay in a dysfunctional relationship, it depends on the person and their individual “reasons”. It is a cycle. There are brochures that provide information regarding abusive relationship in the counseling office.
What's the typical social situation people with mental illnesses are in?
I am sorry, I don’t quite understand this question. Please come see a counselor if you want an answer and we will be able to get clarity on what you are asking.
What are some good ways to deal with stress and anxiety?
There are lots of great ways to deal with stress and anxiety. The first would be to take action. People feel better when they take action to reduce the stress or anxiety and it gets your mind focus on the end-goal, not the anxiety. Meditation, working out, finding ways to relax and or have a “healthy” release can be very helpful. Singing, painting, writing, playing music can also work. Find the healthy outlet that works for you!
How do I know who I really am? How do I distinguish who I am from what I do or who I'm friends with etc.
You are who you want to be. You are always evolving. The best way to “learn who you are” is to look at your actions. Your actions dictate who you are more than your words. Your friends play a big role in what you do and how you are perceived, but you decide your own actions.
Why do I feel like drugs are the only answer?
Drugs are an escape from the emotions that are going on inside of you that you are struggling with, they will never be the answer. If anything, they will only make things worse due to the consequences of doing something illegal and the side-effects of the drugs that you take. Ultimately, doing drugs can be deadly. Please seek another way to deal with your emotional struggles, so you will no longer need an escape!
How do I handle a false rumor? Why won't anyone believe that it isn't true?
You cannot control other people. You can only control how you handle your side of the rumor. If you know the truth, you have nothing to prove to anyone else.
How do I help my friends who suffer from depression? How do I help them after a suicide attempt?
Please seek professional help and/or tell their parents. If someone is suicidal, they need immediate help. If they have attempted and have gotten help, you can be a supportive friend by listening and being supportive of their “healthy” choice of looking for professional help.
How do you stay away from the things that trigger you?
This depends on what the trigger is for you. Ultimately, instead of avoiding the trigger, I recommend dealing with the underlying issue so you can eliminate the trigger itself. No need to avoid what is no longer a trigger!
Why do people lie about having sex with someone else?
There are lots of reasons people would lie, but ultimately it is either fear or embarrassment.
How do you help someone who is being abused in a relationship but won't admit it?
Have them talk with a professional to learn about healthy vs. unhealthy relationships. Be there to help them when they are ready to see the truth.
How do I deal with online threats and emotional abuse from people online?
Report any threats to the Asst. Principals/Police! You cannot control others actions, but you can hold them accountable. As far as emotional abuse, block them in any way that you can and/or remove yourself from that on-line activity. It is not worth the abuse.