Mental health and emotional health are often used interchangeably, but they actually mean different things.

• Mental health includes emotional, psychological and social well-being.
• Emotional health is part of mental health, and includes thoughts, feelings and emotional expressions or behaviors.

In our culture, there is a stigma surrounding mental health, and it's important that we try and remove that stigma. Mental health stigma includes negative attitudes and beliefs about people with mental illness and often come from a lack of understanding. The feelings toward mental health can get in the way of seeking treatment for a mental illness, can lead to problems at school or work, bullying and self-doubt.

Here are some ways to help reduce stigma:

• Talk openly about mental health to people you know, making it more relatable for others.
• Educate yourself about mental health. When possible, help educate others.
• Use respectful language that puts the person before the disorder. People-first language helps to see the person and not the condition. For example, say "a person with depression" or "a person with anxiety."
• Avoid labels in our society that contribute to creating stigma.
• Be supportive if you think someone is struggling with their mental health.

Suicide is complex, and while rare in childhood, rates increase in teens and young adults. It's important to know about the warning signs of suicide and to have open and honest conversations with your teens about it and how to ask for help.

Different factors can increase the risk of suicide. These factors can include:

• Mental illness, especially depression, bipolar disorder and alcohol or drug use
• Feeling a sense of hopelessness and worthlessness
• History of suicide in the family or previous suicide attempt
• Physical, emotional or sexual abuse
• Limited support network leading to feelings of social isolation

Some warning signs include:

• Giving away prized possessions to family members or friends
• Loss of interest in school, sports or other previous interests
• Increase in risk-taking behavior
• Bringing up suicide or death in conversation
• Mentioning that they may not be around soon
• Struggling to concentrate or think with a clear mind

How to help:

• Take notice of any warning signs.
• Do not minimize problems; listen to your teen.
• Ask clarifying questions while minimizing judgment.
• Get help when needed.

If you find yourself in a situation that could use immediate help, call (800) SUICIDE (784-2433)

Find suicide information for your teen on this KidsHealth page.

For information on what to do when a friend is talking about suicide, read this KidsHealth page.

Mindfulness is a research-based tool that starts with purposefully bringing focus to thoughts, emotions, physical feelings and environment. It allows teens to learn how to pause, which can be very beneficial for them both in school and at home. Mindfulness can improve concentration, improve exam performance and reduce symptoms of stress, anxiety and depression. This skill gets better and easier with time and practice. Interested in learning more about the connection between the brain and mindfulness? Watch this TED Talk.

Screen time includes watching TV, using a cell phone or tablet, working on a computer or playing video games. Screen time is a sedentary activity that can have a negative impact on overall health. The recommendation is to limit screen time to a maximum of two hours each day. Kids age eight-18 spend about six hours a day in front of a screen. Add on school-related screen time and kids spend on average 7.5 hours daily.

• Increased obesity, decreased energy and a more difficult time in school
• Aggressive behavior, due to the tendency of kids to copy what they see
• More commercials and advertisements viewed can change teen buying habits

Screen time before bed can:

• Negatively impact how much and how well kids sleep
• Light from a screen can keep teens awake and impact sleep cycles

Teen brains are still developing, and sleep is integral to this growing process. It's recommended that teens get between 8 and 10 hours of quality sleep on school nights.

Getting enough sleep helps:

• Teens perform better in school
• Protect mental and emotional health

Lack of sleep can lead to:

• Engagement in risky behaviors
• Changes and difficulty in controlling emotions
• Increased chance of mental illness
• Affecting ability to drive

• Limit screens before bed
• Normal exercise
• No caffeine 4 hours before bedtime (includes: sodas, caffeinated tea, coffee)
• Eat regularly
• Keep a regular bedtime routine
• Create a safe, dark, quiet and cool bedroom for sleeping

There are three main types of stress: acute stress, episodic acute stress and chronic stress. Stress is the response people have to different threats and pressures.

Acute stress is the most common type. This type of stress arises from demands and pressures from the past, current time and anticipated near-future demands. Too much acute stress can be exhausting, but it can be helpful in small doses.

Episodic acute stress is acute stress that happens frequently. People who worry ceaselessly experience this type of stress.

Chronic stress is the type that wears away at people day after day. Things like poverty or a dysfunctional home life are examples of chronic stress. This type of stress occurs when people can't see a way out of a hopeless or miserable situation.

When stress becomes too much to handle, there are both physical and emotional symptoms.

Some symptoms that arise when there is just too much stress:

• Headache, stomachache or muscle pain
• Chronic tiredness
• Withdrawing from activities and people
• Anger or feelings of irritability
• Feelings of hopelessness, anxiety or nervousness
• Changes in eating and sleep patterns

If you notice any of these symptoms in your teen, be sure to talk to them about their stress and discuss some ways to ease some of the stress. If you suspect a serious problem, please contact your child's physician.

Here are some ways you can help a stressed teen:

• Focus on creating a balanced lifestyle. Make sure that the necessary activities, like studying, are paired with activities that they enjoy.
• A good night's sleep. Getting a good night sleep prepares teens for the day ahead with greater energy and often a better mood.
• Choose healthy. Eating right supports a better mood, lower stress and an energy filled day.
• Plan on planning. Work with your teen to set up a schedule and record the responsibilities in a planner or some calendar. These visual tools can help and many are online, where they can set reminders.
• Build in exercise. Emphasize the importance of being physically active every day as it is a great tool to manage stress levels.
• Practice different stress management techniques, like belly breathing, progressive muscle relaxation techniques and setting realistic goals.

Watch this teens talk about stress video from KidsHealth.

Read about mental health and what it is. | En Español 

Tips on ways to talk to your teen about healthy relationships.

Learn more about managing anxiety. 

Children's Wisconsin is committed to addressing the mental and behavioral health crisis facing our children. Children's Shine Through awareness initiative brings to life the important work Children's is doing to detect needs sooner, reduce stigma and improve access to care for kids with mental and behavioral health needs. Learn more about Shine Through.

Learn about mindfulness and how it can help your teen by checking out our Mindfulness tip sheet.

A Hoberman sphere is a great tool to learn to be mindful. Read more on our Hoberman Sphere fact sheet. | En Español 

Learn about screen time and ways to reduce it using our fact sheet. | En Español