Your Role in Recovery Quiz
It can feel overwhelming when someone you care about is struggling. Learning how to support them is a key part of recovery, and can help you feel more hopeful and confident as an ally.
We’re here to help you find the information and resources you need to be the best ally you can be (and take care of yourself, too!)
Social Support
Our community is built by peers, caregivers, and team members who are passionate about youth well-being. Stories help us to connect and empower each other.
How To Know When A Young Person Needs Mental Health Support
Changes in mental health are a normal part of day-to-day life – all of us experience changes in mood, energy, and stress levels depending on what’s going on in our lives. These temporary shifts usually improve within a few days or weeks, often with the support of the people closest to us.
But sometimes, changes in mental health don’t resolve on their own and may benefit from professional support. These types of mental health challenges are also normal, affecting nearly 1 in 5 teens and young adults. Determining the right time to reach out for professional support, not to mention finding the right kind of support, can be difficult.
Coordinated Specialty Care teams specialize in early psychosis, which is a term used to describe a range of experiences that relate to changes in how we process information and interpret the world around us. These experiences can look and feel different for each person, but here are a few indicators that a young person may benefit from professional support:
Signs to look for:
- Withdrawing from friends, family, typical activities and social events.
- Having sudden trouble focusing, organizing thoughts, or understanding what others are saying.
- Seeming confused about which events are real and imaginary.
- Seeing or hearing things that others cannot.
- Thinking that others are watching or talking about them.
Questions you can ask yourself:
- Is their their typical routine impacted, such as school work, hobbies or activities, and/or socializing?
- Having sudden trouble focusing, organizing thoughts, or understanding what others are saying.
- Are the changes you’re noticing becoming increasingly intense?
When in doubt, remember that there isn’t a wrong time to reach out for professional support. Tools like therapy can be beneficial for self discovery and personal growth, so if someone you care about is struggling, you don’t have to wait to answer ‘yes’ to these questions to start exploring options together.
Click below to learn more and contact your nearest team. If you or someone you know is in need of immediate support, please check out crisis resources.
I began to learn to ask for help. It’s really beneficial to talk with someone who has that lived experience – who actually has had psychosis.
– NAVIGATE Program Participant
I hope to help individuals discover their resilient qualities to pursue their goals, despite the circumstances they may be experiencing.
– Lorissa, Individual Resiliency Therapist, Grand Rapids team
To find a place that worked exclusively on mental health recovery was such a relief. The entire staff provided encouragement, hope, and even social activities to help our daughter connect with other participants.
– Kevin & Shelly, Parents of NAVIGATE Program Participant
How to know when a young person needs mental health support
Recovery is expected
Every day, we witness young people overcome challenges, embark on new beginnings & get back to the things that matter to them.
It’s not your fault
We’re here to support the whole family in a healing process, including letting go of guilt, developing effective coping skills, and practicing stress reduction techniques.
You are not alone
We understand what you’re going through because we’ve been there, too. Family Peer Partners guide families through the recovery process.
Earlier care can speed recovery
Just like any other health concern, the earlier we get mental health support, the sooner we can start feeling better, and the more fully we can get back to life.
Make A Referral Or Request Information
Fill out the form below to be connected to your nearest coordinated specialty care team. In addition to using this form to start the referral process for a young person, you can also use it to ask us anything about our services or psychosis, or request an educational presentation and/or materials for your Michigan-based organization.
A care team member will respond within 2 business days.