Mental Health Resources
TeenThreads Global Mental‑Health & Support Resource Directory
Trusted, evidence‑based, international organizations for mental health, psychosis, addiction, and suicide‑prevention education
A. Global Mental & Emotional Health Resources
1. World Health Organization (WHO) – Mental Health
Global mental‑health information, research, and public‑health guidance.
Website: https://www.who.int/health-topics/mental-health (who.int in Bing)
2. Mental Health America (MHA)
Screening tools, youth mental‑health education, emotional‑wellness resources.
Website: https://www.mhanational.org
3. National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)
Education on mental illness, psychosis, family support, youth programs.
Website: https://www.nami.org
4. American Psychological Association (APA)
Evidence‑based mental‑health information and treatment guidance.
Website: https://www.apa.org
5. American Psychiatric Association (Psychiatry.org)
Diagnostic information, psychosis education, treatment guidelines.
Website: https://www.psychiatry.org
B. Psychosis, Schizophrenia & Early‑Intervention Resources
1. NIMH – Psychosis & Schizophrenia
Research‑based information on symptoms, causes, and treatment.
Website: https://www.nimh.nih.gov
2. Strong365 (Youth‑Focused Early Psychosis Support)
Education, early‑warning signs, family support, youth stories.
Website: https://strong365.org
3. Mayo Clinic – Psychosis & Schizophrenia
Medical explanations, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment options.
Website: https://www.mayoclinic.org
4. Rethink Mental Illness (UK)
Psychosis, schizophrenia, and severe mental‑illness support.
Website: https://www.rethink.org
5. Early Psychosis Intervention Network (EPINET)
U.S. early‑psychosis treatment programs and research.
Website: https://nationalepinet.org
C. Addiction, Substance Use & Recovery Resources
1. NIDA – National Institute on Drug Abuse
Teen brain science, substance‑use education, drug‑induced psychosis info.
Website: https://nida.nih.gov
2. SAMHSA – Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration
Treatment locators, substance‑use education, mental‑health resources.
Website: https://www.samhsa.gov
3. Wellness Together Canada (Substance Use & Mental Health)
Government‑supported mental‑health and addiction resources.
Website: https://www.wellnesstogether.ca
4. Alcohol Change UK
Alcohol‑use education, support, and harm‑reduction resources.
Website: https://alcoholchange.org.uk (alcoholchange.org.uk in Bing)
5. DrugWise (UK)
Evidence‑based drug and substance‑use information.
Website: https://www.drugwise.org.uk
💛 D. Suicide‑Prevention Education & Emotional‑Support Organizations
(Educational resources only — users should contact local emergency services or trusted adults if in crisis.)
1. American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP)
Education, warning signs, prevention strategies.
Website: https://afsp.org
2. Suicide Prevention Resource Center (SPRC)
Training, research, and prevention education.
Website: https://sprc.org
3. NIMH – Suicide Prevention
Warning signs, risk factors, and research.
Website: https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/suicide-prevention (nimh.nih.gov in Bing)
4. Samaritans (UK & Ireland)
Emotional support for anyone feeling overwhelmed.
Website: https://www.samaritans.org
5. Papyrus (UK – Youth Suicide Prevention)
Support for young people struggling with suicidal thoughts.
Website: https://www.papyrus-uk.org
Great Britain
E. United Kingdom Mental‑Health Resources
1. NHS Mental Health Services
Government mental‑health information and treatment pathways.
Website: https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health (nhs.uk in Bing)
2. Mind (UK)
Mental‑health education, advocacy, and support.
Website: https://www.mind.org.uk
3. YoungMinds (Youth‑Focused)
Teen mental‑health education, parent support, school resources.
Website: https://www.youngminds.org.uk
4. SANE (UK)
Mental‑health support, awareness, and education.
Website: https://www.sane.org.uk
5. Mental Health Foundation (UK)
Prevention, research, and public‑health mental‑wellness resources.
Website: https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk (mentalhealth.org.uk in Bing)
EU
F. Europe Mental‑Health Resources
1. Mental Health Europe (MHE)
Pan‑European mental‑health advocacy and education.
Website: https://www.mhe-sme.org
2. IFOTES Europe
Emotional‑support centers across Europe.
Website: https://www.ifotes.org
3. France – SOS Amitié
Emotional support and mental‑health education.
Website: https://www.sos-amitie.com
4. Germany – TelefonSeelsorge
Emotional‑support and crisis‑education resources.
Website: https://www.telefonseelsorge.de
5. Ireland – HSE Mental Health
Government mental‑health information and services.
Website: https://www2.hse.ie/mental-health (www2.hse.ie in Bing)
🇨🇦 G. Canada Mental‑Health Resources
1. Crisis Services Canada (CSPS)
Suicide‑prevention education and support.
Website: https://www.crisisservicescanada.ca
2. Kids Help Phone (Youth‑Focused)
Mental‑health support for children and teens.
Website: https://kidshelpphone.ca
3. Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA)
Mental‑health education and community programs.
Website: https://cmha.ca
4. Wellness Together Canada
Government‑supported mental‑health and substance‑use resources.
Website: https://www.wellnesstogether.ca
5. Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH)
Research, treatment, and education on mental illness and addiction.
Website: https://www.camh.ca
H. Asia Mental‑Health Resources
1. Lifeline Asia Pacific Network
Directory of emotional‑support centers across Asia-Pacific.
Website: https://lifelineasiapacific.org
2. Japan – TELL Lifeline
Mental‑health support and suicide‑prevention education.
Website: https://telljp.com
3. India – AASRA
Suicide‑prevention and emotional‑support organization.
Website: https://aasra.info
4. Singapore – Samaritans of Singapore (SOS)
Emotional support and mental‑health education.
Website: https://www.sos.org.sg
5. Hong Kong – The Samaritans
Support for emotional distress and crisis.
Website: https://samaritans.org.hk
I. South America Mental‑Health Resources
1. Argentina – Centro de Asistencia al Suicida (CAS)
Suicide‑prevention education and emotional support.
Website: https://www.casbuenosaires.com.ar (casbuenosaires.com.ar in Bing)
2. Brazil – CVV (Centro de Valorização da Vida)
Emotional support and suicide‑prevention education.
Website: https://www.cvv.org.br
3. Chile – Salud Responde (Ministry of Health)
Government mental‑health and crisis‑support information.
Website: https://www.minsal.cl/salud-responde (minsal.cl in Bing)
4. Colombia – Línea 106 (Bogotá)
Youth mental‑health and emotional‑support resources.
Website: https://www.saludcapital.gov.co (saludcapital.gov.co in Bing)
5. Peru – Ministerio de Salud (MINSA)
Government mental‑health resources and education.
Website: https://www.gob.pe/minsa
Schizophrenia in School Kids, Teens & Adolescents
TeenThreads Comprehensive Guide
A full parent‑teacher‑counselor‑friend guide to supporting teens with schizophrenia.
💛 1. Teen-Friendly Intro: What Schizophrenia Really Is
Schizophrenia is not “split personalities,” “being dangerous,” or “being out of touch with reality all the time.”
It’s a real medical condition that affects how a teen:
- Thinks
- Feels
- Understands the world
- Processes reality
- Connects with others
For teens, schizophrenia can feel like:
- “My thoughts are too loud.”
- “I can’t tell what’s real sometimes.”
- “My brain feels scrambled.”
- “I’m scared people won’t understand me.”
Schizophrenia is not their fault.
It’s not caused by “bad parenting,” “screens,” or “being dramatic.”
It’s a brain‑based condition that needs support, compassion, and treatment.
With the right team — parents, teachers, counselors, and friends — teens with schizophrenia can learn to manage symptoms, stay grounded, and thrive.
💛 2. Types of Schizophrenia (Teen-Friendly Breakdown)
Schizophrenia shows up differently for different people. Here are the major types often discussed in clinical settings:
1. Paranoid Schizophrenia
- Strong delusions (false beliefs)
- Hallucinations (hearing/seeing things others don’t)
- High anxiety
- Teens may feel watched, judged, or unsafe
2. Disorganized Schizophrenia
- Disorganized speech
- Trouble staying on topic
- Difficulty with daily tasks
- Emotions may seem “off” or mismatched
3. Catatonic Schizophrenia
- Movement changes
- May freeze, move slowly, or repeat movements
- May seem disconnected or unresponsive
4. Undifferentiated Schizophrenia
- A mix of symptoms from different types
- Doesn’t fit neatly into one category
5. Residual Schizophrenia
- Past major symptoms
- Currently milder symptoms
- Teens may still struggle with thinking, focus, or motivation
💛 3. What Schizophrenia Looks Like in School Kids & Teens
Positive Symptoms (things added to experience)
- Hearing voices
- Seeing things others don’t
- Strong beliefs not based in reality
- Feeling watched or targeted
Negative Symptoms (things taken away)
- Low motivation
- Flat or limited emotions
- Social withdrawal
- Trouble speaking or expressing thoughts
Cognitive Symptoms
- Trouble focusing
- Memory problems
- Difficulty organizing tasks
- Slower processing
💛 4. What Parents Can Do (The Home Base of Support)
Parents are the #1 support system for a teen with schizophrenia.
A. Learn the Condition
Understanding symptoms reduces fear and increases compassion.
B. Create a Calm, Predictable Home
Teens thrive with:
- Routines
- Low stress
- Clear expectations
C. Support Treatment
This may include:
- Therapy
- Medication
- School accommodations
- Regular check‑ins
D. Validate Feelings
Say things like:
- “I hear you.”
- “That sounds scary.”
- “I’m here with you.”
Avoid:
- “That’s not real.”
- “Stop imagining things.”
E. Watch for Warning Signs
- Sleep changes
- Increased paranoia
- Withdrawal
- Declining grades
💛 5. What Teachers Can Do (The School-Day Lifelines)
Teachers see symptoms every day, often before anyone else.
A. Know the Signs
- Zoning out
- Confusion
- Talking to themselves
- Difficulty following instructions
B. Provide Classroom Support
- Extra time
- Quiet testing spaces
- Step‑by‑step instructions
- Reduced workload during symptom spikes
C. Avoid Public Embarrassment
Never call out:
- Hallucinations
- Confusion
- Disorganized speech
D. Communicate with Counselors
Early reporting = early support.
💛 6. What School Counselors Can Do (The Emotional Anchors)
Counselors are the bridge between home, school, and mental‑health professionals.
A. Provide a Safe Space
A quiet room where teens can:
- Calm down
- Talk
- Regulate emotions
B. Teach Coping Skills
- Grounding techniques
- Reality‑checking
- Stress management
C. Coordinate Support Plans
- IEPs
- 504 plans
- Crisis plans
D. Connect Families to Resources
- Therapists
- Psychiatrists
- Support groups
💛 7. What Friends Can Do (The Teen Support Squad)
Peers matter more than adults realize.
A. Be Patient
Their brain works differently — not worse.
B. Avoid Jokes
No “crazy,” “psycho,” or “insane” comments.
C. Include Them
Isolation makes symptoms worse.
D. Ask How You Can Help
Sometimes they just need someone to sit with.
E. Stand Up Against Bullying
Your voice matters.
💛 8. Helpful Teen Illustrations
Illustration 1: The Hallway Freeze
A teen suddenly stops walking and looks scared.
They’re not “being weird.” Their brain is sending a false alarm.
Lesson: Compassion > judgment.
Illustration 2: The Classroom Mix-Up
A teen answers a question that wasn’t asked.
They’re not “trying to be funny.” Their thoughts may be disorganized.
Lesson: Patience helps more than correction.
Illustration 3: The Lunch Table Withdrawal
A teen sits alone, staring at their food.
They’re not “antisocial.” They may be overwhelmed.
Lesson: Inclusion can change everything.
💛 9. What NOT to Do (For Everyone)
Don’t shame
Don’t minimize
Don’t argue with hallucinations
Don’t force social situations
Don’t gossip
Don’t assume violence
💛 10. Final TeenThreads Takeaway
Schizophrenia doesn’t make a teen “broken,” “dangerous,” or “less than.”
It means their brain is sending mixed signals — and they’re fighting battles no one else sees.
With the right team — parents, teachers, counselors, and friends — teens with schizophrenia can learn to manage symptoms, build confidence, and thrive.
“Schizophrenia doesn’t define a teen — but support can redefine their future.”
11. Multiple‑Choice Questions (20)
1. Schizophrenia affects which areas?
- Thinking
- Emotions
- Perception
- All of the above
2. Which is a positive symptom?
- Low motivation
- Hearing voices
- Flat emotions
- Withdrawal
3. Which is a negative symptom?
- Hallucinations
- Delusions
- Social withdrawal
- Disorganized speech
4. Paranoid schizophrenia often includes:
- Movement issues
- Strong delusions
- Memory loss
- None
5. Disorganized schizophrenia includes:
- Clear speech
- Disorganized thoughts
- High motivation
- No symptoms
6. Catatonic schizophrenia affects:
- Movement
- Eating
- Sleep
- Grades
7. Parents should avoid:
- Validating feelings
- Supporting treatment
- Arguing with hallucinations
- Learning about schizophrenia
8. Teachers should:
- Publicly call out symptoms
- Provide clear instructions
- Ignore warning signs
- Shame the student
9. Counselors can:
- Provide safe spaces
- Punish students
- Increase stress
- Ignore symptoms
10. Friends should:
- Make jokes
- Be patient
- Spread rumors
- Avoid them
11. A cognitive symptom is:
- Trouble focusing
- Hallucinations
- Delusions
- Flat affect
12. Teens with schizophrenia need:
- Judgment
- Support
- Isolation
- Pressure
13. A helpful teacher action is:
- Sarcasm
- Clear communication
- Public correction
- Ignoring
14. A warning sign is:
- Increased paranoia
- Eating lunch
- Laughing
- Asking for help
15. Friends should avoid:
- Respecting boundaries
- Bullying
- Including them
- Listening
16. Parents should create:
- Chaos
- Predictable routines
- Loud environments
- Confusion
17. Counselors help by:
- Creating crisis plans
- Increasing stress
- Punishing
- Avoiding parents
18. A positive symptom is:
- Flat emotions
- Delusions
- Low motivation
- Withdrawal
19. Teens with schizophrenia benefit from:
- Isolation
- Supportive peers
- Shame
- Pressure
20. The core of schizophrenia is:
- Weakness
- A brain‑based condition
- Laziness
- Drama
Answer Key
1‑D
2‑B
3‑C
4‑B
5‑B
6‑A
7‑C
8‑B
9‑A
10‑B
11‑A
12‑B
13‑B
14‑A
15‑B
16‑B
17‑A
18‑B
19‑B
20‑B
