Coping skillsRemember it's no one's fault. Mental illnesses are nobody's fault. They are diseases just like arthritis or diabetes, but they affect the brain. Sometimes people with mental illness can do hurtful things, but this is because they are ill - it doesn't mean they have stopped loving you. Talk to the person. Try to understand their problems better and make sure that you also tell them how their illness affects you. Agree on boundaries together. A lot of times, too much goes unsaid when people are trying to cope with difficult problems. Learn about the illness. The more you know about a problem, the less difficult it becomes. Check out the rest of this Web site, take the Mental Health IQ Quiz, or ask your doctor for more information about the illness. Talk to others. You don't need to be embarrassed about mental illness, and you don't need to feel alone. Talk with other people who have been helpful to you: your friends, a healthy family member or an adult you can trust. Many, many people have mental illnesses, and there are even support groups for family members of people with mental illness. Don't let your emotions get you in trouble. Kids who are able to cope well with mental illness in the family learn to think before acting. Try to be patient with yourself and others. Make sure that you do things that are fun for you. Dealing with mental illness shouldn't mean putting the rest of your life on hold. Remember to do the things that you find fun: spending time with friends, taking part in sports, doing hobbies. Sometimes you need to escape. Physical and mental escape from stress through social and organizational activities can be a big help. Get connected with a mentor, volunteer to help others, become active in a religious institution, or join a community club. Check out a list of resources for some ideas. When a friend can't help. If you talk to a friend or adult who doesn't seem interested, maybe that person can't help you. Don't feel bad. Ask someone else. Keep trying until you find a person who can help you. Keep yourself healthy. Eat well, exercise and get enough sleep. When your body is healthy, life seems less stressful. Avoid drugs or alcohol. Even though drugs and alcohol may seem like an escape sometimes, they can only make your problems worse in the long run. Be positive and stay hopeful. You are important, so hang in there and don't give up. Sometimes having to deal with difficult things in life can make people stronger. You are probably developing good problem solving skills, a good sense of fairness and sensitivity toward others, and maybe even a good sense of humor. There is no shame in asking for help. For help or information call 215-751-1800 ext. 3865 or email tecinfo@mhasp.org. Remember, you are not alone. 
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