Teens:

It is normal to feel moody or sad at times. People often work through it on their own. When sad feelings last for a couple of weeks or longer or affect your daily life, it could be a sign of depression.

Conditions such as depression or anxiety are real, common, and treatable! Download CenCal Health’s Teen Depression Guide Teen Depression Guide PDF.

The following resources can give you more information on depression:

• • Are you Depressed? – Teens Health
  • Teen Depression: More Than Just Moodiness – National Institute of Mental Health
  • Dealing with Depression – National Institute of Mental Health
  • CenCal Health has more information on depression in our Health Library

It is normal to experience anxiety and/or stress sometimes. A person with an anxiety disorder can experience disabling, intense and irrational fears and worries that get in the way of daily life.

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends that children and adolescents aged 8 to 18 years get screened for anxiety.

If you suspect you have anxiety, talk to a trusted adult, or your Primary Care Provider (PCP). Your PCP can send you to a mental health specialist, or they may even have one you can talk to in the PCP’s medical office.

If you need help call CenCal Health Member Services toll-free at (877) 814-1861, Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.

The following resources can give you more information about stress/anxiety/fear:

• Anxiety – Mental Health Matters
• Coping with Stress – Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
• School-related Stress – Heard Alliance
• CenCal Health has more information on depression in our Health Library

If you or someone you know is in a suicidal crisis, call 911 immediately. If you have been thinking about suicide, get help now.

It is important to know the Warning Signs of Suicide:

• Talking about suicide or wanting to die or disappear.
• Talking, writing, or drawing about death.
• Giving away belongings.
• Withdrawing from friends and family.
• Being angry or hostile.
• Doing risky things, like driving too fast.
• Using alcohol or drugs.
• Having changes in eating or sleeping patterns, such as eating less or sleeping more than usual.

If you are thinking of suicide or know someone who is, you can reach out to:

• • Crisis Text Line : Text Home to 741741 for free 24/7 support from a crisis counselor
  • Casa Pacifica Safe Alternatives for Treating Youth is a local resource. Call the (SAFTY) hotline at 1-888-334-2777
  • 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline : Call or text 988.
  • Trevor Lifeline for LGBTQ community : Call 1-866-488-7386 or text START to 678678

If you are feeling overwhelmed, depressed, or suicidal you can go to:

• • The Santa Barbara Response Network or call them at: 1-805-699-5608
  • CenCal Health has more information on Suicide in our Health Library

It is normal to have both positive and negative emotions. Negative emotions can be difficult, even painful at times. That is especially true when we feel a negative emotion too often, too strongly, or dwell on it too long.

Negative emotions may be difficult, but we can learn to handle them.

• Dealing With Difficult Emotions – Teens Health
• CenCal Health has more information on Anger in our Health Library

Central Coast Hotline

• • Central Coast Hotline is a confidential mental health guidance, crisis and suicide prevention Hotline which also provides mental health resource information. Available for you 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Free of charge.
  • Text or Call, any time: 800-783-0607.

Domestic Violence Solutions for Santa Barbara

• • Domestic Violence Solutions operates a 24-hour hotline that survivors can access throughout Santa Barbara County. (805) 964-5245

SAFTY

• • SAFTY responds to mental health crisis and is available 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. to all Santa Barbara County children and youth up to their 21st birthday.
  • In case of a mental health emergency – suicidal ideation or thoughts, self-harm or homicidal behavior or thoughts – call Safe Alternatives for Treating Youth (SAFTY) at (888) 334-2777.

San Luis Obispo County Mental Health Services

• • 2178 Johnson Avenue, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401, 805-781-4700
  • CRISIS INTERVENTION & Access/Service Referral Number 800-838-1381

Santa Barbara County Alcohol, Drug & Mental Health Services

• • 315 Camino del Remedio, Santa Barbara, CA 93110, 805-681-5220
  • CRISIS INTERVENTION & Access/Service Referral Number, 888-868-1649

Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

• • If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health or substance use-related crisis, the Lifeline network is available 24/7.
  • Call or text 988, or chat at 988lifeline.org

Youth Crisis Line

• • A 24/7 statewide emergency response system for youth (ages 12-24) and families in crisis.
  • Call or text 800-843-5200