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 May is Mental Health Awareness Month. Susie Guido, Alternative House's licensed mental health professional, discusses the importance of mental health awareness.
"Having a mental health problem is no different than having a physical one," explains Susie. Left untreated, mental health problems may escalate and have serious, permanent consequences.
Suicide is the third leading cause of death among teenagers. Adolescence is a "turbulent developmental phase" in which teens forge their identities. Without support from friends and family, young people often engage in high-risk behaviors. They may distance themselves from friends and family, sever relationships, experiment with drugs, and act recklessly. These issues are especially prevalent in homeless youth because they lack support.
Susie emphasized that there is nothing wrong with having a mental health problem, and she would like to see the stigma associated with mental health eradicated so that those who need treatment are more likely to seek and obtain it.
Young people showing signs of mental health problems should see a professional, such as the counselors at the Emergency Shelter for Teenagers. Alternative House's hotline 1-800-SAY-TEEN offers 24/7 support and anonymity.
"Sometimes, young people just want someone to listen," Susie says.
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This month, a young woman named "Gina" came to our Emergency Shelter for Teenagers for help. Sexually abused as a young teenager, Gina did not tell her mother until years later. The trauma of these events led to a decline in grades, risky behaviors and hospitalization for suicidal thoughts. It was during her hospital stay that Gina was diagnosed with a mental disorder, which impacted her ability to participate in many of the activities she has once enjoyed. While at the Shelter, Gina participated in individual, group and family counseling sessions. During the family counseling sessions, Gina was finally able to openly discuss her feelings with her mother. She was able to work on her self-esteem, which had been greatly impacted by the abuse she suffered. She also learned new coping and communication skills. Gina learned how to keep herself safe, manage her frustrations and improve communication, particularly with her mother. Upon leaving the Shelter, her mom noted that even though they had worked with other counselors before, our staff at the Emergency Shelter for Teenagers helped them understand their issues in a way that no one else had. After her three-week stay was completed, Gina returned home to live with her mother and was able to put into practice the skills she learned during her time at the Emergency Shelter for Teenagers.
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Half of all mental health disorders show first signs before a person turns 14 years old, and three-quarters of mental health disorders begin before age 24.
Unfortunately, less than 20% of children and adolescents with mental health problems receive the treatment they need.
Early mental health support can help a child before problems interfere with other developmental needs. Prevention of mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders focuses on addressing known risk factors such as exposure to trauma that can affect the chances that children, youth, and young adults will develop mental health problems.
- Approximately 20% of adolescents have a diagnosable mental health disorder.
- Suicide is the third leading cause of death in adolescents and young adults.
- Between 500,000 and one million young people aged 15 to 24 attempt suicide each year.
- Mental health problems may lead to poor school performance, school dropout, strained family relationships, involvement with the child welfare or juvenile justice systems, substance abuse, and engaging in risky sexual behaviors.
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Unable to attend our regularly scheduled Open Door Information Sessions?
We will arrange a private tour for you and your guests.
Still can't make it?
If you have a group of ten or more guests, Alternative House will come to you! Whether at your workplace, house of worship, civic group, book club, etc, we can bring the Open Door Information Session experience to you and your guests.
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Volunteer Spotlight - Tony Rounds
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 Our volunteer spotlight for the month of May is Tony Rounds! A retired architect, Tony began volunteering with Alternative House through Tyson's Corner Rotary Club over a decade ago. In 2001, when the Emergency Shelter for Teenagers was expanded, Tony did the design layout. He aslo helps with maintenance projects to keep the Shelter in top shape.
Currently, Tony can be found every Monday assisting both staff and teens at our Emergency Shelter for Teenagers. He does everything, from painting furniture to interacting with the teens during lunchtime. When asked about memorable experiences at the Shelter, Tony immediately thought of "Anna," a home-schooled student whom he described as "warm hearted" and "bright." When Anna expressed difficulty with science, Tony left a book for her in the Shelter's library.
Tony wishes that more young people knew and availed themselves of the Emergency Shelter. He states that there is always help available for troubled youth and that the Emergency Shelter for Teenagers has "talented counselors and resources." Tony believes that the Shelter is extremely effective and beneficial, and he hopes more teens use its resources in the future. In his free time Tony enjoys reading, golf, poetry, and yard work.
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Do you want to create positive change in the Virginia/Maryland/DC area? On June 4th, join thousands of local donors for a day of giving that will create lasting change in our community. Do More 24 is an innovative online fundraising campaign hosted by United Way of the National Capital Area. The third annual Do More 24 online fundraiser will begin at 12:00 AM and end at 11:59 PM on June 4th. On June 4th, log on to DoMore24.org and donate to Alternative House. To learn more, please visit.DoMore24.org
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We gladly accept new and gently used items.
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There are many ways to support Alternative House.
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We are always looking for a variety of volunteers.
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PO Box 694, Dunn Loring, VA 22027 703.506.9191 1.800.SAY.TEEN
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