Behind Happy Faces: Taking Charge of Your Mental Health Paperback - 2007 - 1st Edition

Mental health is important for everyone, but the truth is, sometimes it's hard to talk about it or admit you're having problems. You're afraid of being judged or worried no one will understand. And if you're like a lot of people, you put on a happy face and try to act like everything is OK, even when it isn't. It's OK not to be OK. School, family, relationships and lack of sleep take a toll on mental health. Many people are struggling with anxiety disorders, depression, bipolar disorder, addictions, eating disorders or other serious problems. You may not always know how to deal, who to tell or what you should do. You're not alone. Behind Happy Faces takes on the most common emotional concerns expressed by millions of young adults. You will learn:

• A vast overview of mental health challenges
• The reasons people hide their emotions and how to break them down
• How people of different genders, races, socioeconomic status and sexual orientation are impacted by mental health
• Steps you can take for yourself if you are experiencing a menta health disorder
• What you can do if a friend or family member is suffering
• How mental health issues impact relationships and what you can do to build healthy relationships
• Ways to get involved and discourage negative stereotypes

Ross Szabo and other people who have been impacted by mental health issues will inspire you with their stories of dealing with mental health disorders and facing challenges like breakups, divorced parents, losing a loved one or just figuring out how to express feelings. They learned how to take charge of their mental health and they share practical ways for you to do the same.

Our hope is that this book will give you the courage to address the issues that have kept you from living the life you want, the courage to stop pretending that everything is OK (even when it's not) and more importantly, to stop hiding your true emotions...behind a happy face.