Transition Aged Youth
ODMHSAS believes that Oklahoma youth and young adults (transition aged youth) can thrive when they have access to programs, services, and supports that foster physical, mental, emotional health and wellbeing. ODMHSAS partners with treatment service providers who provide treatment and support for emotional, mental, and behavioral health illnesses, imbalances, and disorders, as well as, help for substance use and co-occurring disorders (both mental health and substance use disorders). In addition, we provide access to services and supports for homelessness, juvenile justice, drug court or child welfare issues, long term and out-patient behavioral health services, and first episode psychosis treatment.
Mental health or substance use issues left unchecked can lead to serious health conditions and have long term effects.
- Factors that contribute to mental health and substance abuse problems:
- Disruptive life events
- Having a history of abuse
- Chemical imbalances in the brain
- Family history of mental health problems or drug addiction
If you or a friend is struggling emotionally, not coping well, or using drugs or alcohol to escape, it's important to understand that you are not alone. Struggles like these are common among both youth and adults. You can get better.
Taking care of your mental health is just as important as taking care of one's physical health. Overall health includes a well-balanced and nutritious diet, regular exercise, stress management, early and ongoing mental health or substance addiction treatment services when needed, and taking time to relax and enjoy family and friends.
Crisis Helplines
Youth Mobile Crisis: Call the crisis stabilizations line for urgent connection and support: 1-833-885-CARE
Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741 to communicate with a trained crisis counselor 24/7
Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255
LGBTQ+ Helpline: 1-866-488-7386 or text START to 678678
Sexual Assault Helpline: 800-656-4673
The best way to determine if someone is struggling is to ask them. There are signs and symptoms that could indicate someone is having a mental health and drug use issue:
- Extreme mood changes
- Overwhelming anxiety or worrying
- Feelings of guilt and helplessness
- Excessive feelings of irritability, anger, sadness or fear
- Detachment from reality; delusions, paranoia or hallucinations
- Problems with memory
- Confused thinking or problems concentrating and learning
- Thoughts of death and suicide
- Sleeping too much or too little
- Feeling tired and having low energy
- Changes in eating habits such as increased hunger or lack of appetite
- Unexplained aches and pains
- Loss of desire and lack of will for daily activities
- Loss of contact with reality
- Suspicion that people want to harm you
- Hearing, seeing, and/or feeling things that others do not
- Disorganized in thoughts, speech and living space
- Avoiding friends and social activities
- Inability to cope or deal with problems or stress
- Abuse of substances like alcohol, drugs, or prescription medications (opioids}
- Neglecting responsibilities
- Making extreme life decisions on a whim
Contact the Family Youth and Young Adult Team
