Includes bibliographical references and index.

1. STARING INTO THE ABYSS. The facts about mental disorders -- Why do I need to worry about mental health? -- Coping mechanisms: why some are better than others -- What is a mental disorder? -- Common mental disorders: descriptions & symptoms -- You are not alone -- 2. THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH ME. The reasons we hide -- Why is it so hard to seek help? -- People will think I'm crazy -- It's not that big of a deal -- People will think I'm weak -- I can't trust anyone -- I can't find the words -- I hate myself -- If you're scared to seek help -- If someone you know is scared to seek help -- Help is out there -- 3. NO ONE IS ALONE. Gender, race, class & sexuality -- Common negative stereotypes about mental illness -- What you don't know about women -- Big boys do cry (and can hug it out) -- Does race matter? -- Don't be fooled by the rocks that they got -- Does being poor mean there's no hope for me? -- Sexual orientation -- The real truth: mental health is an equal-opportunity issue -- 4. SURVIVING THE STORM. Dealing with a mental disorder -- Determining YOUR best action plan -- Seek help -- Understand the diagnosis is only a starting point -- Educate yourself about your medication -- Learn about your disorder and adjust your lifestyle -- Cooperate with your mental health professional -- Develop friendships with people other than your therapist -- You are NOT your disorder -- Maintenance -- Hope is on the way -- 5. THE "F" WORD. Families and mental health -- When parents don't know what to do -- If you're on your own -- How to help a sibling deal with your disorder -- The flip side -- If your parent is suffering -- If your sibling is suffering -- Family Matters -- 6. BEYOND YOUR BUDDY LIST. Real friendships and mental health -- Pain knows pain: destructive friendships -- Finding others like you -- Telling your friends about your problems -- Will they understand? -- What happens when your friend leaves you? -- Communication is key -- If your friend has a mental disorder -- When your friend shuts you out -- If your friend talks about suicide -- Get by ... with a little help from your friends -- 7. CRAZY IN LOVE. Relationships and mental health -- That lovin' feeling -- Love hurts: surviving a breakup -- A dangerous bond -- You hate me, I hate me -- How do I tell the person I love about my disorder? -- You will love again: staying positive after a breakup -- If you are worried about your boyfriend/girlfriend -- Deciding to end an unhealthy relationship -- Moving beyond your scars -- Love lifts us up -- The power of commitment --RESOURCES: Crisis numbers -- Organizations.

Discusses the stigma attached to mental health issues faced by young people, such as depression, anxiety, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, and eating disorders, and provides guidance for addressing these problems.