Why getting help early is important

Brain Health Bootcamp

This educational video addresses the critical importance of early intervention in mental health care. It explains the common barriers to seeking help—such as not understanding symptoms or fear of judgment—and highlights the significant gap between the onset of symptoms and treatment, which averages 11 years. By comparing mental illness to physical illness, the video normalizes treatment and emphasizes that mental health conditions are manageable with professional support. Key themes explored include the stigma surrounding mental health, the tangible benefits of early intervention, and the potential consequences of untreated mental illness, such as homelessness and involvement in the justice system. It also provides sobering statistics about suicide rates among youth to underscore the urgency of the issue. The video is a vital resource for health education, counseling sessions, and social-emotional learning (SEL) curricula. It empowers students by providing actionable resources, such as the Crisis Text Line and NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness), making it an excellent tool for initiating difficult conversations about well-being and encouraging help-seeking behaviors.