b'In 2005, my son was diagnosed with bipolar disorder. He spentother information. Then a team of licensed mental health profes-30 days in a hospital psychiatric unit.Two weeks after he wassionals at Grant Halliburton Foundation will research potential discharged, he took his own life at the age of 19. resources and email you with names and contact information for The nonprofit organization that bears his name, Grant Halliburtonprovider options that may meet your needs. A week or two later, Foundation, is committed to strengthening the network of mentala mental health navigator will get in touch with you to see if you health resources for children, teens, and young adults; promotingreceived the information and if you need additional follow-up as-better mental health; and preventing suicide. sistance. We do this by educating young peopleand all the adults in theirThe new helpline is the first of its kind in North Texas and is avail-livesabout mental health and suicide prevention. Last year, weable to callers seeking resources for themselves or for someone trained more than 35,000 students, school staff, parents, and pro- else, such as a family member, patient, client, student or friend. fessionals on how to recognize and respond to a person in emo- When they call the navigation line, they will find guidance, in-tional distress or suicidal crisis. We also offer peer support groupsformation, and resources related to mental illness and substance for parents of youth with mental health or addiction problems. use issues.Finding mental health resources that are appropriate for your sit- The new community resource is an extension of Grant Hallibur-uation can be frustrating, confusing, and daunting. tonFoundationsHereForTexas.comwebsiteacomprehensive First you wonder, do you need a therapist, psychologist, or psy- database of more than 700 North Texas mental health providers chiatrist? Should you see your doctor or pediatrician first? Shouldand resources.you try to get a mental health assessment? And how do you de- The Here For Texas Mental Health Line can be reached at 972-cide? Are you dealing with a crisis situation that may require hos- 525-8181 Monday through Friday between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m.pitalization? Do you have insurance or do you need lost-cost orThe day I got that phone call from the middle school counselor, no-cost scale services? Do you need someone who speaks SpanishI would have given anything to have been able to call a trained or another language?So many questions! mental health navigator to help me find the resources I needed for We have answers.my son. Im proud that Grant Halliburton Foundation can pro-This year, Grant Halliburton Foundation introduced the Herevide this kind of help.For Texas Mental Health Navigation Line, a free helpline thatTo learn more, visit HereForTexas.com. provides callers with information and options for resources that match their specific needs for mental health care. Heres how it works. When you call the Mental Health NavigationEditors Note: Vanita Halliburton is co-founder and executive chair-Line, a trained navigator will listen to your needs, gather detailsman of Grant Halliburton Foundation, a nonprofit established in such as the type of mental health services you are seeking, age of2006 following the suicide death of her son, Grant Halliburton. the patient, language preference, ideal location for services, and 5 WARNING SIGNS OF MENTAL ILLNESSA CHANGE INPERSONALITY.If someone is actinglack of hygiene, or lack of concern with appearance,Here For Texas Mental Health Navigation Linelike a very different person, or not acting or feelingmay be indicative of a mental health issue. Connecting Texans to Resources for Mental Health and like himself, this is a warning sign. AddictionA SENSE OF HOPELESSNESS OR FEELING972-525-8181UNCHARACTERISTICANXIETY,ANGER, OROVERWHELMED.Mental health difficulties often10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday - FridayMOODINESS.Severe changes in emotion are acause people to give upto feel like life is just too cause for alarm, especially if they are persistent. hard or that they will never feel normal again. Suicide Prevention Lifeline- American Psychological Association Free and confidential emotional support for people in SOCIAL WITHDRAWAL AND ISOLATION.If ansuicidal crisis or emotional distressindividual is closing off socially, cancelling socialSymptoms in children may include the1-800-273-8255engagements, or spending too much time alone,following: 24 hours a day, 7 days a weekthis is a serious warning sign of emotional or mental Changes in school performancehealth issues.Excessive worry or anxiety, for instance fighting toThink youd like to be a Mental Health Navigator?avoid bed or school The Grant Halliburton Foundation provides extensive LACK OF SELF-CARE OR RISKY Hyperactive behavior free training and mental health education to equip BEHAVIORS.People with mental health issues Frequent nightmares our navigators to effectively respond to calls for often lose concern over their own health and well-Frequent disobedience or aggression information and resources. No previous experience is being, engaging in risky behaviors like drinking and Frequent temper tantrums needed.For more information, contact drug use. In addition, aconnie@granthalliburton.org.62GoodLifeFamilyMag.comMAY | JUNE 2019'