Eighteen-year-old Jessica admits to having anxiety and says that growing up in a Latino household, discussions about mental health issues were “taboo.” She says that she was always told that anxiety was something you choose and depression was something that you can just overcome.

“You don’t have that safe place to talk with older family members, and you internalize it. You tell yourself, ‘there are other people that have it worse than I do,’” Jessica says.

“That is exactly the reason that so many people don’t talk about it,” says Dr. Phil.

Watch the video above to hear more discussion about why mental health is stigmatized – and why that needs to change.

Part one of this two-part episode, “Inside America’s Teen Mental Health Crisis," airs Tuesday.

And on Wednesday’s conclusion, “A Teen’s Near Fatal Decision,” Dr. Phil talks to a young woman who says her struggle with anxiety and depression got so bad she tried to end her life.

Check your local listing for airtimes.

If you or someone you know are experiencing a mental health emergency, call or text the National Suicide & Crisis lifeline by dialing 9-8-8, or reach out to http://988lifeline.org


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