Behind Happy Faces: Taking Charge of Your Mental Health - Softcover

"Mental illness among young people is epidemic. Too often, those who are afflicted are ashamed, too often, they isolate themselves, and too often the results are catastrophic. Frank, honest and informative, Behind Happy Faces will mitigate that shame and isolation, and so head off those dark results."

-Andrew Solomon

Author, The Nonday Demon: An Atlas of Depression. Far From the Tree: Parents, Children and the Search for Identity

"Behind Happy Faces removes the stigma surrounding mental disorders and stimulates dialogue about these issues among high school and college students. Szabo and Hall are dynamic advocates for young people everywhere."

Harold S. Koplewicz, M.D.

President, Child Mind Institute

"An inspirational read for all young adults as well as parents, teachers, family and friends, Behind Happy Faces provides tools for seeking help and gives hope for recovery. Ross is living proof that with treatment, young adults with mental health issues can be highly functional and lead fulfilling, productive lives." 

-Tipper Gore

Photographer, Author and Mental Health Advocate 

"Mental disorders are treatable and don't have to define one's life. Behind Happy Faces provides young people with an intimate glimpse into what it means to have an emotional disorder and empowers them to overcome the stugma to get the help they need."

-Donna Satow

Co-founder, The Jed Foundation

"Ross Szabo has a true gift for getting through and Behind Happy Faces allows him to communicate beyond the walls of a full school assembly. His book will most certainly reach you and it will help you reach others. If it is understanding and compassion you seek, look no further."

-Lizzie Simon

Author, Detour: My Bipolar Road Trip in 4-D

"Szabo's enthralling narrative draws its strength from the power of his personal story, and the honesty with which he and the other young people represented in the book challenge the myths and stereotypes surrounding mental illness. This powerful book deserves the widest possible audience." 

-Gail Griffith

Author, Will's Choice: A Suicidal Teen, a Desperate Mother, and a Chronicle of Recovery 

Mental health is important for everyone, but the truth is, sometimes it's hard to talk about it or admit you're having problems. You're afraid of being judged or worried no one will understand. And if you're like a lot of people, you put on a happy face and try to act like everything is OK, even when it isn't. It's OK not to be OK. School, family, relationships and lack of sleep take a toll on mental health. Many people are struggling with anxiety disorders, depression, bipolar disorder, addictions, eating disorders or other serious problems. You may not always know how to deal, who to tell or what you should do. You're not alone. Behind Happy Faces takes on the most common emotional concerns expressed by millions of young adults. You will learn:

• A vast overview of mental health challenges
• The reasons people hide their emotions and how to break them down
• How people of different genders, races, socioeconomic status and sexual orientation are impacted by mental health
• Steps you can take for yourself if you are experiencing a menta health disorder
• What you can do if a friend or family member is suffering
• How mental health issues impact relationships and what you can do to build healthy relationships
• Ways to get involved and discourage negative stereotypes

Ross Szabo and other people who have been impacted by mental health issues will inspire you with their stories of dealing with mental health disorders and facing challenges like breakups, divorced parents, losing a loved one or just figuring out how to express feelings. They learned how to take charge of their mental health and they share practical ways for you to do the same. 

Our hope is that this book will give you the courage to address the issues that have kept you from living the life you want, the courage to stop pretending that everything is OK (even when it's not) and more importantly, to stop hiding your true emotions...behind a happy face.