Resources for Young Minds
Learn the Warning Signs of Mental IllnessBelow are some of the warning signs that a child may be struggling with mental illness.
A child may be struggling if they seem:
- Really sad and hopeless without good reason, and the feelings don’t go away.
- Very angry most of the time, cries a lot, overreacts to things.
- Worthless or guilty.
- Anxious or worried a lot more than other young people.
- Grief for a prolonged time after a loss or death.
- Extremely fearful or has unexplained fears or more fears than most children.
- Constantly concerned about physical problems or appearance.
- Frightened that their mind is controlled or is out of control.
Other big changes to look out for:
- Doing much worse in school.
- Losing interest in things they usually enjoyed.
- Unexplained changes in sleeping or eating habits.
- Avoiding friends or family and wanting to be alone all the time.
- Daydreaming too much and unable to get things done.
- Feeling that life is too hard to handle or talking about suicide.
- Hearing voices that cannot be explained.
Additional Resources
Community First Behavioral Health & Substance Use Hotline: 1-877-221-2226
Community First STAR KIDS Behavioral Health Hotline: 1-844-541-2347
Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: 988
Project YES
Project YES (Youth Empowerment and Support) is an online program founded to help local teens who are struggling with their mental health.
Project YES has been shown to reduce depression and anxiety, decrease hopelessness, and boost a sense of control in adolescents ages 11 through 17 by more than 50%.
The program is free, available online, and participation is anonymous. Click the link below to participate.
The following behaviors may be cause for concern, including:
- Poor concentration and can’t make decisions.
- Inability to sit still or focus attention.
- Worry about being harmed, hurting others, or about doing something “bad.”
- The need to wash, clean things, or perform certain routines dozens of times a day.
- Thoughts that race almost too fast to follow.
- Persistent nightmares.
The following coping strategies may cause harm, including:
- Use of alcohol or drugs.
- Eating large amounts of food and then forcing vomiting, abusing laxatives, or taking enemas to avoid weight gain.
- Continuing to diet or exercise obsessively although bone-thin.
- Often hurting other people, destroying property, or breaking the law.
- Doing things that can be life threatening.
- Unexplained cuts and burns.
- Extreme moods.
Additional Mental Health Resources
Members can find additional mental health resources below and by visiting Clarity Child Guidance Center.