​Children and Mental Health

Know the signs. If there is concern that a child may be experiencing a mental health problem, it is important for adults to seek help from a doctor or mental health professional.  Just like with physical illness, treating mental health problems early may help to prevent a more serious illness from developing in the future.  Consider consulting a professional if a child you know:
  • Feels very sad, hopeless or irritable
  • Feels overly anxious or worried
  • Is scared and fearful; has frequent nightmares
  • Is excessively angry
  • Uses alcohol or drugs
  • Avoids people; wants to be alone all of the time
  • Hears voices or sees things that aren’t there
  • Can’t concentrate, sit still, or focus attention​
  • Needs to wash, clean things, or perform certain rituals many times a day
  • Talks about suicide or death
  • Hurts other people or animals; or damages property
  • Has major changes in eating or sleeping habits
  • Loses interest in friends or things usually enjoyed
  • Falls behind in school or earns lower grades

Online Resources

Kids Mental Health Information Portal
www.kidsmentalhealth.org

Mental Health America 
www.mentalhealthamerica.net

NAMI - National Alliance on Mental Illness
https://namipasco.org

National Domestic Violence Hotline
https://www.thehotline.org
www.aacap.org

Federation of Families for Children’s Mental Health
www.ffcmh.org
Helping Survivors
helpingsurvivors.org

American Psychological Association
www.apa.org

Center for Parents and Information Resources
www.parentcenterhub.org

American Psychiatric Association 
www.psych.org

Suicide Prevention

No matter what problems you are dealing with, there is help. Please call or text  988 you’ll be connected to a skilled, trained counselor at a crisis center in your area, anytime 24/7.
If you need immediate help, please call 911, or have
someone drive you to your nearest hospital emergency room.