Mental health includes our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how we think, feel, and act. It also helps determine how we handle stress, relate to others, and make choices. Mental health is important at every stage of life, from childhood and adolescence through adulthood.
Early Warning Signs
Not sure if you or someone you know is living with mental health problems? Experiencing one or more of the following feelings or behaviors can be an early warning sign of a problem:
- Eating or sleeping too much or too little
- Pulling away from people and usual activities
- Having low or no energy
- Feeling numb or like nothing matters
- Having unexplained aches and pains
- Feeling helpless or hopeless
- Smoking, drinking, or using drugs more than usual
- Feeling unusually confused, forgetful, on edge, angry, upset, worried, or scared
- Yelling or fighting with family and friends
- Experiencing severe mood swings that cause problems in relationships
- Having persistent thoughts and memories you can’t get out of your head
- Hearing voices or believing things that are not true
- Thinking of harming yourself or others
- Inability to perform daily tasks like taking care of your kids or getting to work or school
What to do if...
- Someone I know may be at risk of suicide
- Someone close to me has lost someone to suicide
- My child has lost someone to suicide
- I’m concerned about someone who may have an alcohol or substance use problem
- I know someone who may have an eating problem
- Someone I care about may be overwhelmed with anxiety
- A friend of mine seems really down and may be depressed
- I want to help someone who is struggling
- I’ve offered my help to someone, but they don’t want to accept it
- I’m worried about someone, but I’m not sure if there’s cause for concern
Emotional Challenges
Find Help
- 2-1-1 Connecticut
- Animal Assisted Therapy
- Connecticut Substance Abuse Site
- Coping with Violent/Traumatic Events
- Involuntary Admission
- Mental Health Crisis Intervention Services
- Mental Health Screenings
- Mobile Crisis for Youth
- Narcan Prescribing Pharmacists (CT)
- Network of Care
- Pastoral Counseling
- Sexual Harassment in the Workplace
- Substance Abuse Resources
- Substance Abuse Walk-In Centers (CT)
- Take a Screening
- Volunteer Connecticut