Youth Emotional Wellness

A child’s healthy development is crucial to their ability to learn, grow, and succeed. A child’s mental health can be impacted by many factors, both positively and negatively.  It is normal for children and youth to experience emotional distress at times as they grow and mature but when symptoms continue, it may be time to seek professional help. It can be difficult to tell between symptoms of mental illness and normal problems that all children experience so it is important to look out for the following warning signs..

Early Warning Signs:

• Decrease in enjoyment and time spent with friends and family
• Significant decrease in school performance
• Not wanting to go to school
• Problems with memory, attention or concentration
• Big changes in energy levels, eating or sleeping patterns
• Feelings of sadness, anxiety, crying often
• Getting angry easily, disobeying or talking back
• Hyperactive behavior
• Frequent nightmares

Source for the warning signs: https://www.nami.org/Learn-More/Know-the-Warning-Signs

As a youth, you are faced with various questions and decisions. 211 Connecticut's youth web page contains information which may be useful in everyday situations, including where to go for help, what to do for fun and how to find support. With over a 1,000 resources available, it can be hard to find the right one.  There is help available.