
Children, Adolescents, & Teens Can Have Mental Health Issues
What is Mental Health?
How we think, feel, and behave as we face everyday situations.
What are the causes?
There may be biological, psychological, and/or sociological issues.
Are children, adolescents & teens affected?
Yes, they have mental, emotional, and behavioral problems that are real and painful to
the person, family, and teachers.
When should a counselor be sought?
When painful feelings and behaviors persist or disrupt a child’s ability to function
emotionally, academically or socially.
Why is building and protecting a child’s mental health crucial?
It enables healthy growth, positive feelings, rational decisions, and productive actions.
It impacts your child’s daily life and future.
Are mental health problems common in young people?
Yes, but they can range from mild to severe. Parents and teachers can best see
negative changes.
Mental Health Warning Signs
A Team Approach
Children, adolescents, and teens can be helped when parents and school personnel
work together with mental health service professionals. The mental health needs of
the individual can be best addressed by a Co-ordinated effort and when a range of
services are available.

Troubled Feelings
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Observed Changes
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Really sad or hopeless feelings
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Sudden drop in grades
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Often angry /overacts
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Loss of interest in enjoyable things
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Thoughts of guilt, worthlessness, or self-doubt
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Frequent crying
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Overly worried or fearful
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Eating or sleeping pattern altered
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Can’t cope with a traumatic event
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Seeks isolation or avoids people
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Limiting Factors
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Problem Behaviors
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Can’t focus or sit still
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Uses drugs/alcohol
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Poor concentration/ Confusion
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Eats Too little or Eats-Vomits
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Thoughts of being hurt or hurting others
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Obsessive behavior
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“Hears” voices
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Lies, argues, or Distracts by changing the topic
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Nightmares / Lack of Sleep
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Willingly disobeys parents, teachers,or law
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Needing to change clothes/wash self
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Threatens suicide or does risky things frequently
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