Did You Know…
Did You Know…
- 1-in-5 kids in Ontario struggles with their mental health, that’s
- Suicide is the second most common cause of death in teens… (the first is accidental)
- There is no shame in having a mental health issue and no blame.
Although a child or youth who’s depressed, angry or anxious may feel isolated and/or alone, the problem is much bigger than most of us realize. One out of every five children/youth under 18 struggles with a diagnosable emotional, mental or behavioural challenge. These problems can be painful, serious and very real.
Mental Health difficulties can happen to any young person, regardless of age or circumstances. Left untreated, kids in distress can turn to drugs/alcohol, become suicidal, drop out of school, become violent or withdraw into silence and isolation.
Possible Signs & Symptoms Of A Mental Health Issue…
The way a child/youth acts or behaves may be a sign that he/she has a mental health need. Ask yourself if the child/youth’s behaviour is unusually intense; whether he/she has been acting like this for a while; whether the behaviour is age appropriate; and if the child/youth’s behaviour is having a negative impact on the family or at school. It is important to take the signs seriously and seek help quickly.
Signs to look for…
- Poorer marks and performance at school
- Avoidance of family of friends
- Frequent outbursts of anger or rage
- Loss of appetite
- Difficulty sleeping
- Rebelling against authority
- Drinking, drug or other addictive behaviours
- Disinterest in doing things they used to enjoy
- Damaging other peoples property
- Constant worrying
- No longer taking care of their appearance
- Obsession with weight
- Loss of energy and motivation
- Bullying others
- Being victimized by a bully
- Self-harming behaviour
