As parents, grandparents, or guardians, navigating the world of youth mental health can be tough. Adolescence is a time of big changes, but how do you know when a child's behavior or emotions go beyond the typical growing pains and might indicate something more serious? 

Some common signs to be aware of include: 

• Changes in mood or behavior: Sudden shifts in mood, persistent sadness, or irritability that interfere with daily life can be signs of underlying mental health issues. 

• Declining school performance:  Academic struggles like a drop in grades or a sudden inability to concentrate can reflect mental health struggles. Children might also show signs of disinterest in subjects they previously loved or avoid school altogether. 

• Frequent anxiety of physical complaints:  Mental health struggles can manifest in both physical and emotional ways, including excessive worry, trouble relaxing, stomachaches, headaches, fatigue, or restlessness. 

• Difficulty coping with changes:  Transitioning to a new school, experiencing family changes, or moving to a new environment can trigger feelings of instability. If a child has difficulty adjusting to these changes, it might point to adjustment disorder, a condition where stress overwhelms a child's ability to cope. 

• Unusual eating or sleeping patterns:  Significant changes in eating or sleeping habits, such as sleeping too much or too little, loss of appetite, or overeating may be signs of emotional distress.  

• Social withdrawal or isolation: Pulling away from family and friends, avoiding social situations, or showing a lack of interest in connecting with others, could signal a mental health struggle. This withdrawal could also stem from feelings of inadequacy, fear of judgment, or the inability to cope with overwhelming emotions. 

What can you do next? 

If you're noticing any of these signs, don't wait for things to get worse. Your child may be struggling with common issues like depression, anxiety, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), or adjustment disorder—all of which are treatable with the right support. 

Here’s how you can help: 

• Start the conversation: Talk to your child about their feelings and what they’re going through. Let them know it's okay to express their emotions without fear of judgment. Encourage them to share at their own pace, listen without interruption, and reassure them that they are not alone in their struggles. 

• Encourage professional support:  Seeking the help of a mental health professional can make a world of difference. At Connections Tucson and the Connections Emergency Behavioral Health Crisis Walk-In Center in Harrisburg, PA, our team provides compassionate, expert care designed to meet the specific needs of young people facing mental health challenges. Our team is dedicated to guiding families through the complexities of mental health, offering personalized support, evidence-based interventions, and access to essential resources. Beginning in Summer 2025, our Connections center in Kirkland, Washington, will expand its services to include youth, building on the services currently provided for adults. Additionally, our new Woodbridge center, opening in 2025, will provide vital support for both adults and youth in the community.

• Create and maintain a supportive environment:  Promote open and honest communication at home, where your child feels safe expressing their thoughts and emotions without judgment. Establishing a consistent routine can provide stability and a sense of security, helping to reduce stress and anxiety. By demonstrating patience, understanding, and unconditional support, you can help create a space where your child feels valued, heard, and empowered to navigate their mental health journey. 

Where to start: 

Getting the right support for your child starts with knowing where to turn. Mental health challenges can feel overwhelming, but help is available. Whether your child is experiencing a crisis, needs outpatient care, or could benefit from community-based support, Connections is here to help. Our crisis centers provide immediate, 24/7 support, and we’ll guide your family every step of the way to ensure your child receives the right care and resources. 

Connections youth services currently available:

Our youth-friendly locations in Tucson, Arizona, and Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, are open 24/7—no appointment needed. Walk in anytime for an assessment, and our team will help guide you to the right care and resources. 

• Connections Tucson 
  2802 East District Street, Tucson, AZ 85714 
  (520) 301-2400 

• Connections Emergency Behavioral Health Crisis Walk-In Center 
  1100 S. Cameron Street, Harrisburg, PA 17104 
  (717) 408-1353 

Connections youth services coming soon: 

• Connections Kirkland: Currently serving adults, our center in Kirkland, Washington will expand to offer youth services starting Summer 2025. 
  
  
• Connections Prince William Crisis Receiving Center: A brand-new center at the Prince William Crisis Receiving Center Complex in Woodbridge, Virginia will be opening in 2025, providing behavioral health services for both adults and youth in the community. 

If your child is struggling or you need immediate guidance, you can also call or text 988, the national crisis helpline. Trained counselors are available 24/7 to provide free, confidential support and connect you to local resources. Visit 988helpline.org to learn more.