Warning Signs of Emotional Struggles
Early recognition is key to overcoming challenges. Signs your child may be struggling emotionally include:
- Loss of interest in usual activities
- Mood or behavior changes including appetite and sleep
- Withdrawing or isolating
- Taking excessive risks or behaving recklessly
- Repeated unexplained body aches and pains
- Anxiety interfering with activities
- Frequent anger, irritability, criticizing, or tantrums
- Change in academic performance
- Preoccupation with death or dying
- Talking about wanting to die or being a burden
When to Get Help
If your child is not responding to support being offered, not improving, or worsening, seek help by consulting with a medical or mental health professional. If having thoughts of suicide or feeling unable to keep self safe call 911 or go to the nearest Emergency Room.
How to Get Help
If you or someone you know is struggling emotionally or behaviorally, support is available. Begin by talking with a medical doctor or a mental health professional.
Below are resources available in the community to help:
- Hope4Utah provides resources for parents on talking with children and teens about suicide and mental health, as well as offering practical guidance for accessing help. hope4utah.com
- SafeUT app provides real- time crisis intervention through a phone call, chat, or submitting confidential tips to school administrators on bullying, threats, or violence.
- National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) offers information regarding mental health conditions and support groups for families. nami.org
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (English and Spanish) 24/7, free, and confidential support for people in distress. 1-800-273-8255.
- Crisis Text Line is the free, 24/7, confidential text message service for people in crisis. Text HOME to 7417414.
Disclaimer—The information in this article is for general educational purposes only. It does not constitute and should not substitute for individual professional advice, psychotherapy, or the provision of psychological services.
This article is produced by Hope4Utah, a nonprofit organization providing trainings, resources and supports to prevent, intervene, and respond to suicides and to improve mental health.
By Hope4Utah
