TEENAGERS AND MENTAL HEALTH
Children and Youth Mental Health
1 in 5 children and youth struggles with mental health problems.
Source: Children’s Mental Health Ontario
Mental health problems often begin in childhood. Early treatment may help prevent life-long problems.
When left untreated, mental health problems can lead to school failures, family conflicts, drug & alcohol abuse, violence and even suicide Help is needed when feelings of sadness, worry, or fear don’t go away.
Warning Signs of Mental Health Problems Can Include:
- Anxiety or fear that does not go away
- Frequent crying and weepiness
- Loss of interest in activities that were a source of pleasure in the past, like team sports or school activities
- Difficulty concentrating
- Lack of energy or motivation
- Problems at school with falling marks
- Withdrawal from family, friends, and school activities
- Increased school absences
- Loss or increase in appetite
- Sleeping too much or too little
- Increased irritability, anger, or aggression
- Neglect of personal appearance
- Frequent stomach aches or headaches
- Increased alcohol or drug use
Where to Get Help in Hamilton:
CONTACT Hamilton – access to children and youth mental health services 905-570-8888
If in crisis, call the youth COAST (Crisis Outreach and Support Team) program 905-972-8338
Other Supports:
- Family doctor
- School social worker
Other Community Resources –
- Alternatives for Youth – drug, alcohol and tobacco related services for youth ages 13-22 and their families: 905-527-4469
- Schizophrenia Society of Ontario, Family Support 905-777-9921
- Settlement and Integration Services Organization, Children’s Mental Health Outreach Program 905-667-7476
RESOURCES FOR STUDENTS
- www.coasthamilton.ca
- www.contacthamilton.ca
- www.connexontario.ca
- www.camh.net
- www.cmha.ca
- www.kidsmentalhealth.ca
- www.mindyourmind.ca
- www.ay.on.ca
- www.offordcentre.com
- www.kidshelpphone.ca
- www.youthnethamilton.ca
- www.teenmentalhealth.org
- www.stjoes.ca
Updated on Friday, October 07, 2022.