Noticing Mental Health Concerns for Your Child

Last updated: January 14, 2025

Mental health problems can occur at any time and can affect anyone.

It is helpful to recognize signs that could indicate that your child is struggling with a mental health problem (changes in mental health that negatively impact how they are regularly feeling, acting, or thinking, at school, home, and in the community). Identifying concerns early, and providing support, goes a long way towards prevention and/or worsening of difficulties.

Signs that may signal a mental health problem in younger children: 

• frequently changing mood and emotions  
• easily hurt feelings, crying, anger 
• ongoing temper tantrums, throwing things, hitting people, etc.  
• ongoing sadness and lack of interest in things they usually enjoy  
• withdrawal from friends and family  
• increased need for contact and reassurance  
• little motivation or interest in schoolwork, activities  
• difficulty concentrating  
• low frustration tolerance, irritability  
• increase in headaches, stomach aches, other aches and pains  
• decreased energy, problems with sleep or appetite changes

Signs that may signal a mental health problem in older children and teens: 

• outbursts of anger or distress  
• frequent irritability 
• feelings of anxiety and panic  
• excessive worries and fears about the safety of family, friends, and self  
• school refusal  
• use of drugs and/or alcohol  
• interest in activities from younger years 
• declining grades, low motivation to complete tasks  
• changes in eating and sleeping *  
• withdrawal from family activities * 
• withdrawal from friends *  
• ongoing negative remarks about self *  
• frequent talk about death and dying * 
• giving away possessions * 

* When symptoms marked with an asterisk occur together, they can be associated with suicidal thoughts and behaviours. For more support, see Prepare, Prevent, Respond: Suicide Prevention Guide for Parents/ Caregivers 

How can I talk to my child about their mental health? 

It can be challenging to discuss your concerns about their mental health, but doing so opens the lines of communication and may help improve the situation: 

• Plan for a conversation rather than reacting in the moment.  
• Use supportive language in your conversation.  
• Use prompts gently.  
• Be persistent and supportive. 
• Reassure your child. 
• Assess risk and respond if needed. 

What can I do to help if my child is struggling with their mental health? 

If it’s not an emergency, there are many ways to support a child experiencing feelings of sadness, anger, and worry, including:  

• Listen to your child and validate their thoughts and feelings. 
• Reduce stress. 
• Spend some 1:1 time with your child each day. 
• Highlight your child’s strengths. 
• Get active. 
• Explore culture and community.  
• Practice calm together.  
• Help others. Doing something for others can help us feel better too. 
• Inspire hope even if you don’t have the answers.  

If the suggestions above are not helping your child and you are still feeling worried, consider seeking professional help.   

How can I access professional mental health help for my child? 

At school:  

If your child is known to the school support team, please contact them. If not, check with the school principal about available mental health services. Ontario schools offer assessment, brief prevention, and early intervention provided by social work and psychology staff. 

In the community: 

If you need extra support, your family physician can connect your child with mental health services. You can contact: 

• Children’s Mental Health Ontario – Access free mental health care in your area, no referral necessary. 
• One Stop Talk – Instantly connect with a therapist from anywhere in Ontario. 
• Youth Wellness Hubs – Access a range of free services in Ontario communities. 

What should I do in a mental health emergency? 

If you are worried about your child’s safety or the safety of others around them, seek immediate assistance. You can call an ambulance, contact the local mobile crisis service (if available in your area), call 9-1-1, or go to the emergency room of your local hospital.   

The following mental health emergencies require urgent professional help: 

• Your child has a suicide plan and intends to act on it right away.  
• Your child has made a suicide attempt. 
• Your child is threatening to hurt others and/or is acting violently.  
• Your child is showing signs of a drug overdose.  

Supporting a child with mental health problems can be challenging. Community resources, such as Parents for Children’s Mental Health, can connect you with other parents and caregivers facing similar challenges. 

Note: Please see the pdf version for further descriptions and information.