Potential Warning Signs
If you notice significant social, emotional, behavioral, or cognitive changes in a child or adolescent, seek consultation from a school counselor or pediatrician. Though these changes may reflect nothing more than a normal developmental growing period, they may also signal something more concerning and should be taken seriously.
If you are not certain if you should seek help for a child or youth in your care, contact a professional from your school mental health team or the child’s pediatrician for guidance.
| THINKING | FEELINGS | BEHAVIOR | ||
| Persistent nightmares | Feelings of sadness or hopelessness | Decrease in school performance | ||
| Unusual thoughts or beliefs | Angry feelings | Loss of effort in things he/she usually enjoys | ||
| Thoughts that race too fast | Anxious or worried feelings | Unexplained changes in sleeping habits | ||
| Poor concentration | Extreme fear | Unexplained changes in eating habits | ||
| Inability to focus attention | Sense of worthlessness | Frequent crying and overreaction to small things | ||
| Hearing voices that cannot be explained | Sense of guilt | Avoidance of family and/or friends | ||
| Suicidal thoughts | Sense of agitation and/or uneasiness | Hyperactivity or fidgeting | ||
| Thinking that life is too hard or has no meaning | Loss of interest in things he or she usually enjoys | Frequent breaking of rules or getting into trouble with the law | ||
| Lack or remorse or guilt when others are hurt | Use of alcohol or other drugs | |||
| Threats of self harm or violence | ||||
| Dangerous or life threatening actions |