Have you checked in on the emotional wellness of the people in your life?
While there’s no quick bandage for an emotional wound, there are signs for when first aid is needed.
No amount of distance or proximity should keep you from interacting with the people in your life. No matter the relationship, you may be in a unique position to support them through this confusing time.
Find the courage to step in and start a conversation. Let them see you as a resource in achieving emotional wellness.
Recognize The Signs
On the surface, everything may seem okay, but look for the signs. Is everything really fine?
Someone you know or love may be struggling with their emotional health, but it’s sometimes tough to spot. Trust your gut. If you think something is wrong, it is worth looking into. It is important to be assessed by a professional if any concerns arise.
Some examples of signs or symptoms of a potential emotional health concern may include:
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Withdrawing from or avoiding social interactions
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Hurting oneself or talking about hurting oneself or others
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Talking about death or suicide
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Drastic changes in mood, behavior, or personality
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Changes in eating habits
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Dramatic change in weight
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Difficulty sleeping
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Frequent headaches or stomachaches
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Difficulty concentrating
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Changes in academic performance
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Avoiding or missing school
The content on this site is intended to provide information on emotional wellness. This information does not replace a professional assessment/diagnosis. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider if you have concerns for yourself or your loved ones.
Interact with Compassion and Communication
Engaging a person in conversation of any kind can be challenging, especially when it’s a sensitive subject like mental health. For those who need a little help communicating, here are a couple of strategies to help get the conversation going:
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Be genuine. Young people are adept at recognizing when an adult is faking it. If you are uncomfortable in a discussion with a young person, admit it.
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Be careful about using slang. Use language you are comfortable with.
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Allow for silence. Young people may struggle at times to express what they want to say. Interrupting a silent moment may prevent the young person from having adequate time to form their words.
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Try different settings for communication to see what works best. There is no right setting for delicate conversations, but where you have the conversation might make you or the young person more comfortable. You may find it easier to talk to a youth while doing an activity like driving a car, taking a walk, or kicking a soccer ball.
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Do not compare the young person’s life with your own experiences. Regardless of what you perceive to be similarities, we each process our interpretation of an event differently. Assuming we know how another feels isn't useful and can end a conversation.
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Do not trivialize the young person’s feelings. Wondering what a young person has to be depressed about or anxious implies that their life experiences are less valid just because of their age. Help them to identify and put into words what they are feeling.
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Do not ask the young person to justify or explain their behaviors. Asking "why" can put a young person on the defensive and is not useful when talking about how such behavior could be avoided next time.
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Watch your body language. Defensive or authoritarian body language (arms crossed, hands on hip, standing over the young person) could make it very difficult to have a productive conversation.
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Provide positive feedback and look for and acknowledge the youth’s strengths. Any positive feedback can help a young person feel compelled to share with you. This isn't meant to sugarcoat the conversation but to offer hope and another perspective.
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Help them find the language they are looking for. Many young people find it difficult to express their emotions, which can result in their complaining of physical symptoms. You can help them find the emotion they are looking for by offering a few terms to pick from.
Become More Informed
Knowing starts with Mental Health First Aid!
Mental Health First Aid is a skills-based training course that teaches participants about mental health and substance-use issues.
The curriculum includes: Mental Health First Aid (adults interacting with adults), Youth MHFA (adults interacting with youth), and tMHFA (teen MHFA)
Additional Resources
Concerned about a youth and need professional help? Our emotional health is just as important as our physical health, so your primary care provider is always a great resource to start with.
Upcoming Classes
Contact the Wayne Behavioral Health Network
1519 Nye Road Lyons, NY 14489
Hours
M - F, 8 am - 4 pm
Phone: 315-946-5722
Fax: 315-946-5726