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Childhood mental health support

In some instances, a child who has experienced trauma or another mental health challenge may struggle to cope as they get older. If your child seems to be battling feelings of hopelessness, sadness or difficult behaviors, consider seeking the help of a mental health support provider in Stark County.

Start early with mental health support

It’s never too early to think about children’s mental health. For women who are pregnant or parents who have young babies at home, mental health support is available in Stark County for your child’s emotional development. Early childhood mental health is measured by a child’s behavioral well-being, including the capacity to express themselves, form relationships and learn. A baby’s caregiving arrangements, nutrition, safety and physical characteristics all have an impact on their behavioral development.

Referrals and guidance

You can ask your child’s pediatrician for referrals and guidance throughout the process of seeking services. This may include direct counseling for the child or family and community-based treatment. If a child has lost a loved one, consider working with a health care professional who knows how to support children who are grieving.

School settings can be one place where the need for mental health consultation and/or treatment services is observed. Use the Stark County Schools Mental Health Directory for more information.

Every child has unique needs when it comes to maintaining mental health, and there are many mental health support options available in Stark County. Read below to learn more.

Crisis Lifeline/Youth Mobile Response

If a child is experiencing a severe mental health concern and you are worried about their safety, call the crisis hotline right away. Intake specialists are available 24 hours a day to offer free, confidential support.

For teens and young adults who require mental health support in their homes, at school or in various other community settings, help is just a phone call away.

Crisis Lifeline: Call 988 or call (330) 452-6000

Text Line: 988

Resiliency

Childhood is often considered a happy, carefree time, but children are not always shielded from trauma and turmoil. From bullying and divorce to abuse and grief, kids can be exposed to many of life’s challenges. For these children, resiliency skills can help them discover ways to cope with difficult situations and move forward.

When someone experiences trauma, it can be a slippery slope to additional challenges, including depression, anxiety, substance use and more. Resiliency is the ability to cope with and bounce back from life’s traumas in a healthy, positive way.

Supporting a child’s mental health can help hem build resiliency, as well as some of the resources below.

Resilience Guide – American Psychological Association: A useful guide, demonstrating how teachers can implement strengths into the classroom and how parents can teach resiliency to their children. View online to learn more.
The 7 Cs: The Essential Building Blocks of Resilience – View Online here.
The 40 Developmental Assets® is a framework consisting of preventative measures, positive experiences and qualities that young people need to grow up healthy, caring and responsible. These assets are protective factors that have been consistently shown, by research, to buffer youth from risk. View Online here.
The Character Effect™ is a flexible developmental framework that brings together mindfulness and character strengths into an effective curriculum that promotes happiness and improves overall well-being in your school. Visit online for more information.
The Family Dinner Project: Free resources designed to help you improve your family dinners and meet your mealtime goals. Learn more online.

WATOES

Empowering people through community services, family structure and function to build healthy self-esteem.

1225 Gross Ave. NE, Canton, OH
Canton, OH 44705

Office: 330-806-6323

Admin Cell: 234-458-4551