Recognition
The Concept was Born
In youth work, one of the most powerful things we can do is notice. We’re often the ones who spend time with young people in moments when they feel most themselves—laughing, sharing, playing, learning. And sometimes, we’re also the first to sense when something feels off. That’s where recognition comes in.
Recognition of mental health challenges is the ability to notice that you—or someone around you—might be struggling. It’s about tuning in to what’s being said, what’s being shown, and sometimes, what’s not being said at all. Whether you’re a youth worker, a peer, a coach, or just someone who cares, developing this skill means being familiar with the common signs and symptoms of mental health issues, and paying attention to how they show up in behavior, communication, or daily interactions.
Let’s break it down a little.
We all go through tough days. Stress, sadness, anger, or feeling overwhelmed—these are normal parts of being human. But when those feelings linger, grow stronger, or start to interfere with daily life—like school, friendships, sleep, or energy—it could be a sign of something deeper.
It’s important to know the difference between emotions, signs, and symptoms.
Early recognition
Early recognition matters. A lot. Imagine a young person who suddenly withdraws from activities they used to enjoy, or someone who becomes unusually irritable, anxious, or quiet. Noticing these shifts can be the first step in offering support. The earlier we recognize that something might be wrong, the better the chances are to support that person in finding help, building coping skills, and preventing more serious mental health problems—or even mental health disorders—from developing.
Emotions
Emotions are natural. They’re our body and mind’s way of responding to what’s happening inside us and around us. Feeling sad after a loss, nervous before a big event, or angry when something feels unfair—these are all part of being human. But when emotions feel too big, or like they never go away, that might be a sign that something more is going on.
Signs
Signs are things we can see. A young person might stop showing up. They might lash out, or say things that sound hopeless or aggressive. Maybe they look tired all the time, or their school performance drops. These are clues, outward signals that can help us start a conversation.
Symptoms
Symptoms, on the other hand, are felt. They happen inside. A young person might feel a constant sense of dread, or like they’re worthless, even if they appear okay on the outside. Sometimes they don’t have the words to explain what’s going on, or they might not feel safe sharing it. That’s why creating an environment of trust, openness, and empathy is so important.
As youth workers, we don’t need to be psychologists. But we do need to be present, curious, and compassionate. Recognition doesn’t mean rushing to diagnose. It means being someone who notices and cares enough to ask, “Are you okay?” or “I’ve noticed you seem a bit different lately—is something going on?” These small questions can make a huge difference.
And sometimes, recognition starts with ourselves. Learning to check in with our own emotional state, asking for help when we need it, and being honest about our struggles—this is how we model healthy behavior for the young people we work with. It’s how we help break the stigma around mental health and create spaces where it’s okay to not be okay.
OUR Chepters
Checkout other two chapters in “Recognition”
1.1 Recognizing Different MH States
Mental health exists on a spectrum, and understanding different states is key to well-being. This was just an introduction— to find out more, go to the full section.
1.2 Attitudes Facilitating Recognition and Help-Seeking
The way we think about mental health can shape our ability to seek help. This was just an introduction— to explore further, visit the full section.
