TAMPA, Fla. — The Crisis Center of Tampa is marking its 50th year in the community, and to highlight its work it will focus on one mental health theme each month this year to help raise awareness.

In January, the Crisis Center is focusing on teen behavioral health and suicide, which has spiked in the past two years during the pandemic.

“Catching behavioral health issues early goes a long way in helping with treatment, and also preventing the maybe more minor issues from turning into a crisis,” said Clara Reynolds, President and CEO of the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay.

Reynolds talked to us about the sometimes hidden emotional distress and mental health issues children face today.

From the sudden isolation then return to school during the pandemic, to family financial strains and even concern for loved ones and their own health.

Catching the warning signs of children facing mental health issues, and how to combat it, could make a big difference in helping kids navigate emotional issues.

“As we continue to arm, particularly young children, with the appropriate language to really describe how they are feeling emotionally, again, you know, mad, glad, sad, we will come a long way in helping them, teaching them how to regulate that behavior as opposed to punishing it,” said Reynolds.”

The Crisis Center of Tampa Bay has a number of resources on its websites for kids and parents, including warning signs and how to deal with them.

For more information visit here (https://www.crisiscenter.com) or call 211 from any phone in the Tampa area.