The Young and the Restless brings kids' mental health to the forefront with Connor's OCD story

The Young and the Restless is telling a different kind of kid story as it focuses on how OCD can affect children and adolescents.

The Young and the Restless' Connor Newman has not had an easy time of it in recent years. With a father who's been presumed dead twice, a reformed con artist mother with her own mental health issues, and a newfound sibling he never knew entering his life, it's no wonder his parents are always worried.

Now, Adam and Chelsea have learned Connor has a new hurdle to conquer after being diagnosed with obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD). Connor's boarding school was concerned when they noticed him displaying unusual behaviors and urged his parents to get a diagnosis.

The Mayo Clinic describes obsessive-compulsive disorder, or OCD, as obsessions or lasting and unwanted thoughts that keeping coming back or urges or images that are intrusive and cause distress or anxiety. The cause of obsessive-compulsive disorder isn't fully understood.

After learning that Connor indeed has OCD, they explained it to him and assured him that it wasn't life-threatening and that they'd help him deal with whatever obstacles were thrown in his way. Connor was visibly scared but knew Adam and Chelsea would be there to support him and guide him every step of the way through treatment.

At the end of the March 4 episode, Melissa Claire Egan (Chelsea), Mark Grossman (Adam), and Judah Mackey (Connor) broke character and the fourth wall to educate viewers about OCD in children. The show later posted the message to Instagram.

"All kids have worries," Mackey explained, adding that it's "part of growing up."

Egan stressed that "worries and anxieties can turn into something more" and that parents should talk to their child's doctor because treatment can be tailored on an individual basis.

The actors ask that fans visit OnOurSleeves.org for more information. The organization, which was founded in 2018, helps educate and support children with OCD and their families.

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Connor's OCD journey is just getting started on air and should provide an emotional way to teach the audience about the disorder and how to recognize it in your kids.

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