Signs Your Teenager Is Asking For Help With Mental Health Concerns
The teenage years can be fulfilling and enjoyable, often filled with memorable moments, rewarding relationships, and opportunities for growth. They can also, however, involve significant life changes and challenges, which may lead to or exacerbate mental health concerns. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, experts have seen “increases in the prevalence of anxiety, depression, and other behavioral health challenges” in young people over the past decade.
For parents and caregivers of teenagers, it can be helpful to know how to recognize certain indicators of emotional distress so you can help your child get support. Below, we’re discussing potential adolescent mental health concerns, common signs of distress in teenagers, and steps you can take if your teen reaches out for help or seems to be struggling.
Life challenges adolescents may experience
There are many different challenges teenagers may face. First, as teens approach adulthood, they are typically given more agency over the path they will take toward their future. Teenagers often take on new responsibilities as well, such as more schoolwork, a job, and college applications.
Additionally, teens experience significant changes in their bodies. Many adolescents are either in a stage of puberty or just completing the process. As part of this process, most teenagers experience development in their sex organs, changing voices, and an influx of hormones. While these can be a normal and healthy part of growing up, such changes can also lead to significant emotional turmoil as teens attempt to adapt to their changing bodies and emotions. Making sense of their identity during this process can often be difficult as well.
There are also several types of social challenges that can arise during adolescence. Teens’ social lives can change drastically during adolescence, often including new friends and romantic relationships. Additionally, some teens experience peer bullying, which can significantly impact their emotional state. A teen might also be subject to peer pressure surrounding substance use or sexual activity, which may cause stress.
All of these challenges have the potential to contribute to emotional distress in teens. Each one could also contribute to the development or worsening of mental health concerns, which we’ll discuss below.
Common teen mental health challenges
Psychological concerns like depression and anxiety are becoming increasingly common among teenagers. Research suggests that nearly half of US teens have experienced a mental health disorder at some point. Additionally, the prevalence of developmental disorders—like ADHD and autism spectrum disorder—is increasing among young people, perhaps due to more widespread awareness of these forms of neurodivergence and improved diagnostic tools. These conditions can lead to a teen experiencing significant turmoil and emotional challenges, impaired functioning, social isolation, and a range of other potential complications.
While youth mental health challenges are prevalent, they are also often treatable. Modalities like psychotherapy, or talk therapy, can often help teenagers learn more about their symptoms, develop effective coping mechanisms, and live a healthy, productive life.
Why teens may avoid reaching out for help
It can be difficult to know when a teenager might be struggling with mental health or life challenges since they may not always speak up about them. Many teenagers are scared to face psychological challenges because of the stigma attached to them. They may be concerned about what their family members will say or how they will be perceived by friends.
Young people also tend to become more independent as they approach adulthood. They often require less and less support from their parents or caregivers and begin to gain autonomy in their academic lives as well as in other areas. This increase in independence causes many teens to feel that they should address challenges on their own.
Additionally, some teens do not reach out for support because of past negative experiences. If an adolescent was denied support by an authority figure when they asked for it or experienced bullying as a result, they might be less likely to seek it in the future.
Also note that certain mental health concerns themselves can prevent teens from talking to their parents or other adults who can help. For example, social anxiety disorder can cause people to fear social interactions in which they may be judged, and depression can cause feelings of worthlessness that may make a teen believe they don’t deserve help.
Signs your teenager is asking for help with mental health concerns
Even if an adolescent in your life isn’t actively seeking help, they may be exhibiting signs of distress that could warrant a discussion about their mental health. The following are potential indicators that your teen is reaching out for support or needs support with their emotional well-being.
Symptoms of depression, anxiety, or other mental health conditions
While only medical or mental health professionals can diagnose mental health conditions, learning about their symptoms may help you determine whether to pursue treatment for your teenager. While symptoms of different conditions can vary, general mental health symptoms to look out for in your teen include shifts in mood, trouble focusing, elevated or persistent feelings of fear, irritability, and difficulty coping with life challenges. When researching mental disorders, consider utilizing informational resources from reputable organizations like the National Institute of Mental Health or the American Psychological Association.
Mood swings
Drastic changes from high to low mood may be indicators that your child is living with mental health concerns. Mood swings are common in mental health disorders like bipolar disorder and anxiety. If you have concerns, you might also ask a teen’s teachers, peers, or other family members whether they’ve noticed fluctuations in mood.
Substance use
Many teens have not yet developed healthy coping strategies for difficult emotions, life challenges, or mental health concerns. Substance use is an example of a maladaptive coping mechanism that some teenagers may use. For example, alcohol use is closely connected to depression in adolescents.
Substance use or misuse can be a way some teens ask for help, signaling that they are unable to address their challenges on their own. The following are warning signs that a teen may be engaging in substance use:
- Drastic changes in behavior
- Absences from school
- Visible signs of being under the influence
- Presence of drugs, alcohol, or paraphernalia
- Drop in grade point average
- Depressive symptoms
Social isolation
Withdrawing from friends and family members can be a sign that adolescents may be living with mental health challenges. You may notice that your teen is spending more time in their room, avoiding hanging out with friends, or becoming less active in extracurriculars. Isolation can be a subtle sign of a depressive disorder or a condition like social anxiety disorder.
Self-harm
Suicidal ideation and attempts at self-harm are clear signs that a young person needs help. Children often become more prone to risky behavior as they reach their teenage years, which can lead them to engage in maladaptive coping mechanisms like cutting or other forms of self-harm. Your teen may also mention having reached out to helplines, such as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline.
Physical changes and other signs your teen is asking for help
In addition to concerns related to mental health, challenges associated with physical health can arise out of psychological challenges. The following are possible physical signs of emotional strain:
- Fluctuations in weight
- Significant changes in sleeping or eating patterns
- Muscle tension
- Headaches
- Gastrointestinal distress
In addition, there may be several behavioral indicators that your teenager needs help. The following are possible behavioral signs of distress in teens:
- School disciplinary measures
- Changing social groups
- Law-breaking
- Irritability
- Reduced participation in hobbies
- Antisocial behavior
While teens undergo numerous changes as they grow into adults, drastic differences in their lives can be indicators that they may need help.
How to respond to signs your teen is seeking help
Gently, compassionately, and nonjudgmentally talking to your teen about what they’re going through is usually the first step toward helping them navigate a difficult time in their life. You might reiterate to your teen that mental health disorders or trouble coping are not signs of failure but common challenges that many people experience and for which care is available. You may even share, in an age-appropriate way, your own experiences with mental health concerns, if applicable.
It can also be vital to help your teenager pursue mental health care. A healthcare professional can assess your child’s mental health and determine whether further testing, a diagnosis, and treatment may be necessary. If they determine that symptoms of a disorder are present, a care plan may involve medication, therapy, or a combination of both, depending on the exact diagnosis.
You can also help your teen take advantage of educational resources online, at school, or through a community organization. You might be able to find worksheets, at-home exercises, or informational articles from reputable sources that help reinforce important concepts that they may be learning through therapy or other forms of treatment. You could also talk about them potentially participating in local or virtual support groups, where they may be able to connect with peers who are experiencing similar challenges.
How online therapy can help
If you’re a parent concerned about your teen’s mental health, you might consider using an online therapy platform. Whether remotely or in person, a licensed mental health provider can help you better understand common indicators of psychological challenges in young people, explore solutions for addressing them, and help you care for your own mental health in the process.
Recognizing the signs your teenager is asking for help with online therapy
With an online therapy platform like BetterHelp, you can talk through parenting challenges with a provider remotely—through video call, voice call, or in-app messaging—which can be helpful when you’re busy raising a teenager. You can also message your therapist outside of sessions and they’ll respond as soon as they’re able to, which may make it easier for you to ask questions about certain signs of mental illness or clarify points made during therapy.
The efficacy of online therapy for teen depression and related challenges
Research suggests that online therapy can help both caregivers and teenagers address mental health concerns. For example, in one study on the efficacy of online therapy, researchers suggest that the intervention “produced a number of beneficial effects on adolescent and parent outcomes.” These outcomes included decreases in anxiety and depression symptoms, improvements in sleep, and reductions in parental self-blame for their teen’s challenges.
Takeaway
For parents, understanding the challenges their teenagers are facing can be difficult at times, especially when it’s not clear whether they may need help. By identifying common signs of teens calling out for support, parents may be able to ensure their children can receive the treatment or support they may need. If you’re a parent or caregiver seeking mental health care, consider speaking with a licensed professional. Connecting with a qualified therapist can be a productive next step toward mental wellness and a healthy, rewarding parent-child relationship.
What are warning signs that youth may be struggling?
Warning signs of mental health difficulties in youth are similar to those in young adults and older adults. However, because of hormonal changes and the stressors most teens face, teens may be more likely to experience symptoms like irritability, binge drinking, and changes in eating habits than adults and younger children. Below are other signs a teen is experiencing significant emotional turmoil or at risk for adolescent depression or another mental illness:
- Frequent mood shifts
- Irritability and anger
- Profound sadness
- Apathy or numbness
- Ignoring self-care habits and hygiene
- Talking negatively about oneself (especially concerning a teenager’s body or body image)
- Withdrawing from social connections, especially close family and friends
- A tendency to ignore talking to family members or responding to questions
- Low self-esteem (occasional self-esteem issues can be typical in teens, but extreme self-loathing is not)
What are five symptoms that a child may have a mental health disorder?
Children may have a mental disorder if they show any of the following five symptoms that can appear in atypical depression, eating disorders, typical depression, anxiety disorders, and other conditions:
- Prolonged sadness or numbness
- A lack of interest in previously enjoyed activities
- A significant shift in mood not caused by hormones suddenly surging
- Talking about death or self-harm or partaking in self-harm or suicide attempts
- Restricting eating, purging, bingeing, or experiencing a significant appetite change
If your child is talking about suicide, act immediately to get the appropriate treatment for the root cause of this symptom. Teen suicide rates are some of the highest of all age groups, and emotional support and professional help can significantly reduce one’s risk of suicide. Listen to your parental instincts; if you think something is wrong, it might be. Explore treatment options in your area by calling a hotline, talking to a therapist, or working with your child’s primary care provider. The child can receive adequate support and guidance as the family develops a treatment plan alongside a professional.
How do I know if my child needs psychiatric help?
A child may benefit from psychiatric support for any concerning symptom. Your child doesn’t need to be in crisis or diagnosed with a mental illness to access support services like psychotherapy and support groups. If you’re seeking a psychiatrist for medication, the psychiatrist may want to do psychoanalysis testing to provide a diagnosis before offering medication. However, even if you are unsure if your child has a mental illness, asking for help can ensure you catch challenges early, which can improve treatment outcomes.
Can a teenager refuse mental health treatment?
Teens can refuse mental health treatment at certain ages, depending on state laws. For example, in Washington state, teens can refuse treatment as early as 13 years. Their consent is necessary to receive services like therapy and psychiatry. However, a court order can override this consent if a teen is a danger to themselves or others and requires treatment in a psychiatric crisis facility.
How do you tell when a child is struggling emotionally?
Children may not always show apparent signs of struggling, even if they are. Parents can be attentive to changes in mood and behavior to notice signs that a child might be having a mental health challenge. However, talking to your child can also be helpful. Keep an open dialogue about mental health and make them aware of the support options available to them, even if they haven’t previously had any mental health problems. Educate yourself on mental health to ensure you know the symptoms of common conditions in teens, like eating disorders and depression.
When should you worry about your teenage son?
Pay attention when you notice a difference in your child’s behavior. Discuss the changes with them and let them know you’re concerned. If they’re not open to discussing what’s going on, consider providing them with resources they can use on their own, such as videos they can watch on mental health topics, informational books for teens, teen helplines, online mental health resources, and other teen resources. If you continue to notice these symptoms, consider bringing your child to their primary care physician or a mental health professional for a mental health screening.
What are the symptoms of anxiety in a teenager?
Symptoms of anxiety in teens look like symptoms in adults and can include the following:
- Frequent worrying
- Rumination
- Obsessive and intrusive thoughts
- Panic attacks
- Physical symptoms like shaking, sweating, and headaches accompanying emotional symptoms or a panic attack
- Frequently asking for reassurance
- Fear of loss or abandonment
- An extreme fear of failure
- Fear and dread that arise for no apparent reason
When should I seek psychiatric help for my child?
Seek psychiatric or psychological support for your child as soon as you suspect it might be helpful. Early intervention can help teens make positive changes in their lives and may reduce their suicide risk substantially. Even if you don’t think your child is at risk for a suicide attempt, self-harm, or addiction, children often keep these thoughts away from their parents. You can ensure safety by proactively checking in before a crisis occurs.
How can you help a teenager with mental health issues?
If your teen is struggling with a mental illness, stress, or another mental health challenge, you can support them by getting them help. Therapy and medication are two of the most effective treatment methods for teens and are often safe. If you struggle to access in-person treatment, teens can try online therapy through a platform like TeenCounseling.
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