Mental health is a crucial aspect of overall well-being, and it’s especially important for teenagers who are going through a period of significant physical, emotional and social changes. Unfortunately, mental health issues are common among teenagers, with one in five experiencing a mental health disorder at some point during their teenage years.
As a parent or guardian, it’s essential to be aware of the signs that your teenager may be struggling with their mental health.
How Does Mental Health Affect Teens?
Before we dive into the signs of mental illness in teens, it’s essential to understand how mental health can affect teenagers. Mental health issues can impact a teenager’s emotional, social and academic development, leading to difficulties in various areas of their life.
Some common ways that mental health can affect teens include:
- Difficulty managing emotions and coping with stress
- Struggles with relationships and social interactions
- Poor academic performance and attendance
- Changes in sleep and eating patterns
- Increased risk-taking behaviors
- Withdrawal from activities and hobbies they once enjoyed
- Physical symptoms such as headaches, stomach aches, and fatigue
10 Signs Your Teenager Is Struggling with Mental Health
A teen struggling with mental health can show a variety of warning signs, including:
1. Changes in Mood and Behavior
One of the most common signs of mental health struggles in teenagers is changes in mood and behavior. This can include sudden outbursts of anger, irritability or sadness, as well as changes in their usual behavior patterns. For example, a typically outgoing teenager may become withdrawn and isolated, while a usually calm teenager may become agitated and restless.
2. Difficulty Concentrating
Mental health issues can also impact a teenager’s ability to concentrate and focus. If you notice your teenager is having difficulty completing tasks or staying on top of their schoolwork, it could be a sign of an underlying mental health issue.
3. Changes in Sleep Patterns
Sleep is crucial for both physical and mental health, and changes in sleep patterns can be a sign of mental health struggles. Your teenager may have difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep or may sleep excessively. These changes can also lead to fatigue and difficulty functioning during the day.
4. Loss of Interest in Activities
If your teenager suddenly loses interest in activities they once enjoyed, it could be a sign of teen mental illness. This can include hobbies, sports or social activities. They may also withdraw from friends and family and spend more time alone.
5. Changes in Eating Habits
Mental health issues can also impact a teenager’s eating habits. They may experience changes in appetite, leading to weight loss or gain. They may also develop unhealthy eating habits, such as binge eating or restrictive eating.
6. Physical Symptoms
Mental health struggles can also manifest in physical symptoms. Your teenager may experience frequent headaches, stomach aches or other unexplained physical symptoms. It’s essential to rule out any underlying medical conditions, but if no physical cause is found, it could be a sign of mental health struggles.
7. Increased Risk-Taking Behaviors
Teenagers are known for taking risks, but if your teenager is engaging in increasingly dangerous behaviors, it could be a sign of mental health struggles. This can include drug and alcohol use, reckless driving or self-harm.
8. Difficulty Managing Emotions
Teenagers are also known for their intense emotions, but if your teenager is having difficulty managing their emotions, it could be a sign of mental health struggles. They may have frequent outbursts, struggle to regulate their emotions or have difficulty coping with stress.
9. Changes in Academic Performance
Mental health issues can also impact a teenager’s academic performance. If you notice a sudden decline in grades, attendance or participation in school, it could be a sign of underlying mental health struggles.
10. Talk of Self-Harm or Suicide
Perhaps the most concerning sign of mental health struggles in teenagers is talk of self-harm or suicide. If your teenager expresses thoughts of self-harm or suicide, it’s essential to take immediate action and seek help.
How to Help a Teenager with Mental Health Issues
If you notice any of these signs in your teenager, it’s essential to take action and seek help. Here are some steps on how to improve teenage mental health:
- Talk to your teenager: Start by having an open and honest conversation with your teenager. Let them know that you’ve noticed changes in their behavior and that you’re there to support them.
- Seek professional help: It’s essential to seek help from a mental health professional who specializes in working with teenagers. They can provide a proper diagnosis and develop a treatment plan or teen therapy tailored to your loved one’s needs.
- Encourage healthy habits: Encourage your teenager to engage in healthy habits such as regular exercise, a balanced diet and good sleep hygiene. These habits can help improve their overall well-being and support their mental health.
- Be patient and understanding: It’s essential to be patient and understanding with your teenager as they navigate their mental health struggles. Let them know that it’s okay to not be okay and that you’re there to support them.
- Take care of yourself: Supporting a teenager with mental health issues can be challenging, so it’s crucial to take care of yourself as well. Make sure to prioritize your own mental and emotional well-being.
Teen Mental Health Treatment Options
There are various treatment options available for teenagers struggling with mental health issues. Some common options include:
- Therapy: Therapy can help teenagers learn coping skills, manage their emotions, and improve their overall well-being. Different types of therapy, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), can be effective for treating different mental health disorders.
- Medication: In some cases, medication may be prescribed to help manage symptoms of mental health disorders. It’s essential to work closely with a mental health professional to determine the right medication and dosage for your teenager.
- Support groups: Support groups can provide a safe and supportive environment for teenagers to connect with others who are going through similar struggles. They can also learn from each other and share coping strategies.
- Residential treatment: In severe cases, residential treatment may be necessary. This involves staying at a treatment facility where your teenager can receive intensive therapy and support.
Get Help for Your Teen Now
Mental health issues are common among teenagers, and it’s essential to be aware of the signs that your teenager may be struggling. If you notice any of the signs mentioned in this article, it’s crucial to take action and seek help from a mental health professional. Holly Hill Hospital, located in Raleigh, North Carolina, provides comprehensive inpatient and outpatient services as well as mental health resources for teens that can help your loved one on their journey to better mental health.
In case of a mental health crisis, CALL 988 or seek the nearest emergency room.
For physical health emergencies, CALL 911 or seek the nearest emergency room.
Holly Hill Hospital
Holly Hill Hospital is an inpatient and outpatient psychiatric and addictive disease health system for patients of all ages. Located in Raleigh, North Carolina, we pride ourselves on helping patients return to their families and communities happier and healthier for nearly 40 years. We give our patients excellent coping and recovery skills.
We have several different nurturing and beautiful locations, which includes our main, adult and children’s locations. Some of our services comprise of our child, adolescent, young adult, adult and geriatrics programs. Through these programs we provide treatment for dual diagnosis/co-occurring disorders, depression, addiction treatment and more.
To schedule a no-cost assessment or for more information, please call 833-425-1800