Recognizing Mental Health Symptoms: When to Ask for Mental Health Support

Recognizing Mental Health Symptoms

For parents, differentiating between typical teen behavior and more serious mental health symptoms can present a challenge. After all, plenty of students experience the normal stress that comes with juggling classwork, extracurriculars, friendships, and even the college application process. Plus, stress and teenagers are nothing new — irritability and mood swings, expressing frustration, and wanting space are all typical signs of adolescent behavior. But sometimes, these behaviors signal more serious mental health challenges.

When it comes to teen mental health, there are clear mental health symptoms and warning signs to look out for. Still, teens experiencing mental health symptoms may need help identifying them and knowing when to seek treatment. Keep reading to learn how to identify teen mental health symptoms, address mental health challenges, and explore treatment for mental health. 

The state of mental health today

Mental health symptoms and mental health challenges are more prevalent today than ever before, not just in the U.S. but worldwide. According to a study conducted by researchers at Harvard Medical School and the University of Queensland, one in two individuals worldwide will face a mental health condition during their lifetime.

Mental health symptoms are particularly prevalent among adolescents, with 40% of high school students stating they’ve had continuous feelings of sadness or hopelessness. These mental health symptoms can negatively impact students’ social and academic development and may even lead to a more serious diagnosis of teenage depression. 

Mental health symptoms are particularly concerning because they can make navigating daily life feel impossibly overwhelming. Tasks once considered simple — like going to work or school or maintaining relationships with friends and loved ones — often become increasingly difficult. Over time, mental health challenges can seriously diminish an individual’s overall quality of life. 

While treatment for mental health issues exists, not everyone has easy access to care, especially if they fall into lower socioeconomic brackets. However, raising awareness and promoting mental health and wellness has decreased some of the stigma surrounding mental health challenges. Today, the WHO, CDC, and NIMH all recognize the importance of prioritizing teen mental health and wellness as necessary for leading a healthy, fulfilling life.

Mental health facts & statistics

To put this mental health crisis in perspective, let’s take a look at some statistics on teen mental health: 

• 14% of 10 to 19-year-olds worldwide experience mental health challenges.
• 4.4% of 14-year-olds and 5.5% of 15 to 19-year-olds experience anxiety. 
• 1.4% of 10 to 14-year-olds and 3.5% of 15 to 19-year-olds suffer from depression. 
• Suicide is the third leading cause of death among people between the ages of 15 and 29.

A combination of biological, psychological, and environmental factors, including intense brain development, increased stress, and significant life experiences, can trigger mental health symptoms during adolescence. This increased vulnerability can lead to mental health challenges like depression, anxiety, and substance use disorders. Without the appropriate treatment for mental health, teens may continue to struggle well into adulthood.

According to a 2024 World Health Organization and UN Children’s Fund report, mental health conditions impact an estimated 1 in 7 children and adolescents (ages 10-19). That one-third of these conditions develop before age 14 and half by age 18 underscores the critical need for early identification and intervention.

Understanding teen mental health challenges

Adolescence is often a volatile and difficult period. Teens are learning to manage their emotions and relationships while also striving for academic success. As they become young adults, adolescents also begin to take more responsibility for managing their health, which includes exercising regularly, getting enough sleep, and eating well. Meanwhile, teens are expanding their interpersonal and communication skills as they navigate more adult situations. 

Change and challenges are all but guaranteed during this important developmental stage, and support at home and school — and within the community —  is crucial. A lack of consistent support can lead to feeling overwhelmed by their evolving surroundings, understanding of the world, and developing sense of self. During such a vulnerable time, many potential risk factors can affect teen mental health: 

• Physical and emotional abuse
• Social media
• Pressure to conform
• Socioeconomic problems
• Illness or other disorders
• Discrimination
• Bullying at school or online

As a result, teens can develop a range of mental health challenges, from more manageable types of stress and anxiety to more serious issues, such as depression and suicidal thoughts.

Anxiety

Common symptoms include excessive and persistent worry about everyday events, physical complaints like headaches or stomachaches, difficulty concentrating, and disrupted sleep patterns. Some teens may withdraw from social situations or exhibit perfectionist tendencies. If left unaddressed, pervasive anxiety can hinder academic performance, damage social relationships, and diminish overall quality of life.

Depression

Teenage depression is far more than “feeling down” or temporary moodiness. Symptoms can include an ongoing sense of sadness or hopelessness, irritability, feelings of anger, low self-esteem, and overwhelming guilt or worthlessness. Behaviorally, teens may experience fatigue, changes in sleep patterns (insomnia or excessive sleeping), significant shifts in appetite or weight, social withdrawal, and declining academic performance.

Eating disorders

Whenever teens look, they’re bombarded with often unattainable and unrealistic ideals of body shape and size. This constant exposure can lead teens to develop a distorted body image and an unhealthy relationship with food. The consequences can manifest in serious eating disorders, including anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge eating disorder. These disorders can devastate a teen’s emotional and psychological well-being and pose severe health risks.

Self-harm

It’s defined as the intentional act of causing physical injury to one’s own body, crucially without the conscious intention of ending one’s life. The distinction is vital: engaging in self-harm is typically a maladaptive coping mechanism to manage overwhelming emotional pain rather than a direct suicide attempt. The physical sensation of self-harm often serves as a temporary release or distraction from intense psychological stress (depression, anger, anxiety, etc.). Self-harm can include:

• Cutting
• Scratching
• Burning
• Hitting
• Head-banging

The secrecy of self-harm, due to shame, guilt, or fear of judgment, can make it hard for parents and caregivers to recognize the signs, which may include unexplained injuries, wearing long sleeves in warm weather, social withdrawal, or sudden changes in mood or behavior.

Substance abuse

Characterized as the misuse of drugs or alcohol, substance abuse isn’t casual experimentation — it’s a coping mechanism for teens struggling with extreme emotions or overwhelming situations. Drugs and alcohol can numb intense feelings of sadness, anxiety, or anger, offer escape from difficult realities, and provide a temporary sense of relief or emotional detachment.

But the developing adolescent brain is particularly vulnerable to the effects of substances, and teens can become dependent (and addicted) more quickly than adults. What started as a coping strategy can quickly escalate into a substance use disorder, exacerbating underlying mental health conditions like depression and anxiety.

Suicidal thoughts

Also known as suicidal ideation, these are persistent or recurring thoughts about ending one’s own life. They’re one of the most serious mental health symptoms and often reflect underlying distress, such as depression, anxiety, or overwhelming life circumstances.

Suicide is one of the most severe and tragic outcomes of untreated or poorly-managed mental health challenges. Research shows that mental health conditions like depression, psychosis, and substance use disorders increase the risk of suicide. Recognizing warning signs — withdrawal from social contact, giving away possessions, expressing feelings of hopelessness — and getting help immediately are critical steps in prevention. 

Stress

It’s a natural human reaction, priming us to address perceived threats or difficulties. When we encounter a stressor — an event, thought, or situation triggering the response — our bodies release hormones like adrenaline and cortisol. In short bursts, this “fight or flight” response is beneficial. It increases alertness, sharpens focus, and provides energy to fight danger. However, it can also be accompanied by feelings of worry, irritability, or difficulty concentrating.

While some stress is a normal part of development, extreme or chronic stress can profoundly impact a teen’s mental health. Prolonged exposure to stress can disrupt the development of the teen brain’s prefrontal cortex, crucial for emotional regulation and decision-making. When stress changes brain structure and function, teens become more vulnerable to developing mental health conditions like anxiety disorders, unhealthy coping mechanisms, and even PTSD. 

Recognizing the warning signs & symptoms

The teen years are notoriously emotional and transformative. With so much change and development, it’s normal for teens to experience a degree of challenges, stress, and, yes, emotional instability. But when these issues become extreme, they can escalate into more serious mental health concerns. An important aspect of the connection between parenting and mental health involves recognizing these warning signs and symptoms.

Common teen mental health symptoms

• Behavioral changes: These changes can manifest in a myriad of ways, depending on the norm for each teenager. Common changes might include a lack of energy, extreme tiredness, changes in appetite, substance abuse, or restlessness. 
• Mood changes: Adolescence and drama go hand-in-hand. However, extreme or rapid emotional shifts may be cause for concern. Excessive irritability and consistent depressed feelings might be indicators that it’s time to call the doctor or the teen’s school counselor. 
• Academic troubles: Adjusting to more rigorous classes (or high school in general) may include a few academic struggles. But frequent absences, a significant drop in academic performance, or changes in their ability to concentrate are mental health symptoms worth a closer look. 
• Withdrawal: Many teens spend much of their time in their bedrooms, but consistent isolation from activities could be a warning sign of struggling with more serious mental health symptoms. Consistently cancelling plans or an overall change from a typically outgoing teen might indicate a deeper problem. 
• Loss of interest: Closely related to withdrawal, a lack of interest in things teens once enjoyed, or quitting activities like sports or hobbies, is a common warning sign of a mental health issue that’s worth investigating.  
• Self-harm or suicidal thoughts: Unexplained cuts, bruises, or burns, can be a serious sign of self-harm and deeper mental health issues. Take any expressed thoughts of suicide or self-harm seriously and address them directly. The National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is 988. 

Is it hard to differentiate between typical teen behavior and more worrisome mental health symptoms? Absolutely. But when symptoms seem consistent or extreme — or your gut is telling you that it’s more than average adolescent moodiness — it may be time to seek out professional treatment for mental health.  

When to seek help for mental health issues?

In simple terms, mental health refers to our overall emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It’s not just the absence of a mental illness but a state allowing us to cope with life’s normal stresses, realize our own abilities, learn and work productively, and contribute positively to our community. Changes in patterns of thinking, feeling, or behaving can indicate a mental health issue. When these changes disrupt our ability to complete daily tasks or cause significant enough distress to decrease quality of life, mental health challenges can become mental health disorders. 

Why seek help when your teen is dealing with mental health challenges? Because mental health symptoms significantly affect their ability to:

• Handle social situations
• Maintain healthy relationships
• Participate in daily activities
• Complete schoolwork
• Learn at an expected level for their age
• Manage stressful situations

Ideally, the best time to seek help or get professional treatment for mental health is when you first notice signs of significant changes in your teen’s behavior and mood. The sooner teens can get professional help and implement suggestions for coping with mental health symptoms, the better it is for their long-term mental health and well-being.  

Where to turn for mental health support?

When considering treatment for mental health, you have various options depending on your particular circumstances. The first step? Understanding what qualifies as a medical emergency; emergency situations warrant a different reaction than non-life-threatening mental health symptoms. 

In an emergency situation — for example, if you or someone you know is experiencing a suicidal crisis or extreme emotional distress — call or text 988, the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. The support line offers 24-hour confidential service and connects you to a trained crisis counselor. A life-threatening situation may necessitate calling 911 or heading to the nearest emergency room. 

If the situation is critical but not life-threatening, your teen may find that therapy, medication, or both can provide the necessary support to reduce their mental health symptoms. Today, treatment for mental health might include taking therapy online or in person. A primary care provider can help point you in the right direction for treatment options and professionals specializing in teen mental health. Your family’s health insurance may also dictate what providers are in-network and approved (covered) by your plan. You can also use online resources, like this psychologist locator or this therapy search engine, to search for psychologists near you. 

If your teen isn’t talking to you but you’re worried, suggest they talk to another trusted adult, like a teacher, mentor, or coach. And you can share your concerns with your teen’s counselor, too. In some cases, counselors may recommend specialized therapists or services for your student, whether within the school setting or via a community provider. 

Helping others seek support for mental health

When we think of parenting and mental health, we think about how we can set our kids up for success and protect them from the world’s negative influences. But sometimes, all our best plans and strategies fail, and we see our teens struggle. We may not realize immediately that they’re working through mental health symptoms alone. Once we identify the problem and need, showing support is critical in helping them learn how to advocate for themselves during difficult times.

Mental health challenges often require more than a quick fix, but there are simple ways to support your teen. Treatment for mental health can feel isolating, especially for teens, because of the stigma attached to these conditions. Offering support and company as your teen navigates their mental health journey reminds them they’re not alone and that you’re in their corner, cheering them on.

A gentle reminder: It’s important to take care of yourself and your mental health, too. Advocating for your teen and ensuring they get the treatment for mental health they need can create stressful and emotional situations for you and the rest of your family. Once your child is getting the help they need, ask their provider for recommendations for support for you. Remember, it’s okay to ask for help navigating the complexities of parenting and mental health. 

The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) has resources for family support groups that are free, confidential, and offer space for families to share their experiences, learn from each other, and get support. The Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA) offers support groups for families with teens who have mental health challenges, including those related to depression and bipolar disorder.

Recognizing mental health symptoms - final takeaways 

Mental health symptoms go beyond the typical world of stress and teenagers — but there are plenty of resources out there that can help. When dealing with teen mental health, remember:

• Mental health symptoms can be difficult to spot. Look out for behavioral changes, especially if they start to interfere with your teen’s day-to-day life. Trouble in school, with friends, or being present with the family can all be signs your child is struggling with their mental health.
• Talking about mental health is the first step toward improving it. Opening lines of communication is key to staying in tune with your child’s mental health. Listen and create opportunities for your child to tell you how they feel, and don’t be afraid to be direct. Asking “Is everything okay with your friends?” or “Are you worried about that big test coming up?” might be the encouragement they need to open up.
• Treatment for mental health looks different for everybody. Simple coping strategies for your child might include guided meditations, breathing exercises, and finding an outlet to express their feelings. Managing more serious mental health symptoms may require professional intervention through therapy or medication.

As parents, friends, and mentors, it’s important to recognize changes in behavior that may indicate more serious mental health symptoms. If your teen or someone you know is struggling with mental health symptoms, don’t hesitate to explore treatment options and get help.