As a parent, you want your teen to be happy, healthy and thriving. Sometimes, though, mental health challenges can make that difficult. It’s not always easy to tell if your teen is struggling with their mental health. Teens don’t usually come right out and say, “I’m struggling.” Instead, their thoughts and emotions might show up in mood or behavior changes.

Nearly half of all adolescents in the U.S. experience a mental health disorder, data shows. There are many different mental health disorders, and different people can experience the same condition in different ways. Because of this, you might wonder how you can tell if your teen is going through a tough time. While every teen is different, there are some common signs that may indicate they’re struggling with their mental health. If you notice one or more of these signs in your teen, it could be time to check in with them and offer support.

5 signs of mental health challenges in teens

• Uncharacteristic mood changes — As teens go through big hormonal shifts, intense moods aren’t unusual. However, it’s important to know when your teen’s mood changes are a sign of a deeper mental health disorder. Look out for frequent irritability or anger over small things. Persistent feelings of sadness, numbness and hopelessness can also be indicative of conditions like depression. If your teen seems to have a hard time managing their emotions, it could be a sign of anxiety, depression or another mental health challenge. If you’re noticing big mood shifts, you can let your teen know in a supportive, nonjudgmental way. Don’t say, “Why are you acting like this?” Instead, try something like “I’ve noticed you’ve been feeling down lately. Do you want to talk about it?”
• Social withdrawal — It’s typical for teens to want more independence as they grow. If they’re suddenly avoiding family or isolating themselves from friends, though, it could mean they’re struggling. A teen who is struggling with their mental health may isolate themselves for a number of reasons. Maybe they’re worried about being judged or harassed by others. Maybe they feel sad and just want to be left alone. If your teen is withdrawing from social life, it can help to encourage connection without pressure. This can be done by inviting your teen to do simple activities with you, like grabbing coffee or watching a favorite show. You can also gently encourage them to spend more time with close friends.
• School performance decline — If your teen usually does well in school, a sharp drop in grades can be alarming. Mental health conditions like anxiety and depression can have a big impact on school performance. If your teen is experiencing anxiety, they may struggle to focus on assignments. They may experience a lot of stress, leading to burnout. If your teen is depressed, they may feel a complete lack of motivation to continue keeping up with school. Understanding the reasons behind your teen’s academic changes can be key to offering the support they need.
• Loss of interest in hobbies — If your teen suddenly stops doing things they once loved, it could be a sign of depression. There are a few ways that a loss of interest can manifest. Your teen may stop playing sports, drawing, playing music or engaging in other hobbies. They may seem to lose interest in favorite TV shows, video games or activities. They may say they feel bored all the time, yet not express any desire to do anything. When your teen is struggling, they might feel emotionally drained and lose interest in things that used to make them happy.
• Frequent talk about negative feelings — If your teen expresses feelings of hopelessness or self-doubt, it’s important to take them seriously. When your teen says things like “I don’t see the point in anything” or “I’m a burden,” listen with care and empathy. This kind of comment can indicate serious distress. Let your teen know you’re there for them and that their feelings matter. If you’re worried about their safety, seek professional help immediately.

If your teen is struggling with their mental health, Lightfully is here to help. Our Lightfully Teen services are designed with the specific symptoms and struggles teens face in mind. Treatment at Lightfully is centered around our Precision Care Model (PCM). This compassionate and fully personalized treatment plan designed just for your teen uses the most effective aspects of evidence-based treatments to target the drivers behind mental health disorders and symptoms.

Change is possible. If your teen needs professional help, you can reach out to our Admissions Concierge Team. We’ll take the next steps together, toward the fullest, brightest version of your teen.