Your child’s teenage years can be full of joy and challenges. Some children develop symptoms of a mental illness during their teen years. Mental health challenges can make relationships, school, and other aspects of life more challenging.
Some teens experience temporary mental health conditions that require short-term treatment. Some develop the first symptoms of a lifelong condition during this time. Any teen with mental health symptoms must receive the treatment and support they need to address and manage them.
This article will give an overview of teen mental health. You’ll learn:
- How mental illness affects teens
- Ten signs your teen needs mental health care
- What to expect from mental health treatment
- Where to find mental health treatment and support
If you or a teen in your life requires mental health care, you are not alone. Find the holistic care and support you need at The Living Room. Reach out to our intake team with questions or to schedule an intake appointment.
Teens and Mental Health: Understanding the Issue
Children grow and change significantly during the teen years. Parents and other caring adults may notice changes in how their teens act, think, or feel. In some cases, these changes are a normal part of growing up. However, some changes may be warning signs of a mental health disorder.
Research from 2023 shows that about one in five adolescents had been diagnosed with a mental health condition in the previous year. The most common mental health conditions in this age group are anxiety, depression, and behavior issues. Many teens also reported using substances, engaging in risky behaviors like unprotected sex, and considering suicide.
Teens can recover from mental health challenges by learning how to manage their symptoms and receiving individualized treatment.
10 Signs Your Teen Needs Mental Health Treatment
Teens experiencing mental health disorders can benefit from comprehensive treatment plans. Recognizing the signs of a mental health condition can help adults find the help their child needs.
Here are some signs of mental health issues in teens.
1. Changes in sleep or appetite
Parents and other adults may notice a child’s sleeping and eating habits changing. A child might sleep much more or less than before. They may also eat more or less, causing them to gain or lose weight quickly. These changes may be a sign of a mental health condition that requires treatment.
2. Mood changes
The media portrays teenagers as moody and unpredictable. However, noticing more mood swings or a significant change in your teen’s emotions could be a sign of mental health issues.
3. Falling behind in school
Depression, anxiety disorders, and other mental health disorders can cause symptoms that show up in your child’s school performance. If your teen skips classes more often or their grades start to slip, it could be a sign of a mental health condition.
4. Isolation
Teens who stop spending time with friends, working, or playing sports could be struggling with depression, anxiety, or other mental health conditions. If your child spends more time alone than before, it could be a sign of a mental health condition.
5. Trauma
Trauma is an emotional response to a highly stressful or frightening event, such as:
- The death of a loved one
- A physical or sexual assault
- An accident
- A significant medical diagnosis
- A natural disaster, like a fire, earthquake, or hurricane
- Community or school violence
Young people who experience trauma may exhibit depression, anxiety, avoidance, nightmares, and other disruptive symptoms. People who live through a traumatic event may not show symptoms right away. Symptoms may appear days, months, or even years after the event occurs.
A traumatized teen needs therapy to manage their symptoms and move forward.
6. Substance use
If you spot the signs of drug or alcohol abuse, it could indicate your teen is struggling with mental health issues. Many people self-medicate mental health symptoms with addictive substances. Long-term substance abuse can lead to addiction. It is crucial to treat mental health issues and teen substance abuse at the same time.
7. Depression
Depression isn’t just sadness. Depression symptoms also include:
- Low energy
- Feeling “slowed down” or sluggish
- Feeling hopeless
- Losing interest in hobbies, friendships, and other things they used to enjoy
- Thinking about death or suicide
- Low self-esteem
- Irritability
- Sleeping too much or not enough
New or worsening symptoms of depression indicate your teen needs mental health treatment.
8. Anxiety
Anxiety is the most common mental health condition among teens. Some symptoms of anxiety include:
- Worrying or over-thinking
- Excessive sweating
- Poor concentration
- Irritability
- Sleep problems
- Aches and pains without a clear physical cause
People with anxiety may have panic attacks, which are periods of intense fear, dread, racing heart, and other symptoms. Anxiety is manageable if teens get proper mental health treatment and support.
9. Self-harm
Self-harm can include cutting, burning, and other methods of hurting the body. Teens may attempt to cover up scars, scabs, bruises, and cuts with long sleeves or pants. If your teen engages in self-harm of any kind, seek mental health treatment right away.
10. Loss of interest
If your teen suddenly seems like they don’t care about their relationships, responsibilities, or hobbies, it may indicate mental health struggles. Teens may lose interest in old hobbies from time to time. However, withdrawing from most areas of daily life may be a warning sign of mental health issues.
What To Expect During Mental Health Treatment
Mental health treatment for teens typically includes:
- Assessments
- Behavioral therapies
- Medications
- Lifestyle changes
- Education
- Counseling and education for family members
- Support groups
- Holistic therapies
Mental health practitioners develop tailored treatment plans to meet each teen’s needs. This ensures they get the right support during every stage of treatment.
Find Treatment Now
If you or a teen in your life needs mental health treatment, find the care you need at The Living Room. Our holistic, compassionate approach to mental health care can help teens feel better and learn to manage their mental health. Contact our intake team to learn more or schedule an intake appointment.
References:
- HRSA Maternal & Child Health: National Survey of Children’s Health