Teen Mental Health: How to Know When Your Child Needs Help

According to the World Health Organization, 14% of people between the ages of 10 and 19 experience a mental disorder, including depression, anxiety, and eating disorders, among other conditions. As a parent, understanding what kinds of things are expected during adolescence and the symptoms of a more serious issue means you know when to get help. 

The experts at Hudson River Care and Counseling know that parents don’t always know the signs of anxiety, depression, eating disorders, or other mental health issues in teens. Sometimes, the signs are easy to miss, regardless of the person’s age, but when you add in the hormonal changes and other stresses of adolescence, things can become even more difficult to discern. 

It’s worth noting that teenagers today face a very different set of problems than their parents likely faced. The pandemic, social media, and cyberbullying are just a few of the issues that today’s teens deal with that are relatively new and extremely difficult. 

Knowing that your child lives with these newer difficulties in addition to those that adolescents have always faced is important in understanding why mental health is an important factor in their overall health. 

Signs of mental health struggles

Every kid is unique, and not everyone who has anxiety or depression experiences the same symptoms. However, knowing some common signals can be helpful as you evaluate whether your child may need help. 

Changes in daily patterns

If your child has unexplained changes to their sleep schedule, weight, eating habits, or other day-to-day activities, it may be a reason for concern. These kinds of changes can be a sign of depression or anxiety in a person of any age, including adolescents. 

Lack of interest

If your child has always enjoyed a particular hobby and suddenly doesn’t want to do it anymore, or if they’ve quit an activity they’re usually enthusiastic about, you may want to consider why.
Teenagers are exploring, and it’s not unusual for them to try out different activities, but if they are unenthusiastic about things they love, it may signal depression. 

Serious changes in academic work

Grades may go up and down, but if your child is usually a B student and suddenly struggles to pass, or if you’re getting notices that homework isn’t being done and you never did before, it may be a sign of a problem. 

An entirely new social circle

You want your child to have a healthy social life, and making new friends is good, but if you notice that their circle of friends is entirely different, you may want to pay close attention to other possible signs of a problem. 

Overly focusing on a goal

Goals are great, and dedication is laudable, but if your child seems nearly obsessed with reaching a goal, it could indicate an issue. Consider a larger discussion if you notice that they seem to think their life will never be the same if they don’t reach an objective or that they’ll be a failure. 

Next steps

Suspecting that your teenager has any kind of health issue, including a mental health problem, can be scary. Keep in mind, though, that mental health issues are treatable, and they are common. Getting help early can also lead to better outcomes, so taking action is a good idea.
At Hudson River Care and Counseling, we’re happy to discuss your individual concerns and provide understanding, supportive, and appropriate care to adolescents. If you’re concerned about your teen’s mental health, schedule an appointment to discuss what you should do next or for your child to have an evaluation.