How to identify and deal with adolescent mental health problems

Everyone feels misunderstood from time to time. A certain degree of moodiness associated with puberty is part of the typical teenage journey, but how do you know when typical teenage angst turns into something more serious? It’s easy to blame mental health problems on raging hormones, but school stress, peer pressure, and social factors often come into play as well.

The statistics are impressive. According to a recent report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 42 percent of college students reported feeling constantly sad or hopeless, and one in five had seriously considered suicide. LGBTQ+, girls, and black students seem to suffer more than other groups. The good news is that solid prevention strategies, strong relationships, and professional help can provide the support your teen needs for mental and emotional development.

If your normally cheerful, fun-loving teenager suddenly becomes moody and grumpy, you can simply monitor his mood for a few days. Tantrums and excessive crying are obvious signs that something is wrong. An unpleasant attitude that does not seem to resolve within a reasonable period of time may merit further investigation or a call to the doctor.

Lack of interest in previously enjoyable activities, withdrawal from friends and family, neglect of personal hygiene, changes in sleep patterns, and unexplained weight loss are all possible signs of depression. Also, monitor your teen’s grades and schoolwork for sharp declines.

Take any suicidal thoughts seriously. Sudden personality changes, self-injurious behavior, obsession with death, giving away possessions, drug or alcohol use are all dangerous warning signs that should not be ignored.

To begin with, try to keep the lines of communication open with your teen as much as possible. Check in on them regularly and ask how they are doing. Give young adults a chance to talk on their own terms without judgment, and ask them if they need your help with their problems before immediately offering advice. Sometimes being able to express their feelings in a safe place and express whatever is bothering them is enough to take the pressure off. In this case, empathy is of great importance. End the conversation by letting them know that they are important and that you love them.

Encourage healthy habits such as regular exercise, a healthy diet, interesting hobbies, and smart self-care practices. Work together to find effective coping strategies to use during difficult times. And try to limit screen time; too much social media can have a negative impact on anyone’s mental health, especially vulnerable teenagers.

If needed, enlist the help of a trusted, objective adult, such as a school counselor, clergy member, family doctor, or therapist. Some teens may find it easier to open up to a peer support group than an older adult. Help is available if you look for it.

If your teen is experiencing a mental health crisis, contact the nearest stress center or emergency room, or call 988 or the National Suicide and Crisis Hotline at 800.273.TALK connect with qualified consultants to help you find local resources.