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As a parent, it’s understandable to want the best for your teen, which can be particularly hard if you know they are struggling with their mental health. Adolescence is a vulnerable time filled with several physical, emotional, and social transitions that can increase the risk of mental health problems.
Sometimes, it can be difficult to distinguish whether your teen is showing normal teenage behavior or is exhibiting signs of a mental health problem.
Read on to understand some of the warning signs of mental health challenges in teens and if they could benefit from professional support.
10 Signs Your Teen Could Benefit from Counseling
There are some telltale signs that your teen may be struggling with a mental health problem. Counseling can provide a safe space to explore these behaviors and build positive coping strategies to support their mental health and emotional well-being.
Sudden Academic Decline
It’s normal for teens to fail a test or forget to turn in their homework sometimes. However, if your teen suddenly shows a decline in grades or is failing a majority of their classes, this could point to depression or even substance abuse.
Mental health problems can make it difficult for teens to focus in class and may cause conflict or fights between peers. If your teen is skipping school or making up excuses not to go, they could be experiencing anxiety or even bullying.
No Longer Participating in Their Normal Hobbies
Teens who struggle with depression or mood disorders may experience something called anhedonia. This refers to the inability to experience pleasure and can cause teens to withdraw from activities or passions [1].
Anhedonia may also present with feelings of hopelessness, despair, or emotional apathy. Counseling can help teens recognize this and use cognitive restructuring to manage their feelings.
Drug or Alcohol Use
It can be distressing as a parent to find out your teen is abusing drugs or alcohol. Although curiosity and experimentation can be normal for teens, casual use can quickly spiral into addiction. One study found that two-thirds of teens who had a drug or alcohol problem also were diagnosed with at least one mental health disorder [2].
Teens who are abusing drugs or alcohol may be coping with underlying mental health problems or performance pressure in school or sports. Common warning signs of substance abuse in teens include:
- Finding drugs, alcohol, or drug paraphernalia in their room or belongings
- Smelling alcohol on their breath or weed/tobacco smoke on their clothes
- Dilated or pinpoint pupils
- Drastic changes in mood or odd changes in personality
- Flu-like symptoms without a direct cause (nausea, vomiting, muscle and joint pain, etc)
Reckless or Risky Behavior
It’s normal for teens to take risks as they explore their independence. Teens often struggle to think about the long-term consequences of their actions because the regions of the brain that control decision-making are still growing. However, if your teen is constantly participating in reckless behavior or becomes a threat to themselves or others, this could indicate a behavioral disorder.
Normal risky behaviors in teens that can be healthy for their development include giving a presentation, asking someone out on a date, or trying a new hobby. Reckless behaviors that go above and beyond what’s typical for a teen and are a cause for concern include:
- Substance abuse
- Unprotected sex
- Vandalism, stealing
- Reckless driving (speeding, drunk driving)
Talking About Death, Dying or Harming Themselves
If your teen is harming themselves or talking about suicide or death, it’s important to reach out for professional mental health support as soon as possible. This could indicate several signs of mental health problems such as depression, bipolar disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and suicidal ideation.
Most teens do not impulsively attempt suicide. They often struggle with their mental health for weeks, months, or even years before making their first attempt. The sooner you recognize the warning signs, the quicker you can help them get treatment.
Extreme Social Withdrawal
It’s normal for teens to spend time alone or in their rooms; however, if your teen isolates themselves excessively, this could be a cause for concern. Sudden withdrawal or avoidance of family and friends could indicate depression, anxiety, trauma, or low self-esteem.
Lack of Motivation
If your once-driven teen now lacks motivation, this could indicate depression, anxiety, substance abuse, or chronic stress. They may feel too overwhelmed to participate in activities they once enjoyed.
Counseling can help teens explore what is causing their lack of motivation, set realistic goals, and develop a plan to achieve them.
Change in Sleep or Appetite
The brain and body are deeply connected, and mental health problems can negatively affect physical health. Teens who struggle with depression or other mental health disorders may struggle to fall asleep.
Chronic stress or anxiety can decrease appetite or lead to an increased appetite or binge eating. And trauma can cause nightmares, making it difficult to stay asleep.
Decline in Personal Hygiene
If your teen is struggling with low self-esteem or mental health challenges, even the most basic daily tasks can drain their energy. Teens who struggle to brush their teeth, shower, and keep their space clean may be suffering from an underlying mental health disorder such as depression.
Constantly Angry or Aggressive
Although mood swings and frustration are normal in developing teens, if your teen seems to be chronically angry or aggressive to the point they threaten themselves or others—it’s important to intervene. They may get overly angry in mildly frustrating situations, have aggressive outbursts in class, or fight with peers.
Teen Mental Health Treatment Available in Texas
At Clearfork Academy, our team of licensed mental health professionals understands the complex nature of mental health disorders in teens. We offer comprehensive treatments to help teens build coping skills that increase their long-term recovery.
Contact our admissions team today to see how we can support your teen.
Sources
[1] Anhedonia and Depressive Disorders. 2023. National Library of Medicine.
[2] Association of Lifetime Mental Disorders and Subsequent Alcohol and Illicit Drug Use. 2016. National Library of Medicine.
Founder & CEO
Originally from the Saginaw, Eagle Mountain area, Austin Davis earned a Bachelor of Science in Pastoral Ministry from Lee University in Cleveland, TN and a Master of Arts in Counseling from The Church of God Theological Seminary. He then went on to become a Licensed Professional Counselor-Supervisor in the State of Texas.
Austin’s professional history includes both local church ministry and clinical counseling. At a young age, he began serving youth at the local church in various capacities which led to clinical training and education. Austin gained a vast knowledge of mental health disorders while working in state and public mental health hospitals. This is where he was exposed to almost every type of diagnosis and carries this experience into the daily treatment.
Austin’s longtime passion is Clearfork Academy, a christ-centered residential facility focused on mental health and substance abuse. He finds joy and fulfillment working with “difficult” clients that challenge his heart and clinical skill set. It is his hope and desire that each resident that passes through Clearfork Academy will be one step closer to their created design.
Austin’s greatest pleasures in life are being a husband to his wife, and a father to his growing children. He serves at his local church by playing guitar, speaking and helping with tech arts. Austin also enjoys being physically active, reading, woodworking, and music.
