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When parents overlook their teen’s mental health challenges, it can have long-term consequences. Although it can be distressing, ignoring the signs of mental illness in youth doesn’t make the problems go away. Instead, it often worsens them, leading to several issues that can affect every area of a teen’s life, such as substance abuse, academic decline, and strained relationships.
Read on to understand how to recognize the warning signs of mental illness in teens and the consequences of ignoring these signs.
The Rates of Mental Illness in Youth
According to the World Health Organization, one in seven teens (ages 10-19) experience a mental health disorder at some point in adolescence. Depression, anxiety, trauma, and behavioral disorders such as ADHD are the most common [1].
According to a report from the CDC, as recent of January 2025, the rates of the most commonly diagnosed mental health problems in teens include [2]:
- Depression: 14% of teens between the ages of 13 and 17
- Anxiety disorders: 32% of teens
- Trauma & PTSD: Between 5-15% of teens
- ADHD: 13.6% of teens between 13 and 17
Recognize the Warning Signs
It’s not always easy to recognize the symptoms of a mental health problem in your teen, but the signs are usually there. Some common warning signs include:
| Physical Signs | Emotional Signs | Behavioral Signs |
| Changes in appetite (lack of appetite or binge eating) | Low self-esteem | Social isolation and withdrawal from extracurricular activities |
| Difficulty sleeping (inability to fall asleep, stay asleep, or frequently waking up throughout the night) | Drastic mood swings that go above and beyond a typical “moody teen” | Academic decline (failing grades, skipping school, frequently fighting with peers or teachers) |
| Gastrointestinal issues without a direct cause (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation) | Irritability or aggression | Trouble concentrating or making decisions |
| Chronic headaches or migraines | Persistent sadness, hopelessness, guilt, or shame | Withdrawal from extracurricular activities |
| Increased heart rate, breathing, or blood pressure | Restlessness, worry, or fear | Substance abuse |
| Sweating, trembling, or even fainting | Lack of motivation or pleasure | Self-harm or talking about suicide |
The Risks of Ignoring Mental Health Problems in Teens
When parents or caregivers fail to recognize warning signs or support their teens in connecting to treatment, it can cause several long-term effects on both their physical and mental health.
Worsening of Condition
Early intervention is key to preventing symptoms from worsening. Teens who struggle with one untreated mental health disorder are at more risk of developing another. For example, unresolved anxiety could result in OCD or an eating disorder. And untreated depression could increase the risk of self-harm or suicide attempts [3].
Delayed intervention can also lead to resistance to therapy. The worse symptoms become, the more reluctant teens may be to go to therapy. Or they may become less responsive to conventional approaches.
Impact on Emotional Development
Ignoring your teen’s mental health challenges can make them feel like their emotions and struggles are being neglected. This can lower their self-esteem and make them less likely to reach out for help in the future. Without emotional support, teens may isolate themselves or have increased feelings of depression.
Behavioral Problems
Teens with unresolved mental health issues may have poor impulse control, trouble regulating their emotions, or a lack of regard for safety. This can cause them to partake in highly reckless or risky behavior such as substance abuse, unprotected sex, dangerous driving, theft, or vandalism [4].
Teens with unresolved mental health problems also often struggle more in school. They may have trouble focusing, completing tasks, staying organized or communicating with their classmates. This can lead to poor grades, low attendance, and even conflict with peers.
Other Long-Term Consequences
Other consequences of ignoring mental health problems in youth include:
- Substance abuse is more likely in teens with unresolved mental health problems. One 2016 study found that over two-thirds of teens with a substance abuse disorder also were diagnosed with a co-occurring mental health problem [4].
- Strained family relationships, such as resentment or estrangement between the parent and child.
- Chronic physical health issues such as autoimmune disease or type 2 diabetes can be influenced by ongoing distress.
- Difficulty in future relationships, such as with partners, friends, or co-workers. Teens who struggle with unresolved mental health problems may struggle with communication, setting boundaries, and trust.
Supporting Youth Mental Health in Texas
At Clearfork Academy, our team of licensed mental health professionals understands the complex nature of how mental health problems can impact youth. We strive to educate parents on the importance of youth mental health and offer evidence-based treatments to support positive mental health in teens.
Contact our admissions team today to see how we can support your family.
Sources
[1] Mental Health of Adolescents. 2024. World Health Organization.
[2] Data and Statistics on Children’s Mental Health. 2025. CDC.
[3] Multiple Comorbidities of 21 Psychological Disorders and Relationships With Psychosocial Variables. 2015.
[4] Mental Health Disorders and Teen Substance Use. 2024. Child Mind Institute.
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.
