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Mental health problems among teens have increased by more than 40% over the past decade. It’s important for youth to have a safe space and trusted people they can confide in when experiencing mental health problems. They may struggle to reach out to parents or loved ones out of embarrassment, fear, or shame [1].
It’s helpful for teens and their parents to know who they can turn to in times of need, where they can go for help, and various treatments that exist to support their mental health.
Understanding Teenage Mental Health
Mental health problems among youth are becoming increasingly common in the US. Studies show around 1 in 5 teens between 12-18 struggle with at least one mental health disorder. Some of the most common are depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder [2].
The rise in mental health problems among youth is linked to various factors. Teenagers are in a unique stage of development characterized by rapid changes in their brains and bodies. Areas of the brain, such as the prefrontal cortex, are still growing. This area controls emotional regulation, problem-solving, and reasoning skills, making them more susceptible to mental health difficulties [5].
The growth of these brain regions paired with external influences such as academic pressure, social media, home life, family history, identity exploration, peer conflict, and the aftermath of COVID-19 can all play a role in the development of mental health disorders in teens.
Warning Signs of A Mental Health Problem
It’s critical to recognize the warning signs of mental health problems in teens to provide early intervention and effective support.
This is important for parents to support their teens, but it can also help teachers, coaches, and anyone working with youth recognize the warning signs and take action to prevent harm.
Some of the most common red flags of a mental health problem in teens include:
- Isolation and social withdrawal
- Drastic mood swings
- Sudden decline in school
- Lack of motivation
- Problems regulating emotions
- Emotional numbness (apathy)
- Aggression or angry outbursts
- Trouble focusing
- Feelings of hopelessness, sadness, shame, or guilt
- Anxiety and tension
- Changes in sleep/appetite
- Physical symptoms such as stomach problems, headaches, or joint pain with no direct cause
- Substance abuse
- Self-harm or thoughts of suicide
Where Can A Teen Go For Mental Health Support?
There are various people and places a teen can turn to for support with their mental health. Outside of the home, places like schools and religious institutions play a large role in the lives of teens. It’s important for them to develop a support network of people in different areas of their lives they can trust.
Parents
Parents may be the first person their teen decides to speak to about their mental health. Parents often know their teens the best and are the first to recognize sudden changes in mood or behavior.
Ideally, parents can better support their teens by building an open line of communication with them and having productive conversations about mental health in the home. This can develop a sense of trust and make it easier for teens to go to their parents in times of need.
Some tips for parents supporting a teen with mental health challenges include:
- Actively listen and avoid interrupting them
- Stay calm and collected
- Validate what they are feeling
- Be patient and ask how you can support them
- Encourage your teen to get involved with their community (sports, volunteering, extracurriculars, etc)
- Ensure your teen gets enough sleep (The National Sleep Foundation recommends 8-10 hours for teens) [3]
- Model positive behavior and mental health self-care
- Promote mindfulness in the home (yoga, art, dance, gratitude journaling, etc.)
- Educate yourself on youth mental health, some helpful online resources include:
Teachers, Guidance Counselors, and School
Over 30% of high school students report struggling with mental health challenges such as anxiety. One of the biggest triggers that teens report that influences their mental health is academic stress [4].
After parents, educators are often the first line of responders when it comes to teens. Outside of the home, teens spend the majority of their time in the classroom, and educating teens about mental health in schools is associated with higher levels of mental well-being [2].
Teachers often know the behavior of their students well and should be trained in recognizing when they are experiencing a mental health crisis. This can prevent mental health problems from escalating to more harmful behaviors such as substance abuse or suicide.
Communication between parents and schools is essential for helping teens with mental health challenges succeed. It can also improve their relationships with peers, increase their academic performance, and contribute to a positive school culture.
Religious Leaders and Faith Community
For teens who attend church, mosques, synagogues, or other religious institutions, these environments can play a significant role in supporting their mental health. It can decrease feelings of isolation by connecting them with other teens their age, and people in their community. It can also strengthen the relationships between teens and their parents if they come from a religious background.
Faith leaders have a unique opportunity to start conversations around mental health in their communities. They can shift the conversation and help break stigmas that may exist among some community members around the topic of mental illness.
They can do this by incorporating mental health into their sermons, hosting educational forums, holding events that promote mental health awareness, and even inviting youth to share their own stories with the community [6].
Coaches and Mentors
For teens involved in sports, music, art, or other extracurricular activities, coaches often build a deep level of trust with the youth they work with. Teens may look up to their coaches or mentors as inspiration for who they want to be when they grow up.
Coaches can foster a sense of belonging in youth by making them feel a part of something bigger than themselves. They often know the strengths and weaknesses of the teens they work with and can offer more personalized support.
Coaches can also play a big role in teens’ mental health recovery by offering insights that parents or teachers may not see in the home or school setting.
Community or Recreation Centers
Most communities have a center where youth can participate in community-oriented activities and connect with peers their age. The staff that work at these centers may include social workers, counselors, support specialists, and peer mentors designed to recognize and support youth who are struggling with mental health or come from high-risk homes.
These centers can provide mental health screenings for teens, connect them to services, and provide activities that help reduce stress and build resilience. They can also act as a safe space for teens to go to in times of crisis or if they need a break from being in the home.
Mental Health Professionals
Of course, if you are worried that your teen is showing signs of a mental health disorder, it’s recommended to reach out to a professional so they can make an accurate diagnosis and provide the proper treatment.
Numerous therapies exist to support teens with mental and behavioral health disorders. Some of the most common include:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is the most widely used. It helps support teens struggling with several mental health disorders, such as anxiety and depression. CBT focuses on breaking negative thought patterns that drive behaviors, building positive coping skills, and setting goals.
- Dialectical Behavioral Therapy is similar to CBT but focuses more on the emotional and social impact of mental health problems. It is primarily used in the treatment of trauma and Borderline Personality Disorder. It teaches teens emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and strategies for successful relationships.
- Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is designed for treating trauma and PTSD in teens. During EMDR sessions, the therapist will use guided eye movements and bilateral stimulation of the brain to help teens target deep memories of trauma and process the associated emotional distress.
- Group Therapy helps teens overcome feelings of isolation and connect with others their age experiencing similar struggles. A therapist guides sessions, but teens also have the chance to share their stories and exchange helpful tips for recovery with each other.
- Experiential Therapies are a great way to engage teens who may struggle with typical talk therapies such as CBT or DBT. They can help teens overcome feelings of isolation, connect with others, process negative emotions, and discover new strengths. Some common experiential therapies that benefit youth mental health include music therapy, art therapy, dance and movement therapy, and adventure therapy.
Professional Mental Health Support for Teens
At Clearfork Academy, our team of compassionate, licensed therapists understands the complex nature of mental health disorders in teens. Our treatment programs help teens reduce stress, build positive coping skills, foster connection, create structure, and develop essential skills to support their mental health recovery.
Reach out to our Admissions team to learn more today!
Sources
[1] CHILD AND ADOLESCENT MENTAL HEALTH. 2022. National Institute of Mental Health.
[2] Recent Trends in Mental Health and Substance Use Concerns Among Adolescents. 2024. KFF Analysis.
[3] Teens Sleep Health and Mental Health. 2024. National Sleep Foundation.
[4] Any Anxiety Disorder. National Institute of Mental Health.
[5] The Teen Brain: 7 Things to Know. 2023. National Institute of Mental Health.
[6] Youth Mental Health and Well-being in Faith and Community Settings. 2019. US Department of Health & Human Services.
Leslie received a Bachelor of Arts from Texas Tech University and a Master of Arts in Counseling from Dallas Theological Seminary. Leslie approaches clinical work through the lens of person-centered and utilizes techniques from Cognitive Behavioral Theory. As a leader, Leslie values the relationship she has with her clinical team and prioritizes their needs for the success of the girls’ campus. When not at work Leslie enjoys volunteering at her church and spending time with her husband and fur baby, Sabel.
