Adolescence can be a difficult developmental period, marked by rapid changes taking place in the brain and body. Mood swings, surging hormones, the challenge for independence, and self-exploration are just a few key characteristics of the teenage years. 

It’s normal for teens to be moody, act slightly more impulsive than adults, and challenge authority as they seek independence. However, if their behaviors begin to disrupt their daily functioning—or if it puts their life or others at risk, this could be a sign of an underlying mental health problem and a cause for concern. 

Read on to understand the rates of mental health problems in teens and common warning signs to be aware of.  

Understanding Teen Mental Health Problems

According to the World Health Organization, 1 in 7 teens struggle with a diagnosable mental health disorder severe enough to impact their daily activities. The report also states that “the prevalence of emotional and behavior disorders is higher than most major physical health conditions in adolescence, such as asthma or diabetes [1].”  

Some of the most common mental health disorders diagnosed in teens include: 

• Depression
• Anxiety
• Trauma and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
• Bipolar Disorder 
• Attention-Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD) 

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This public health problem highlights a need for parents, educators, and anyone who works with youth to recognize potential warning signs of mental health problems in teens. Significant research shows that the earlier the intervention, the more successful the treatment outcomes[2]. 

Mental health problems can affect teens of all genders, religions, and ethnicities. There is no direct cause of mental health disorders in teens as it’s often a combination of social, environmental, and psychological factors. These include: 

• Genetics or family history of mental health problems
• Trauma such as from a one-time event (e.g., school shooting, natural disaster, car accident) or complex trauma stemming from ongoing abuse or neglect. 
• Academic pressure 
• Low self-esteem
• Victims of bullying, discrimination, or harassment 
• Isolation and social exclusion 
• Work or academic stress
• Chronic illness or medical injury 

Red Flags of Mental Health Problems in Teens

Here are some common red flags that could indicate an underlying mental health problem in teens. 

Risky and Reckless Behaviors 

Teens tend to be more impulsive than adults. Regions of the brain that control decision-making and problem-solving are still growing. This can make them more prone to risky behavior. Some risk-taking can be a healthy way for teens to build their confidence, such as trying out for a new sport, asking someone out on a date, or public speaking. 

However, if risky behaviors become extreme—putting themselves or others at risk— this is a cause for concern. Some risky behaviors that may indicate an underlying mental health challenge include: 

• Reckless driving (speeding, driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol)
• Unprotected sex 
• Skipping school 
• Drug or alcohol use  

Substance Abuse 

A sign that your teen is struggling with their mental health is if they are abusing drugs or alcohol. Teens may turn to substance abuse to cope with stress in the home, academic pressure, or an underlying mental health disorder such as depression. 

Some of the signs of substance abuse in teens include: 

• Coming home visibly drunk or high
• Dilated or pinpoint pupils 
• Finding drugs, alcohol, or paraphernalia in their room or belongings
• Isolating themselves  
• Being aggressive or irritable
• Nausea, vomiting, or other symptoms of a hangover 
• Frequent flu-like symptoms without a direct cause 

Sudden Academic Decline  

Struggling in school or to get good grades doesn’t always indicate a mental health problem, however, if your teen was once a straight-A student and is suddenly failing a majority of their classes—this could be a warning sign that something deeper is going on. 

Other problems, such as missing school, skipping class, or frequent fights with peers or teachers, could also point to an underlying mental health problem. 

Social Isolation 

Many teens may want to spend more time alone or in their rooms. However, chronic isolation from friends, family, and loved ones can indicate that they are struggling with their social well-being. Encourage your teen to join an extracurricular activity, find a hobby they can connect with others, or have days where you participate in activities as a family.  

Self-Harm

It can be distressing as a parent to watch the teen you love hurt themselves. Self-harm is another pretty clear sign your teen is struggling with their mental health. This can include direct and intentional self-harm, such as cutting or burning themselves. It can also include participating in reckless or dangerous activities without regard for safety.  

Teens self-harm for a variety of reasons, such as to numb emotional pain or cope with stress. Sometimes, self-harm can indicate suicidal thoughts or ideation. If you notice your teen is harming themselves, it’s important to seek professional mental health support as soon as possible. 

Extreme Mood Swings 

Although mood swings are a common occurrence in teens due to the rapid shifts in their hormones, if mood swings impair their daily functioning or relationships, this could be a sign of a more serious problem. 

It can be challenging for parents to recognize the difference between a moody teen and a mental health disorder. Some criteria that can help you distinguish between the two include: 

• Duration: If mood swings are frequent or going on for long periods of time, this could be a sign of an underlying mental health problem such as depression or bipolar disorder. Ask yourself if they experience mood swings daily and how long do these moody episodes tend to last? 

• Intensity: Teens may have difficulty regulating their emotions. However, if mood swings become so intense that your teen loses control, becomes violent, or interferes with their everyday functioning—this is not normal. 

• Situations: Explore the situations that cause mood swings in your teen. Is there a specific trigger that sets them off? Do they only have changes in mood at certain times of the day or around certain people? 

Trouble Sleeping 

According to the CDC, teens should get 8-10 hours of sleep each week for healthy development [3]. An inability to fall or stay asleep can be a sign of chronic stress, drug or alcohol abuse, or an underlying mental health condition such as depression or anxiety. 

Some warning signs your teen is struggling with sleep disturbances include: 

• Trouble falling asleep
• Waking up throughout the night 
• Distressing dreams or nightmares
• Inability to wake up
• Irritability or aggression
• Problems focusing or sudden decline in school
• Falling asleep during the day, such as in class  

Decline in Personal Hygiene 

Struggling with a mental health condition such as depression or anxiety can drain a teen’s physical and emotional energy. This can make participating in basic tasks difficult, such as showering, keeping their room clean, or brushing their teeth. 

Parents can support their teens by validating their struggles and building their self-esteem. Encourage them to build a self-care routine and model for them what that looks like. Avoid using hurtful terms like “dirty” or “lazy.”   

Legal Trouble 

Frequent trouble with law enforcement may indicate a sign that your teen is struggling with a behavioral problem such as Conduct Disorder (CD) or Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD). These could include behaviors such as getting in violent fights, stealing, trespassing, or vandalism. 

Teen Residential Treatment in Florida 

Our programs at Lotus Behavioral Health treatment facility in Florida are designed to support teens and their families with the tools they need to recover from substance abuse & co-occurring mental health disorders. 

We offer several levels of care at our facility, including residential treatment, partial hospitalization, and intensive outpatient services, to meet the needs of teens and their families at all stages of recovery.

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Sources

[1] Mental Health of Adolescents. 2024. World Health Organization. 

[2] Early intervention in youth mental health: progress and future directions. 2018. National Library of Medicine. 

[3] Sleep in Middle and High School Students. 2024. CDC. 

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