Signs Your Teen Needs Mental Health Treatment

Raising a teenager can be difficult, to say the least. They are growing and developing and changing and trying to find their place in the world. Sometimes they go through phases, like rebelliousness or the dreaded “shame to be seen with their parents” phase. Sometimes these changes are normal, but sometimes you may see symptoms of mental health disorders, which often onset during the teen years. Knowing the difference between normal changes and mental health issues is important so that your teen can get the appropriate treatment.

The Prevalence of Mental Health Disorders in Teens

In 2023, a study showed that more than 20% of teenagers were diagnosed with a mental health or behavioral health disorder. The most common disorder was anxiety, followed by depression and behavior problems. The research shows that from 2016 to 2023, the prevalence of mental health disorders among teens increased by 35%.

This increase may stem from added pressures that young people experienced during the pandemic, as well as pressure from social media, cyberbullying. and the isolation that comes from technology use. Stress over political and societal issues may also be a factor, as teenagers are very exposed to these issues on social media.

Signs Your Teen Needs Mental Health Treatment

It’s important to observe your teen and their behavior, and to communicate with them, so that you can spot the signs that they may be having mental health struggles.

Signs include:

1. Mood changes: It’s well known that teens can be moody, but if you see extreme or sudden mood changes, or extreme emotions, they may be struggling with their mental health.
2. Changes in appetite: Watch for extreme changes in appetite, whether it be eating more or eating less, particularly if they have significant weight gain or loss.
3. Changes in sleep: If your teen is having trouble sleeping, or seems to be sleeping excessively, it could be a red flag, particularly if you also see other signs of mental health struggles.
4. A drop in school performance: If they’re suddenly falling behind in school and their grades are dropping, you should do some investigation into why it’s occurring. Speak with their teachers to try to uncover the cause. It could be a sign of mental health changes.
5. Isolation: Many mental health conditions, including depression, can cause a teen to withdraw from family and friends and isolate themselves.
6. Behavior after a traumatic event: If your teen experiences a traumatic event, such as the death of a family member or friend, keep a close eye on them for signs of depression or anxiety. They may need temporary mental health treatment to cope with the trauma.
7. Self-esteem issues: If your teen self-criticizes, withdraws socially, or seems overly sensitive to criticism, they may have low self-esteem which may be a sign that they are struggling with their mental health.
8. Excessive worry: Your teenager may have anxiety if they seem constantly worried about school, friends, or other parts of their lives.
9. Irritability: Yes, teens can be irritable, but if the change in their attitude is sudden or extreme, it could be a sign of a deeper issue.
10. Self-harm: Watch for signs that your teen is engaging in self-harm such as cutting or burning. They may wear clothing trying to cover wounds.
11. Substance abuse: Teens often turn to substance use to self-medicate mental health symptoms. Any substance use should be addressed right away.

How to Seek Treatment

First of all, the only way to know for sure if your teen has a mental health disorder is to have them go through an assessment with a mental health profession. They can make a formal diagnosis and design a treatment plan.

Your health insurance should cover mental health care to some extent, so your first step is to contact your insurance provider to get a list of covered mental health professionals. It’s a good idea for you and your teen to meet with a few therapists or psychiatrists to find one that you’re both comfortable with.

Keep in mind that sometimes it’s hard to find the right fit for your teen, and to get mental health treatment started. Mental health professionals are often overwhelmed with clients and have a full schedule. Be patient and persistent so that you find the right person to help your child.

In Closing

It’s important to pay attention to your teen’s mood and behavior so that you can spot the signs that they are struggling with their mental health. If you suspect there is a problem, look for treatment options as soon as possible. At New England Medical Group, we have mental health professionals ready to help. We offer individualized, compassionate care for teenagers, so that they can get back on track and move forward to a better future.