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How do I know if my teen needs mental health help?
Learn the warning signs of teen mental health problems and what you can do to help at home.
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What it is
Being a teenager is hard. Teens face stress to be liked, do well in school, get along with family, and make big decisions [2]. Worrying about these pressures is normal [2]. But feeling very sad, hopeless, or worthless could be warning signs of a mental health problem [2]. Mental health problems are real, painful, and sometimes severe [2].
Globally, one in seven 10–19-year-olds experiences a mental disorder [3]. Anxiety disorders are the most common emotional disorder in this age group [1]. Depression and anxiety share some symptoms, including rapid and unexpected changes in mood [1]. These conditions can profoundly affect school attendance and schoolwork [1]. Social withdrawal can worsen isolation and loneliness [1]. Depression can lead to suicide [1]. Suicide is the third leading cause of death among those aged 15–29 years [3].
Eating disorders, such as anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa, commonly emerge during adolescence [4]. They involve abnormal eating behavior and preoccupation with food, often with concerns about body weight and shape [4]. Girls are more commonly affected than boys [4]. Eating disorders often co-exist with depression, anxiety, and substance use disorders [4]. They are associated with suicide [4]. Anorexia nervosa has higher mortality than any other mental disorder [4].
Conditions with psychosis symptoms most commonly emerge in late adolescence or early adulthood [10]. Symptoms can include hallucinations or delusions [10]. These can impair a teen’s ability to participate in daily life and education [10].
What you can do at home
Mental health problems can be treated [2]. To find help, talk to your teen’s parents, school counselor, or health care provider [2]. Adolescence is a crucial period for developing social and emotional habits important for mental well-being [8]. These habits include:
- Adopting healthy sleep patterns [8]
- Exercising regularly [8]
- Developing coping, problem-solving, and interpersonal skills [8]
- Learning to manage emotions [8]
Protective and supportive environments in the family, at school, and in the wider community are important [8]. Mental health promotion aims to strengthen a teen’s ability to regulate emotions, build resilience for managing difficult situations, and promote supportive social networks [9]. Multiple factors affect mental health, and the more risk factors a teen is exposed to, the greater the potential impact [8]. Risk factors include violence, harsh parenting, and severe socioeconomic problems [8]. Addressing adolescent mental health conditions is crucial, and prioritizing non-pharmacological approaches is key [7].
When to see a doctor or go to the emergency department
You might need help if your teen shows these signs [2]:
- Often feels very angry or very worried [2]
- Feels grief for a long time after a loss or death [2]
- Thinks their mind is controlled or out of control [2]
- Uses alcohol or drugs [2]
- Exercises, diets, and/or binge-eats obsessively [2]
- Hurts other people or destroys property [2]
- Does reckless things that could harm them or others [2]
- Feels depressed (sad and hopeless) [2]
Feeling very sad, hopeless, or worthless could be warning signs of a mental health problem [2]. Depression can lead to suicide [1]. Eating disorders are associated with suicide [4]. Seek help promptly if you notice these signs.
Common questions
Is it normal for teens to have mood swings? Depression and anxiety share some symptoms, including rapid and unexpected changes in mood [1]. Worrying about normal pressures is normal [2]. But feeling very sad, hopeless, or worthless could be a warning sign [2].
Are mental health problems in teens common? Yes. Globally, one in seven 10–19-year-olds experiences a mental disorder [3]. Anxiety disorders are estimated in 4.1% of 10–14-year-olds and 5.3% of 15–19-year-olds [1]. Depression is estimated in 1.3% of 10–14-year-olds and 3.4% of 15–19-year-olds [1].
Can mental health problems affect my teen’s future? Yes. The consequences of failing to address adolescent mental health conditions extend to adulthood, impairing both physical and mental health and limiting opportunities to lead fulfilling lives as adults [3].
Sources
[1] WHO — “Mental health of adolescents”, section “Emotional disorders”, p. 1 — https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/adolescent-mental-health [2] MedlinePlus — “Teen Mental Health” (2024), section “Introducción”, p. 1 — https://medlineplus.gov/teenmentalhealth.html [3] WHO — “Mental health of adolescents”, section “Key facts”, p. 1 — https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/adolescent-mental-health [4] WHO — “Mental health of adolescents”, section “Eating disorders”, p. 1 — https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/adolescent-mental-health [7] WHO — “Mental health of adolescents”, section “Early detection and treatment”, p. 1 — https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/adolescent-mental-health [8] WHO — “Mental health of adolescents”, section “Mental health determinants”, p. 1 — https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/adolescent-mental-health [9] WHO — “Mental health of adolescents”, section “Promotion and prevention”, p. 1 — https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/adolescent-mental-health [10] WHO — “Mental health of adolescents”, section “Psychosis”, p. 1 — https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/adolescent-mental-health
This guide summarises published paediatric guidelines. It is not medical advice and does not replace your paediatrician. In an emergency, call your local emergency number.
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