Mental Health in Teenagers: How to Recognize the Signs and Help

This blog touches on mental health in teenagers: how to recognize the signs and help. Transitioning into teenage years can feel like an abrupt change, filled with pressure and expectations. In today’s world, we’re seeing this pressure starting earlier. Social media apps like TikTok and Instagram may have negative impacts on teens’ self esteem and mental health. 

 

There is no one-size-fits all for teens struggling with mental health. You have the high achievers, who seem to be excelling in everything, yet can be struggling. There are teens who may be more clearly demonstrating signs of struggling through low motivation, isolation, and more. How do you know that your teen could use some support?

 

It’s common that teens will opt into opening up to friends instead of their parents. They feel like you may not fully understand them, don’t want to be judged, or more. It’s likely that the more you hold a supportive space for them, they’ll feel more comfortable confiding in you. 

 

Navigating the teenage years can be difficult. Our therapists in Simi Valley have adept experience in working with teens struggling with a range of issues. For teen therapy in Simi Valley, consider reaching out for more information. And, check out our blog on the 3 Benefits of Teen Therapy!

 

Mental Health in Teenagers: How to Recognize the Signs and Help: Learn about the signs of various mental health issues

As mentioned, there may be no true tell-tale signs that your teen is struggling. They could be masking their struggles, denying checking in, or more. However, when you are aware of some common mental health symptoms, you may be able to better recognize the signs. 

 

Depression

Some symptoms of depression include (always consult with a professional for an official diagnosis):

 

• Loss of interest in activities or hobbies.
• Thoughts of suicide or death. Superficial self-harming may be present. (Click here to read My Teen is Self-Harming – 3 Things to Do).
• Increased irritability or anger.
• Changing sleep patterns, such as sleeping too little or too much.
• Isolating themselves from friends and family.

 

You can read more about 7 Signs of Depression in Teens by clicking here.

 

Anxiety

Some symptoms of anxiety include (always consult with a professional for an official diagnosis):

 

• Excessive anxiety and worry.
• Difficulty controlling excessive worrying.
• Restlessness or feeling on edge.
• Hesitance to be in social situations.
• Increased irritability or anger.

 

You can read more about 5 Signs It’s Time to Start Anxiety Therapy by clicking here.

 

ADHD (Attention Deficit / Hyperactivity Disorder)

Some symptoms of ADHD include (always consult with a professional for an official diagnosis):

 

• Impulsivity.
• Difficulty paying attention or staying on task.
• Moving around a lot, squirming, talking excessively.
• Feelings of worthlessness or guilt.
• Disorganization or being forgetful.

 

You can read more about Treating ADHD in Children, Teens, and Adults by clicking here.

 

While these 3 mental health issues are commonly seen by our therapists in Simi Valley, we work with a whole range of other issues. This includes teens struggling with grief, trauma, anger, and more. These descriptions are only examples of potential symptoms that teens may exhibit. 

 

It’s important to note that disorders can be co-occurring, where a teen presents with multiple disorders. Symptoms can be similar within different disorders, making it crucial for only a mental health professional to diagnose them for. 

 

However, if you do notice your teen struggling with any of these, it’s important to consider:

 

• When these symptoms began in your teen.
• How frequently you notice your teen struggling.
• If your teen is also aware of struggling with these symptoms.

 

Teen therapy in Simi Valley, CA pairs you with experienced teen therapists. We hold sessions in-person, and aim to have availability to accommodate after-school hours. Make sure to read our blog on Why Parenting During Teen Therapy Matters.

 

Mental Health in Teenagers: How to Recognize the Signs and Help: Have a non-judgmental and supportive conversation with them

Talking about mental health with teenagers can be tricky. Your teen may view it as “cringe”, they may get defensive or irritable, or brush it off. Whatever it may be, you know it may be difficult to connect with them on a deeper level. You want to ensure you aren’t forcing them to open up about anything, and give them frequent reminders of your love and care for them.

 

Consider setting some important time aside to sit down and have a talk with them. You’ll want to focus on validation, active listening, and offering to understand how you can meet their needs. It takes finding some middle ground between you, and remaining patient.

 

Examples of how to approach a conversation:

• I notice that something feels a bit off with you lately. I wanted to check in and see how you’re doing. 
• I understand you’re feeling a lot right now. I want you to know I take it seriously, and care about you a lot. 
• It’s okay if you don’t want to talk to me right now. Just know, I’m always here for you.
• Are you needing anything from me? More space, more recognition, etc.? Let me know how I can help you feel supported.
• I won’t judge you for how you’re feeling. I want to better understand and hear you out.

 

It’s likely that there’ll be hesitancy to open up. As mentioned, you may be met with defensiveness, avoidance, or more. The important aspect is just listening to them. Your teen wants to feel that they’re heard, and understood. 

 

You can demonstrate this by repeating back what they tell you. You may want to ask further questions for clarification, but give them the floor to express what’s going on. Acknowledge that you’re open to learning about their experiences, and that can take some time. It’s not an overnight process for you to fully understand what your teen may be going through – and that’s okay.

 

Providing your teen with a safe, nurturing environment is critical to their mental health and well-being. You may consider family therapy, to involve all family members in the process. Consider reading our blog on Teen Therapy or Family Therapy?

 

Mental Health in Teenagers: How to Recognize the Signs and Help: Connect them with professional support

If you notice your teen struggling in some areas, it’s a good idea to connect them with professional support. This could look like struggling with school, socialization, interpersonal things, and more. It’s important to take these struggles seriously, and offer intervention and treatment at the start. 

 

Your teen may not be fully open to the idea of going to therapy every week. However, you can give them some autonomy in finding the right fit. Read about our 3 Tips for Starting Teen Therapy in Simi Valley. Making sure that your teen feels comfortable, valued, and heard is our therapists’ priority. 

 

Consider reading through this blog as well on My Teen Doesn’t Want Therapy. How can you help your teen feel empowered throughout this process? Helping them recognize that they are deserving of a safe space can help them feel more open. 

 

If your teen is struggling with thoughts of suicide, they may need a higher level of care to keep them safe. Speaking directly with a professional, such as a therapist or primary care provider, can help bring clarification to the best options for them. From there, your teen can begin receiving additional support.

 

Mental health in teenagers can oftentimes be brushed off as teenage angst. However, they may be struggling with something heavier beneath the surface. If you’re interested in learning more about our teen services, consider reaching out for a free consultation!

 

In-person therapy in Simi Valley is ideal for those seeking a separate, safe space from their home. Check out our blog on Online Therapy or In Office Therapy to understand what format is best for you. Another great blog to read is ours on if you need Therapy or Medication to address your issues.

 

By seeking out support, you can begin your journey to feeling relief. You don’t have to go through finding the right level of support alone, either. By clicking here, you’ll read our blog on Information About Simi Valley Therapists.

 

Consider calling our therapy group at (805) 774-1506 for a free consultation on how you or a loved one can get started today!

 

Seek out a validating, safe environment with us today. We will help you get to where you want to be. Our therapists provide trauma therapy, teen therapy, individual adult therapy, LGBTQIA+ therapy, anxiety therapy, depression therapy, family therapy, and more in-office in Simi Valley, CA.