Is It Just Teen Angst or Does My Teen Need Therapy? 10 Signs To Look For

Your teen may have recently started experiencing mood changes and behaving in ways that feel unusual for them. As their parent, you’ve noticed these shifts. You may have been brushing it off as just another part of the teenage years and the ups and downs that come with them, but could there be something deeper happening?

Will they be able to handle it without help?

The teen years are full of change. Some may struggle to handle the things happening to them or around them. While it’s a normal part of growing up, some may need extra support to develop the skills they need to cope. Recognizing the signs that your teen may need therapy can be the first step towards their healing journey.

In this article, we’ll explain the signs that suggest your teen may need therapy. We’ll also help you understand how to identify these signs and recognize when traditional treatment might not be enough.

Table of Contents

• When Should a Teen Go to Therapy?
• 10 Signs Your Teen Might Need Therapy
• How Do I Know If My Teen Needs More Help Than Traditional Therapy?
• Find Help Beyond Traditional Therapy With Kiwi Recovery’s Substance Abuse and Mental Health Treatment Programs for Teens

Your teen may be struggling with pressures of school, friendships, and the uncertainty of the future. They may be feeling a mix of anxiety, sadness, or frustration — sometimes all at once. It may be hard for your teen to put all of their feelings into words. They may start to display changes in behavior, frequent mood swings, and ongoing difficulties in their social interactions or avoid their social life altogether.

If signs persist or worsen, your teen may benefit from receiving professional help. Kiwi Recovery specializes in adolescent and young adult treatments to help overcome mental health challenges. Our programs offer a structured therapeutic approach through individual therapy, group work, and evidence-based approaches designed specifically for adolescents.

Contact us through our online form or call us today to learn more about our services and how we can help you and your teen.

A 2023 data brief was released following the mental health strategy that addressed the mental health crisis in 2022. The data on youth in the United States revealed that 5.3 million adolescents had a current diagnosed mental or behavioral health condition.

You may be asking yourself — How do I know if my teen needs therapy or more? 

Look for signs of the following symptoms, as they may indicate mental health struggles that need professional guidance.

#1: Persistent Sadness or Depression

Hormonal changes during the teen years are a well-established part of development. It can cause sadness or depression, but these symptoms can go beyond developmental when they are persistent or worsen over time.

#2: Declining Academic Performance

A 2022 study shows that academic pressure is a common factor contributing to teens’ mental health struggles. The pressure they experience at school or other challenges they face may lead them to lose motivation or the desire to succeed. When teens who typically perform well in school suddenly experience a drop in their grades, it could be a sign of an underlying mental health issue that requires attention.

#3: Social Withdrawal or Isolation

Some teens may become more withdrawn, avoiding social activities and distancing themselves from friends. Always being alone can have negative impacts on your mental health. A review of forty-three articles revealed that the value of healthy friendships and peer connections has a positive effect on adolescents' wellbeing.

#4: Self-Harm or Suicidal Thoughts

Suicidal ideations among teens are, unfortunately, more common than people realize. According to the CDC, data shows that 20% of teens considered attempting suicide in the past year. These thoughts often stem from emotional stress and feeling hopeless due to trauma, bullying, family conflict, depression, and anxiety.

#5: Increased Anxiety

According to an analysis of a federal survey, roughly 1 in 5 adolescents report having symptoms of anxiety and depression in the past 2 weeks.

Signs of increased anxiety include:

• Frequent headaches, muscle tension, or stomach aches
• Difficulty concentrating
• Irritability
• Changes in appetite
• Social withdrawal
• Excessive overthinking

#6: Substance Use or Unusual Behaviors

Adolescent years are a time when peer pressure is strong and impulse control is still developing. If a teen’s mental health is struggling, they may be more likely to use substances to cope with their emotions. Due to substance use, emotional distress, or both, teens may develop behaviors that are uncharacteristic of themselves.

#7: Drastic Changes in Sleep or Eating Habits

Teens struggling with their mental health may develop poor sleep patterns and unhealthy eating habits. If these changes are severe and further affect your teen, they may be facing deeper emotional and psychological issues that should be addressed by a professional.

#8: Difficulty Handling Major Life Events

If a teen is struggling with their mental health, a significant life event can sometimes trigger a downward spiral. Life events such as a divorce, changing schools, or loss of a loved one can heighten negative emotions they may already be feeling. The intense feelings may make their ability to cope more difficult.

If your teen has recently experienced a major life event that they aren’t coping well with, they may need professional support to work through significant emotions. Kiwi Recovery is dedicated to supporting you and your teen through the struggles they are facing.

#9: Frequent Physical Complaints With No Medical Cause

Mental health conditions can often be noticed through continuous physical complaints. Our mind and body are so deeply connected that we sometimes feel physical sensations as a response to emotional distress.

Physical symptoms that could indicate underlying mental health struggles:

• Joint pain
• Limb pain
• Back pain
• Gastrointestinal problems

#10: Sudden or Extreme Behavioral Changes

Extreme behavioral changes could indicate that your teen is struggling to handle their mental health on their own and may need additional support. Changes such as sudden aggression, withdrawal, or risky behaviors may be how they are expressing their underlying emotions of fear, anxiety, and stress that they don’t know how to manage.

Traditional therapy might not be fully addressing the needs of your teen. If they aren’t showing improvements in their current program, they may need a more specialized and structured approach. If your teen can safely be at home during the evenings, a day treatment program can offer them more intensive support and tools to overcome mental health challenges.

Reasons why your teen may need a specialized treatment plan include:

• Traditional therapy isn’t enough
• Substance use is a concern
• They are experiencing suicidal thoughts
• Inability to function in everyday life
• The need for a structured setting

Kiwi Recovery offers treatments tailored to adolescents and young adults. Our compassionate clinicians offer structure while creating a safe environment that fosters resilience and empowers youths to learn the tools for mental stability.

Helping your teen grow into a successful adult is a goal many parents share. If your teen is showing signs of needing additional mental health support, it could be time to consider a program designed specifically for adolescents and young adults. Kiwi Recovery offers personalized treatment plans that focus on building emotional resilience and healthy coping skills for each individual.

Kiwi Recovery’s programs include:

• Adolescent Program
  
  • Afternoon program: Monday, Wednesday, Friday from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM
  • Full Day Treatment: Monday through Friday from 9:00 AM to 3:15 PM 
• Young Adult Program
  
  • Morning Program: Monday through Friday from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM 
  • Full Day Treatment: Monday through Friday from 9:00 AM to 2:30 PM

Kiwi Recovery and our compassionate clinicians understand that today’s teens face unique challenges, and we are dedicated to providing personalized support to help them overcome these obstacles and thrive. We create a safe, judgment-free environment for adolescents and young adults to rebuild confidence, connections, and learn the skills to shape a successful future for themselves.

Call or fill out our online contact form today — let’s begin your teen's road to healing.

‍

The content in this blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.