How To Tell If Your Teen’s Mental Health Is in Trouble: 10 Red Flags You Shouldn’t Ignore

The teenage years are a time of immense pressure, changes, and emotional turbulence. As young adults navigate school, relationships, identity, and expectations, many find themselves silently struggling with mental health conditions. 

These struggles are real and should be taken seriously. A dedicated clinic that creates a safe, nonjudgmental space where teens feel heard, seen, and supported is a great way to move forward toward healing.

Learn how you can identify a teen struggling with poor mental health, how to support them, and where to turn for professional help.

Table of Contents

• What Are the Signs of Bad Mental Health in Teens?
• 10 Possible Signs of Teen Mental Health Problems
• Kiwi Recovery Supports Teen Mental Health – Contact Us for Help if You’re Seeing Signs of Trouble

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Mental health struggles can manifest in teens in many ways. Commonly, changes in mood, behavior, and academic performance are tell-tale signs that a teen is having trouble with their mental health. Of course, mental health symptoms will be unique to every child, but as a parent or caregiver, having a good sense of what is “normal” for them and recognizing when that seems off is key.

In addition to these common signs, more overt symptoms like mood swings, irritability, anger, and tearfulness may arise.

If you feel your teen might be struggling with their mental health, talking to a professional can help. Kiwi Recovery offers a handful of programs designed for teens seeking healing, health, and hope. Let us help your teen pave their way to a bright future — contact us to learn more.

10 Possible Signs of Teen Mental Health Problems

#1: Persistent Sadness or Irritability

Sadness or irritability in teens can manifest in many ways. For some, they might have changes in their sleeping patterns or withdraw from social activities or groups, while others show a decline in academic performance or come forth with physical complaints.

“Persistent” is key here — teenage mood swings are normal. If a prolonged feeling of sadness or irritability lasts for several weeks, it’s time to seek help.

#2: Withdrawal From Friends and Family

If your teen typically spends nights and weekends with friends or is happy to tag along to any family activity, and suddenly loses interest, this might be a sign that they’re struggling with mental health.

As a parent or caregiver, create a safe space for open communication, actively listen to their concerns, and encourage healthy social interactions without pressure. If withdrawal and isolation persist, consider talking with a professional.

#3: A Sudden Drop in Academic Performance

Studies show a strong link between psychological health and cognitive function. When your teen’s mental health falters, they might experience a sudden drop in academic performance. Why is this?

Many mental disorders, such as schizophrenia, depression, and anxiety, can lead to cognitive impairments like difficulty with concentration, memory, executive functions, and processing speed.

#4: Changes in Eating or Sleeping Habits

A teen struggling with mental health might experience a change in appetite — either eating more or less — leading to weight loss or weight gain. It’s also not uncommon for teens dealing with mental health issues to develop eating disorders like binge eating or restrictive eating.

#5: Excessive Worry or Panic Attacks

Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is a mental health disorder characterized by excessive and persistent worry and anxiety about everyday situations. While these symptoms may indicate GAD, they can also be a sign of other anxiety conditions that affect a teen’s mental health. 

Those struggling with GAD might also experience sleep problems, muscle tension, restlessness, and fatigue.

#6: Risky or Self-Destructive Behavior

Risky and self-destructive behaviors in teenagers can encompass a wide range of actions impacting social, physical, and emotional well-being. While some behaviors can be mild, others can be severe or life-threatening.

These self-destructive behaviors might include:

• Substance abuse
• Unsafe sexual activity
• Self-harm
• Eating disorders
• Reckless driving
• Dangerous activities
• Poor self-care
• Cyberbullying 
• Relationship issues
• Suicidal ideation or attempts

If you notice your teen struggling with any of these behaviors, it’s important to reach out for help right away. Kiwi Recovery is equipped with a professional team that is eager to turn around your teen’s mental health.

#7: Self-Criticism or Low Self-Esteem

Unfortunately, being self-critical and having low self-esteem are far too common in teens, often stemming from social pressure, academic stress, and personal insecurities. If your teen consistently partakes in negative self-talk or social withdrawal, or struggles with perfectionism, people pleasing, excessive worrying, and the fear of failure, they might have a deeper mental health issue.

#8: Physical Complaints With No Medical Cause

If your teen is frequently complaining of physical complaints that have no identifiable medical cause, they may be dealing with somatic symptom disorder (SSD), a common mental health struggle. 

Symptoms of SSD include:

• Frequent headaches
• Fatigue
• Gastrointestinal issues; and
• Dizziness

Unfortunately, stress, anxiety, and depression can manifest physically, leading to these common symptoms. Sometimes, exercise, a healthy diet, and practicing mindfulness can improve both physical and mental health by promoting relaxation, reducing stress, and enhancing overall well-being.

#9: Intense Mood Swings or Aggression

Some common mental health conditions — bipolar disorder, depression, and intermittent explosive disorder (IED) — are all possible if your teen is struggling with consistently intense mood swings and aggression.

• Bipolar disorder is characterized by extreme mood swings that include emotional highs (mania) and extreme lows (depression).
• Depression can manifest as irritability that is often accompanied by anger or aggression. 

IED involves impulsive aggression and angry outbursts that don’t seem to fit the situation.

#10: Talking About Death or Suicide

The strongest risk factors for attempted suicide in youth are depression, alcohol or drug abuse, aggressive or disruptive behaviors, and a previous suicide attempt. The majority of adolescents who attempt suicide have a significant mental health disorder — usually depression. 

If you feel your teen might be having suicidal ideations, knowing how to talk to them and where to find help is crucial.

Kiwi Recovery helps young teens and young adults up to 25 years old struggling with mental health issues. Our outpatient care is tailored to every teen to ensure the best possible outcomes.

Mental health struggles can be overwhelming, but with the right support, healing is possible. 

At Kiwi Recovery, we witness firsthand the immense courage it takes for teens to confront their mental health struggles. We want every young person to know they are not alone and that reaching out for help is viewed as powerful, not a weakness. 

Our compassionate team walks beside teens and their families through every step of the recovery journey, offering care, understanding, and the tools to rebuild hope. 

Let’s move forward together — contact Kiwi Recovery for help today.

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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