Teens experience an incredible amount of growth and development in a short period of time. This can leave adults – and teens – scratching their heads. It’s hard to know what is normal and what might be an issue.

To support teen mental health, there are many practices we can take proactively to support teens. But there may still be times when a child needs additional support. Here are a few things to look for.

Changes in Mood or Behavior

Mood swings are normal – but a significant increase in irritability, anger or sadness is not. If mood or behavior changes are constant and don’t return to a baseline level, it may be time for additional support.

Withdrawal

Isolation and loneliness is a significant concern for young people. If a teen begins to withdraw from social situations, friends, family or activities they used to enjoy, they may be struggling with their mental health.

Changes in Sleep or Nutrition

Sleep naturally changes as kids age, but pay attention if a teen is experiencing insomnia, sleep walking, oversleeping to the point that it is interfering with activities, or waking frequently. Nutrition may also raise warning flags if a child’s diet changes dramatically and they either eat significantly less or more than their normal diet.

Decline in Hygiene or Appearance

Occasional neglect of personal hygiene can be normal, but a serious change in hygiene practices or personal appearance may be a warning sign. Consistent neglect may include not participating in hygiene tasks such as teeth brushing, showering, or hair maintenance. Appearance can also include clothes, such as if a teen changes the style or the fit of their clothing dramatically in a short period of time.

Increased Risk Taking

Risk taking is a normal part of adolescence, but it can be dangerous when not done in a productive or safe environment. Increasingly dangerous behaviors such as substance use, unsafe sexual activity, self harm or sneaking out of the house may be indicators of mental health struggles.

Changes in Academics

For some teens, the first sign of struggle is a change in grades or school performance. It’s important to notice if a child loses interest in subjects they once cared about, seem to struggle with tasks that were once easy, have a negative opinion of all or many teachers, or show an overall decline in grades or performance. Some kids may even begin to avoid school, skip classes, arrive late or have truancy issues.

Other Signs

Some teens will be open about challenges they may experience that are harder to spot from the outside. This can include things like persistent anxiety, intrusive thoughts, obsession or hyper fixation, worry or fear.

What to Do

If you notice these signs in a teen, it’s important to take action and seek help. Here are a few resources.

If you are concerned that a child may have thoughts of suicide or self-harm, it is important to get help immediately. The Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is a 24-hour free resource that can be accessed by calling or texting 988.

Start a Conversation with the Child

Let the child know that you’ve noticed behavior changes and that you’re there to support them. Start with validation before attempting to fix the issue. This might sound like, “It makes sense that you’re overwhelmed/angry/frustrated.” Then, you can share what you’ve noticed without judgement or criticism. This might sound like, “I see you’ve started dressing differently.” Or “Your math teacher called me to talk about your grades. Is there anything going on that you want to talk about?”

Be available for them to talk with you but prepared that they may not want to right away.

Support Healthy Habits

Teens’ bodies and brains are rapidly changing and it’s important to care for them to support overall mental health. This means daily exercise or movement, a good night’s sleep, and a nutritious diet, which all support their current mental health and help them build healthy habits for the future.

Get Additional Support

Mental health care is health care. Most adults know the importance of taking children to the pediatrician for checkups and specialists for other medical needs. Mental health is no different. Teens may need the support of a licensed mental health professional to help them navigate this period of life.

For more on getting a mental health diagnosis for kids, read this four-part series.

Care for your own Mental Health

Caretaking for children is no small task even under the best of circumstances. When a child is struggling, the adults in their life also struggle. Remember to care for your own mental health by caring for your brain and body and getting additional support as needed.