Everyone knows that adolescence is a time of change and turmoil, both physically and emotionally. Your teen’s body is flooded with hormones that alter the way they look, feel, and act.
Though you may still think of them as your “baby,” they probably feel like an adult. They push against boundaries, challenge authority, and may take risks, too.
You want to give your child space to grow, while simultaneously wanting to keep them safe. When your teen is moody, reclusive, or rebellious, is that just natural teen behavior? Or is your teen struggling with a mental health issue?
The stakes couldn’t be higher: One in seven young people aged 10-19 experiences a mental disorder. The fourth leading cause of death among 15-29 year olds is suicide.
Your teen and your entire family can get the help and support they need when times are challenging or confusing at The Soho Center for Mental Health Counseling. Our knowledgeable counselors offer one-on-one counseling or family therapy at our offices in Greenwich Village, Manhattan, New York City or through HIPAA-compliant teletherapy.
Is your teen a rebel with a cause? Or do they need help? Following are seven signs that they may.
Teenagers and kids typically need more sleep than adults. When they’re between 6 and 12, the recommended total sleep time is 9-12 hours a day. From ages 13-18, they should sleep around 8-10 hours.
Early school start times and late nights spent studying or using mobile devices can disrupt your child’s circadian rhythm. If your child sleeps significantly more or less than the recommended times, they may not be getting the restorative rest they need to function.
The opposite change is also true. If your child has started sleeping more than usual, or is difficult to arouse, they may be feeling anxious, depressed, or both.
Children and teens may struggle with their place in the world, wondering how much of their life they’re responsible for and how their behavior affects others. If someone at school is bullying them, they may feel like they “deserve” it.
They may feel regret over decisions they’ve made that are out of alignment with their values. They may feel guilty about divorce, a death, or other trauma over which they realistically have no control.
Fatigue often goes hand-in-hand with depression. If your normally active child seems listless, they could be struggling with a mental health issue.
Another energy-level change that could indicate a mental health struggle is sudden highly energetic or manic behavior. If your child is suddenly filled with grandiose dreams and seems to have a tremendous amount of energy, they may be battling a bipolar disorder.
A good indicator of your child’s mental health is how well they’re doing in school. Whether your student usually excels or just gets by, if you notice grades plummeting, that could be a sign that they’re having trouble directing their attention.
Eating disorders are common in teens, particularly females. If your normally voracious child suddenly turns down dinner or dessert or claims not to be hungry at breakfast, they may be trying to control their calorie intake due to an eating disorder.
They may also begin to binge and either gain or lose weight. If they insist that they want to eat alone, hoard food in their rooms or backpacks, or if you suspect they vomit after eating, have them evaluated for anorexia, bulimia, or another eating disorder.
A prime indicator of depression in both kids and adults is a sudden lack of interest or motivation toward activities and people that used to bring them joy. If your child has quit sports teams, clubs, dance lessons, or friends, they may be struggling with depression.
If your teen has expressed any thoughts about dying or you suspect they’re researching how to commit suicide, contact the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline immediately. Simply dial 988. Be sure your child has the number, too, so they can reach out if they have suicidal thoughts.
Any of the seven signs above could be an indication that your child is suffering from depression, anxiety, or another mental health disorder. We evaluate your teen and make a diagnosis and a treatment plan, if necessary. Regardless, if your family dynamics have changed, you can get help by learning better communication skills during this period.
To find out how to help your teen with their mental health, contact our caring and sensitive team by phone or using our online form. You may choose either in-person grief and loss counseling or teletherapy.
