Mental health conditions in teens can be difficult for parents to identify. As a result, many teens who could benefit from treatment do not get the help they need. Treatment for mental health conditions is often very effective. It is important for every parent to be aware of and understand the warning signs of mental illness and how you can help your teen cope.

What to Look For

The more clues and warning signs you notice the greater the risk of a mental health condition.

Mood changes. Look for feelings of anxiety, hopelessness, sadness, or withdrawal that last at least two weeks or severe mood swings that cause problems in relationships at home or school.

Intense feelings. Be aware of feelings of overwhelming fear for no reason – sometimes with a racing heart or fast breathing – or worries or fears intense enough to interfere with daily activities.

Behavior changes. These include drastic changes in behavior or personality, as well as dangerous or out-of-control behavior:

• Excessive sleeping.
• Frequent arguments.
• Withdrawal from favorite activities.
• Neglect of personal hygiene or appearance.
• Very suspicious of others.
• Seeing or hearing things that are not there.
• Using weapons.
• Expressing a desire to badly hurt others.

Personality changes. Aggressiveness and excess anger that are out of character. Low or loss of self-esteem.

Difficulty concentrating. Difficulty focusing or sitting still. Dramatic decline in academic performance and truancy or resistance to attending school.

Unexplained weight loss. A sudden loss of appetite, frequent vomiting, or use of laxatives.

Physical symptoms. Compared with adults, children and teens with mental health conditions may develop backaches, headaches, and stomachaches rather than sadness or anxiety.

Physical harm. Sometimes a mental health condition leads to self-injury (such as cutting or burning oneself). Children and teens with mental health conditions may also develop suicidal thoughts or actually attempt suicide.

Substance abuse. Some kids use drugs (illicit, over-the-counter, or prescription medications) or alcohol to try and cope with their feelings.

What to Do

Talk to your teen. It is important that you talk with your teen about your concerns. Though the conversation may be difficult and uncomfortable for you and your teen, it is important to let your teen know that you are there to help and that you can get through difficulties together.

Starting a conversation with someone about mental health conditions may never be easy. Below are tips to help ease into conversation.

Try leading with these following questions:

• Can you tell me more about what is happening? How you are feeling?
• Have you had feelings like this in the past?
• Sometimes you need to talk to an adult about your feelings. I’m here to listen. How can I help you feel better?
• Do you feel like you want to talk to someone else about your problem?
• I’m worried about your safety. Can you tell me if you have thoughts about harming yourself or others?
• I’ve noticed that you haven’t really been going out much lately and you don’t answer the phone when your friends call.
• I can’t help but notice that you haven’t been eating much at dinner and your stomachaches have been getting worse.

Additional tips to help lessen any tension during the discussion:

• Speak in a calm voice.
• Say what you mean and be prepared to listen.
• Try not to interrupt.
• Avoid sarcasm, whining, threats, and yelling.
• Don’t assume your answer is the only answer.
• Try not to use words such as “always” or “never.”
• Deal with the now, not the past.
• Don’t try to get the last word.
• If things become heated, take a break and come back to the discussion later.
• Acknowledge that you are in this together.
• If your teen does not want to talk about how he or she are feeling, it’s important that you give him or her space and time to respond. When your teen is ready to talk, make sure to listen openly and let your teen tell you about his or her feelings and worries.

Reach out to close friends, family, and your child’s medical provider.
If you’re concerned about your teen’s mental health or have noticed one or many of the above warning signs, don’t wait – consult your teen’s doctor. Describe the warning signs you have observed or your teen has expressed. Also talk to their teachers, close friends, loved ones, or other caregivers to see if they have noticed any changes in your teen’s behavior. Share their observations with their doctor as well.

If you ever feel that your teen is at immediate risk of harming himself/herself or others, call 911 immediately.

MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES

National Suicide Prevention LifeLine
(800) 273-TALK (8255)

Northwest Connections Crisis Line
(888) 552-6642

WI Hopeline
Text “HOPELINE” to 741741