Signs of teen mental health challenges

According to current data and research, teen mental health issues are on the rise. Official reports show that about half of all teens will experience a mental health condition at some point during their teenage years. There’s a common belief that this is primarily due to the pandemic, which undoubtedly had an impact, but reports show that teen mental health issues were rising long before COVID came along.

On one hand, these numbers could be a sign that more teens feel comfortable reporting mental health concerns and seeking support. Teens today have more awareness than ever about mental health. But they’re also facing unique mental health challenges, like social media and loneliness, that need to be addressed.

Parents and loved ones can support their teens by recognizing the signs of mental health issues and connecting their teens to therapy when it’s appropriate.

Signs of mental health issues in teens

One of the most important ways to support teen mental health is to be able to recognize when the teens in our lives are facing difficulties. 

If you notice the following signs in a teen, it could be a sign that your teen is experiencing mental health challenges:

• They’re isolating themselves — not only from their family members but from friends, coaches, and other helpful community members as well.
• They appear to worry excessively about school or friends.
• They seem angrier or more irritable than usual and may lash out verbally or physically.
• They seem disinterested and detached from everything — even activities that they used to enjoy.
• You’ve noticed changes in their eating or sleeping patterns.
• Their grades have suddenly dropped with no explanation.
• They talk negatively about themselves or seem to have a low sense of self-worth.
• They’re using drugs and/or alcohol and having difficulty stopping their use even after parental or legal intervention (it’s not unusual for teens to experiment, but you notice that their use is excessive or increasing).
• They talk frequently of death and suicide,* even in a joking manner.

*If you or a loved one is experiencing suicidal thoughts or thoughts about harming themself or others, please call or text 988 on any phone for the Suicide & Crisis lifeline, contact a local crisis line, or head to the emergency room immediately. Any of these resources will ensure that the person in crisis receives support right away. For more information on getting help, go to 988lifeline.org. If you’re experiencing a life-threatening emergency or you need immediate help, please call 911.

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Mental health challenges teens are facing

Teens are experiencing higher rates of many mental health conditions. The most common mental health diagnoses in teens are depression and anxiety, but they can also experience more rare conditions like bipolar disorder. Teens are also at high risk of self-harm and suicide.

Here are some of the most common mental health challenges that teens are facing today.

Anxiety

Many teens experience anxiety disorders. Over 30% of teens have an anxiety disorder, making it the most common mental health condition experienced by teens today. This number is even higher for girls — nearly 40% of teen girls experience anxiety.

Depression

Studies found that rates of depression in teens doubled during the pandemic, but they were already increasing previously. One in five teens reported at least one depressive episode in 2021, but the actual numbers may be much higher. Teens who are depressed may be more irritable, have more trouble connecting with peers and family, and experience academic challenges.

Bipolar disorder

Diagnoses of bipolar disorder in teens have increased dramatically. Between 1994 and 2003 — long before the pandemic — bipolar diagnoses in youth increased by over 40 times. Around 3% of teens live with bipolar disorder today. Teens with bipolar disorder sway between mood extremes of very high (hypomania or mania) and very low (depression). 

Eating disorders

The rates of eating disorders in teens more than doubled during the pandemic. Eating disorders are very complex and are one of the leading mental health conditions with the highest mortality rate. Noticing the signs that your teen may have an eating disorder is key to early intervention. 

Self-harm

It’s difficult to determine exactly how common it is for teens to self-harm, because many teens may be reluctant to disclose. But, according to some surveys, girls self-harm at a ratio of 2.6 to every 1 male. These rates have been increasing steadily. They increased by 40% from 2022 to 2023.

Suicide

Finally, suicide is a critical mental health problem for many teens. Suicide is the third-leading cause of death for U.S. teenagers aged 14 to 18. Teens across all genders and races are at increased risk of suicidal thoughts and attempts.

How does mental health affect teenagers?

Mental health affects teens in every area of their lives — it’s not just about whether they “feel good.” For example, they might start to experience academic problems or have a hard time maintaining healthy relationships with their peers. Physical health problems are also closely related to mental health.

Further, mental health is more than just an absence of mental illness. Teens are in a unique developmental period where they’re building who they are and where they fit into the world. Positive mental health helps them develop confidence in themselves and learn important skills — like emotional regulation skills — that will serve them into adulthood.

Risk factors and causes of mental health problems in teens

Because of how important this developmental period is, teens who are at risk of developing mental health conditions need to be protected.

Some of the risk factors and causes of mental health problems in teens include:

• Genetics: Some mental health conditions — like depression and anxiety disorders — tend to run in families. If a teen has close relatives with a mental health condition, they may be at higher risk of developing one themselves.
• Family conflict and childhood maltreatment: A stressful or unsafe home environment, including exposure to domestic violence, emotional neglect, or abuse, can have long-lasting effects on a teen’s mental health. 
• Being the victim of bullying: Teens who experience bullying — whether in person or online — may experience low self-esteem, social withdrawal, and increased risk of anxiety or depression. 
• Excessive or problematic social media use: Spending too much time on social media has been linked to increased feelings of loneliness, anxiety, and depression in teens. It can also expose them to unrealistic beauty standards and cyberbullying.
• Severe socioeconomic problems: Growing up in poverty or experiencing financial instability can increase stress, limit access to mental healthcare, and create barriers to academic and social opportunities — all of which can increase the risk of mental health problems.
• Identifying as LGBTQ+: This group is at much higher risk of developing mental health conditions and attempting suicide due to the discrimination and violence that many of them face in their communities.

Ways to support teenagers’ mental wellbeing

Parents and other adults can make a difference and support teenagers’ overall mental health in so many ways. Every teen — regardless of whether or not they live with a mental health condition — needs support. And having at least one positive relationship with an adult in their life can make them much more resilient against any stress and trauma they may come up against.

Talk about mental health

Make sure your teen knows that it’s OK to come to you with mental health concerns. Don’t wait until there’s a problem. Normalize these topics by making conversations about mental health part of your everyday life. 

For example, instead of asking, “How was school?” you might try a mental health check-in question like, “How’s your mood today?” Talking about mental health can normalize it and help your teen feel less ashamed to seek support when they need it.

Set social media limits

The research is clear: Problematic or excessive social media use can increase the risk of mental health problems in teens. Try to be aware of how much time your teen is spending on these platforms. Talk to them about digital media literacy and how to manage feelings of comparison that may come up when engaging with social media. Also, feel empowered to protect your teen’s mental health by restricting social media in your home if need be.

Encourage healthy friendships

An important task during the developmental period of adolescence is to build close relationships with their peers. You might notice that your teen much prefers hanging out with their friends than with you or other adults. This is normal and healthy. Help your teen build healthy friendships by talking to them about boundaries and the importance of communication. 

Help them identify — and validate — emotions

Emotional identification is a skill that can help teens be more resilient against mental health challenges. When your teen is irritable or acting out, help them identify and name the emotions they’re feeling. When they’re able to name emotions, the emotions may have less power over them. And when your teen does tell you how they’re feeling, validate them. It may not seem like a “big deal” to you, but it is to them.

Be a good role model

Lastly, be a good role model when it comes to taking care of your mental health. If you talk to your teen about the importance of self-care but tend to neglect self-care for yourself, this doesn’t set a good example. Think about what it would take to take care of your mental health needs. This shows your teen what it looks like to have positive mental health.

Getting help for teens’ mental health

If you think that your teen is facing a mental health condition like depression or anxiety — or if you think they’re hurting themselves or thinking about suicide — it’s important to get professional support as soon as you can. While your support as a parent is essential, some issues require the support of teen counseling.

It’s best not to surprise your teen with a therapy appointment. Make it a collaborative process, and give your teen as much autonomy as possible. Look through potential therapists together, and listen to their ideas about what they think would help them feel better.

Find care with Rula

Teens are at higher risk than ever for developing mental health problems, but there’s also good news: They’re more aware of mental health and may be more likely to seek help. As a parent of a teen, you can support teens in building strong mental health by normalizing conversations about mental health and encouraging healthy relationships. If your teen is suffering, a therapist can help. 

At Rula, we’re committed to delivering a comprehensive behavioral health experience that helps people feel seen and understood so they can get back to feeling their best. 

Rula makes it easier to find a licensed therapist or psychiatric provider who accepts your insurance so you don’t have to choose between affordable care and excellent care. With a diverse network of more than 15,000 providers, 24/7 crisis support, and appointments available as soon as tomorrow, we’re here to help you make progress — wherever you are on your mental health journey.

Get started with Rula today