The Nexus Teen Academy editorial and clinical team is dedicated to providing informative and accurate content to help families who are struggling with adolescent behavioral health problems. The editorial team works directly with the clinical team to ensure information is accurate and up-to-date.
To do this, our team uses the following editorial guidelines:
We generally only cite government and peer-reviewed studies
Scientific claims and data are backed by qualified sources
Content is updated to ensure we are citing the most up-to-date data and information
Clinically reviewed by Executive Director Hannah Carr-Unquera, LPC
Executive Director Hannah Carr-Unquera, LPC
Hannah graduated from Arizona State University with her Bachelor’s in Psychology and Master’s in Counseling and is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Arizona. She began her work as a therapist 12 years ago in South Phoenix with an intensive outpatient program for teens and their families. She joined Nexus in the residential program as the clinical director, eventually being promoted to the executive director, creating and building the clinical program structure and a strong culture focused on redirecting the trajectory of young lives.
The Nexus Teen Academy Editorial Staff is composed of writers, editors, and clinical reviewers with many years of experience writing about mental health and behavioral health treatment. Our team utilizes peer-reviewed, clinical studies from sources like SAMHSA to ensure we provide the most accurate and current information.
Identifying and addressing early signs of mental illness in teens can prevent or delay its development. If you suspect that your son or daughter could be struggling with their mental health, contact our team at Nexus Teen Academy for help and guidance. We can provide expert advice and insight into your situation and help determine if treatment is necessary for your son or daughter.
This article will discuss different signs of mental illness in adolescents and how to help teens experiencing them. If you need help now, call our team today.
Emotional Signs of Mental Illness in Teens
Persistent Sadness or Depression
Your son or daughter could be dealing with teen depression if their behavior or attitude changes, causing distress and issues at home or school. Watch out for:
Extreme sadness, sometimes accompanied by inexplicable crying spells
Obsession with past failures, sometimes with excessive self-criticism
Significant appetite changes with drastic weight loss or weight gain
Prolonged withdrawal from family or friends
But how do you determine whether your teen is undergoing clinical depression and not just occasional sadness? Here’s the difference:
You can often link occasional sadness to a trigger, like an upsetting life event. Most people who feel sad find a relieving outlet like crying. Sadness declines and passes over time.
Clinical depression changes a person’s behavior and attitude. An individual can struggle to perform their daily duties and often has recurring sadness.
Extreme Mood Swings
Most teens experience mood swings. However, mood changes characterized by extreme lows or highs can indicate the possibility of a mood disorder. These conditions affect a person’s emotional state, with symptoms persisting for at least a few weeks. They become mental health concerns when they impair daily functioning or alter behavior and attitudes.
A study found that mood instability is a common symptom in various mental health conditions, including:
Anxiety is the body’s normal reaction to stress. When it’s mild and short-term, it can alert us to threats and prepare the body to avoid or escape danger. Anxiety becomes a disorder when it gets persistent or excessive, till it affects daily functioning. If you’ve noticed signs of anxiety in your teen but are unsure whether it’s a normal response to stress or a disorder, note the following:
An individual with “normal” anxiety may feel embarrassed or afraid when faced with an uncomfortable situation. Their fear is often realistic.
A person with an anxiety disorder will often avoid situations due to fear of embarrassment or judgment. Their fear can be irrational and usually persists.
Behavioral Signs of Mental Illness in Adolescents
Social Withdrawal and Isolation
Teens may withdraw from loved ones and social activities as they establish separate identities. Withdrawal becomes a problem when teens do it due to unrealistic fears or feelings of being misunderstood. They may feel irritable around people or that nobody cares about them. Such behavior can indicate the development of a mental health condition that will require the help of a teen mental health treatment center.
Isolation causes feelings of loneliness, leading to increased teen anxiety, depression, and suicide rates. A review suggests a strong link between isolation and mental illnesses. It also indicates that social isolation can affect cognitive development in adolescents.
Risky or Self-Destructive Behavior
Some individuals experiencing mental health conditions self-medicate through substance use. Factors like genetics, trauma, or personality traits can also cause a co-occurrence of substance use and mental illnesses.
People with borderline personality disorder may act recklessly due to their quick shift in interests and values. They may engage in impulsive and dangerous behavior, like substance use and careless driving.
You can also tell that your teen is struggling with their mental health if they’ve shown a sudden drop in academic performance. Here’s how mental illness can affect their schoolwork:
Teens with anxiety disorders may have increased fears about school environments, affecting their class attendance and studies.
Depression can affect the timely completion of assignments by lowering focus and concentration.
Teens with ADHDmay have low concentration and focus, affecting their understanding and information retention.
Teen girl or teen boy eating disorders can affect concentration, memory, and information processing.
Physical Signs of Mental Illness in Teens
Changes in Sleep Patterns
Your child may have difficulty sleeping due to a mental health condition. Insomnia is one of the indicators of depression and post-traumatic stress disorder. Many people with anxiety disorders and schizophrenia also struggle with insomnia. Moreover, if your teen sleeps for more than nine hours regularly, it could be due to depression or anxiety.
69% to 100% of people studied reported a decreased need for sleep during mania.
23% to 78% of people studied reported excessive sleepiness during bipolar depression.
70% of people studied reported significant sleep disturbance during euthymia, with 55% of them having signs of insomnia.
Unexplained Physical Ailments
It’s easy to assume that mental illnesses only affect cognitive functioning. However, mental health conditions can affect the rest of the body as well, causing:
Headaches
Fatigue
Pain
Muscle tension
Some people experience “brain fog” when they have difficulty focusing or thinking clearly. Anxiety disorders can also cause stomach upsets and diarrhea.
Not all physical ailments are related to mental health issues. A thorough assessment is necessary to determine the cause of these physical symptoms. If a physician doesn’t find any underlying medical cause, get your teen a mental health evaluation.
Changes in Appetite or Weight
You may have noticed appetite changes in your child. While this can happen to some teenagers due to various social and psychological factors, it can also indicate a mental illness. Individuals with depression may lose the pleasure that they used to have for food, which can affect their appetite. Teens with anxiety can also develop gastrointestinal issues, which cause a loss of appetite.
One of the major indicators of depressive eating is compulsive eating. Individuals usually eat for emotional relief and not because they’re hungry. So, they may eat more than they need and not feel satisfied. A study found that trauma, including PTSD, is linked to bulimia nervosa and other teen boy and teen girl eating disorders.
Cognitive and Thought-Related Signs of Teen Mental Illness
Difficulty Concentrating or Making Decisions
Most teens who have learned adaptive coping and aren’t distressed think best, remember fine details, and pay attention. You may wonder why your son or daughter has difficulty concentrating or making decisions. Cognitive dysfunction is a primary symptom of schizophrenia and some mood disorders. Research suggests that a decline in verbal ability between the ages of 13 and 18 is a strong indicator of psychosis.
Major depressive disorder can impair the following cognitive functions in adolescents:
Memory
Attention
Problem-solving skills
Resistance to distractions
Schizophrenia and bipolar disorder are also linked to cognitive impairments like:
Concentration issues
Learning
Processing speed
Expressing Hopelessness or Suicidal Thoughts
Most parents or guardians are willing and ready to help teens struggling with mental illness, but don’t know when to intervene. If you notice the following red signs, seek professional help as soon as possible:
Early intervention can help prevent the development or progression of mental illnesses. If you’ve noticed one or more of the above red flags in your teen, find help for higher chances of prevention and long-term recovery. The following signs may also indicate that it’s time to get professional help:
Recent or past trauma or loss, causing constant grief
Major personality, eating, or sleep pattern changes
Immense and persistent sadness, helplessness, or hopelessness
Inability to function or relate normally at school or home
Suicidal ideas or intent, self-harm, or harm to others: Your teen needs immediate attention if they show these signs
How to Approach a Teen About Mental Health Concerns
Teens may be sensitive to conversations about mental health. Approaching these topics with compassion is crucial in helping your child navigate challenges. The following tips can help start and maintain an impactful conversation:
Encourage open communication: Let your teen know they can express themselves freely. Foster supportive communication with no judgment or consequences.
Be vulnerable and relatable: Talk about times when you faced emotional challenges. Let your child know it’s okay to talk about them, and it’s not a sign of weakness.
Ask subtle, open-ended questions. Questions that start with “What” or “How” can encourage your teen to share more and provide insight into their possible challenges.
Teen Behavioral Health Treatment at Nexus Teen Academy
Identifying the signs of teen mental illnesses early can help prevent problems in their development and progression. Early intervention and treatment can also increase the chances of long-term recovery. Watch out for signs of mental illness in teens and seek professional help as soon as possible.
Our mental health experts at Nexus Teen Academy are devoted to supporting teen behavioral health. Call or visit us today for information on mental health and guidance in finding effective treatment for your son or daughter.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How does social media impact teen mental health?
Social media can impact teen mental health in the following ways:
Cyberbullying can cause depression
Photos on social media can cause negative body image among teens
Misleading social media trends can cause eating disorders
What are the most common mental health disorders in teenagers?
The most common mental health disorders in teenagers include:
Depression
Anxiety disorders
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
Eating disorders
Can academic stress lead to mental illness?
Yes, it can. Academic stress can increase the chances of developing anxiety or depression.
How do I differentiate between teenage rebellion and mental health struggles?
Most teens often aim their rebellion at parents, teachers, or superiors. However, teens with mental health struggles may direct their frustrations inward. As a result, they may experience self-doubt or isolation and engage in self-destructive behavior.
What are some coping strategies for teens struggling with mental illness?
Here are some coping strategies for teens struggling with mental illness:
Mindfulness and meditation
Journaling for emotional expression
Exercising and physical activity
Deep breathing and relaxation exercises
Getting adequate sleep and healthy eating
Positive self-talk and affirmations
Engaging in hobbies and creative outlets
What role does bullying play in teen mental health issues?
Bullying can lower a teen’s self-esteem, make them feel unlovable, and cause self-criticism. It increases the risks of anxiety and depression.
Are there any mental health apps or resources specifically for teens?
Yes, there are. Here are some mental health apps for teens:
Calm Harm
Smiling Mind
Clear Fear
Worry Time
The following are mental health resources specifically for teens:
Five honest questions. You’ll get a clear read on where things stand, and a licensed counselor can walk you through the next step. Private, no obligation.
Your reading
Here’s where things stand
If your teen is in immediate danger, call or text 988 or 911 now.
Signs of Mental Illness in Teens
FACT CHECKED
The Nexus Teen Academy editorial and clinical team is dedicated to providing informative and accurate content to help families who are struggling with adolescent behavioral health problems. The editorial team works directly with the clinical team to ensure information is accurate and up-to-date.
To do this, our team uses the following editorial guidelines:
Clinically reviewed by Executive Director Hannah Carr-Unquera, LPC
Executive Director Hannah Carr-Unquera, LPC
Hannah graduated from Arizona State University with her Bachelor’s in Psychology and Master’s in Counseling and is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Arizona. She began her work as a therapist 12 years ago in South Phoenix with an intensive outpatient program for teens and their families. She joined Nexus in the residential program as the clinical director, eventually being promoted to the executive director, creating and building the clinical program structure and a strong culture focused on redirecting the trajectory of young lives.
Published By Nexus Teen Academy
Nexus Teen Academy
The Nexus Teen Academy Editorial Staff is composed of writers, editors, and clinical reviewers with many years of experience writing about mental health and behavioral health treatment. Our team utilizes peer-reviewed, clinical studies from sources like SAMHSA to ensure we provide the most accurate and current information.
Published On April 30, 2025
Table of Contents
Identifying and addressing early signs of mental illness in teens can prevent or delay its development. If you suspect that your son or daughter could be struggling with their mental health, contact our team at Nexus Teen Academy for help and guidance. We can provide expert advice and insight into your situation and help determine if treatment is necessary for your son or daughter.
This article will discuss different signs of mental illness in adolescents and how to help teens experiencing them. If you need help now, call our team today.
Emotional Signs of Mental Illness in Teens
Persistent Sadness or Depression
Your son or daughter could be dealing with teen depression if their behavior or attitude changes, causing distress and issues at home or school. Watch out for:
But how do you determine whether your teen is undergoing clinical depression and not just occasional sadness? Here’s the difference:
Extreme Mood Swings
Most teens experience mood swings. However, mood changes characterized by extreme lows or highs can indicate the possibility of a mood disorder. These conditions affect a person’s emotional state, with symptoms persisting for at least a few weeks. They become mental health concerns when they impair daily functioning or alter behavior and attitudes.
A study found that mood instability is a common symptom in various mental health conditions, including:
The study also suggests that mood instability may play a role in the development and progression of conditions such as:
Excessive Anxiety or Worry
Anxiety is the body’s normal reaction to stress. When it’s mild and short-term, it can alert us to threats and prepare the body to avoid or escape danger. Anxiety becomes a disorder when it gets persistent or excessive, till it affects daily functioning. If you’ve noticed signs of anxiety in your teen but are unsure whether it’s a normal response to stress or a disorder, note the following:
Behavioral Signs of Mental Illness in Adolescents
Social Withdrawal and Isolation
Teens may withdraw from loved ones and social activities as they establish separate identities. Withdrawal becomes a problem when teens do it due to unrealistic fears or feelings of being misunderstood. They may feel irritable around people or that nobody cares about them. Such behavior can indicate the development of a mental health condition that will require the help of a teen mental health treatment center.
Isolation causes feelings of loneliness, leading to increased teen anxiety, depression, and suicide rates. A review suggests a strong link between isolation and mental illnesses. It also indicates that social isolation can affect cognitive development in adolescents.
Risky or Self-Destructive Behavior
Some individuals experiencing mental health conditions self-medicate through substance use. Factors like genetics, trauma, or personality traits can also cause a co-occurrence of substance use and mental illnesses.
People with borderline personality disorder may act recklessly due to their quick shift in interests and values. They may engage in impulsive and dangerous behavior, like substance use and careless driving.
Some teens self-harm due to emotional distress. A study found that mental illnesses pose a greatly increased risk of self-harm and suicide. If your child shows signs of self-harming behavior, contact our teen behavioral health team at Nexus Teen Academy for guidance.
Sudden Drop in Academic Performance
You can also tell that your teen is struggling with their mental health if they’ve shown a sudden drop in academic performance. Here’s how mental illness can affect their schoolwork:
Physical Signs of Mental Illness in Teens
Changes in Sleep Patterns
Your child may have difficulty sleeping due to a mental health condition. Insomnia is one of the indicators of depression and post-traumatic stress disorder. Many people with anxiety disorders and schizophrenia also struggle with insomnia. Moreover, if your teen sleeps for more than nine hours regularly, it could be due to depression or anxiety.
A review indicates the following sleep inconsistencies among people with bipolar disorder:
Unexplained Physical Ailments
It’s easy to assume that mental illnesses only affect cognitive functioning. However, mental health conditions can affect the rest of the body as well, causing:
Some people experience “brain fog” when they have difficulty focusing or thinking clearly. Anxiety disorders can also cause stomach upsets and diarrhea.
Not all physical ailments are related to mental health issues. A thorough assessment is necessary to determine the cause of these physical symptoms. If a physician doesn’t find any underlying medical cause, get your teen a mental health evaluation.
Changes in Appetite or Weight
You may have noticed appetite changes in your child. While this can happen to some teenagers due to various social and psychological factors, it can also indicate a mental illness. Individuals with depression may lose the pleasure that they used to have for food, which can affect their appetite. Teens with anxiety can also develop gastrointestinal issues, which cause a loss of appetite.
One of the major indicators of depressive eating is compulsive eating. Individuals usually eat for emotional relief and not because they’re hungry. So, they may eat more than they need and not feel satisfied. A study found that trauma, including PTSD, is linked to bulimia nervosa and other teen boy and teen girl eating disorders.
Cognitive and Thought-Related Signs of Teen Mental Illness
Difficulty Concentrating or Making Decisions
Most teens who have learned adaptive coping and aren’t distressed think best, remember fine details, and pay attention. You may wonder why your son or daughter has difficulty concentrating or making decisions. Cognitive dysfunction is a primary symptom of schizophrenia and some mood disorders. Research suggests that a decline in verbal ability between the ages of 13 and 18 is a strong indicator of psychosis.
Major depressive disorder can impair the following cognitive functions in adolescents:
Schizophrenia and bipolar disorder are also linked to cognitive impairments like:
Expressing Hopelessness or Suicidal Thoughts
Most parents or guardians are willing and ready to help teens struggling with mental illness, but don’t know when to intervene. If you notice the following red signs, seek professional help as soon as possible:
When to Seek Professional Help
Identifying the Need for Intervention
Early intervention can help prevent the development or progression of mental illnesses. If you’ve noticed one or more of the above red flags in your teen, find help for higher chances of prevention and long-term recovery. The following signs may also indicate that it’s time to get professional help:
How to Approach a Teen About Mental Health Concerns
Teens may be sensitive to conversations about mental health. Approaching these topics with compassion is crucial in helping your child navigate challenges. The following tips can help start and maintain an impactful conversation:
Teen Behavioral Health Treatment at Nexus Teen Academy
Identifying the signs of teen mental illnesses early can help prevent problems in their development and progression. Early intervention and treatment can also increase the chances of long-term recovery. Watch out for signs of mental illness in teens and seek professional help as soon as possible.
Our mental health experts at Nexus Teen Academy are devoted to supporting teen behavioral health. Call or visit us today for information on mental health and guidance in finding effective treatment for your son or daughter.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Social media can impact teen mental health in the following ways:
The most common mental health disorders in teenagers include:
Yes, it can. Academic stress can increase the chances of developing anxiety or depression.
Most teens often aim their rebellion at parents, teachers, or superiors. However, teens with mental health struggles may direct their frustrations inward. As a result, they may experience self-doubt or isolation and engage in self-destructive behavior.
Here are some coping strategies for teens struggling with mental illness:
Bullying can lower a teen’s self-esteem, make them feel unlovable, and cause self-criticism. It increases the risks of anxiety and depression.
Yes, there are. Here are some mental health apps for teens:
The following are mental health resources specifically for teens:
Schools can help identify and address teen mental health issues by: