Mental health affects every realm of a person’s life. When our mental health is negatively impacted, it inevitably will have repercussions in one of the following domains: school, occupation, relationships, sleep habits, physical health, appetite, mood and/or behavior.

With adolescent and teenage mental health disorders on the rise, it is more important than ever to understand the signs and symptoms that your child might be struggling. Knowing what to look out for without worrying about your child’s every little movement can feel like an overwhelming task, so let’s break it down together.

Mood/behavior changes

Changes in mood and behavior often are some of the first warning signs that your child may be struggling. You might notice that your once-easygoing, patient teen now is experiencing frequent angry outbursts or disobeying you or other authority figures in their life. If you observe a general loss of interest in activities your child formerly enjoyed or a constant state of fear, worry or hopelessness without obvious cause, it’s time to check in.

School/occupation struggles

If you find that your child is refusing to go to school, having trouble concentrating, missing classes, receiving lower-than-usual grades on assignments, forgetting to turn in homework or otherwise having a hard time in the school setting, they might be dealing with mental health stressors that are impacting their ability to succeed academically. The same goes for jobs; your teen no longer wanting to go to their weekend job or failing to uphold work responsibilities might be trying to send you the message that they need help.

Changes in relationships/social settings

Changes in social norms is another indicator that your teen might be facing adversity. Withdrawing from friends or usual social settings, or engaging in recreational activities that are unusual for your child is something to be aware of.

Altered sleep habits/physical health

Healthy sleep hygiene is important for maintaining mental health. If you notice that your child is sleeping significantly more or less than usual, or having difficulty sleeping altogether, it’s a good idea to check in with them about what might be contributing. Physical changes such as unexplained weight gain or loss, recurring stomachaches, headaches or other complaints can be a red flag. It also is important to be aware of any signs of self-harm: cuts, scratches, burns or bruising on your child’s body.

If you notice your child grappling with any of the aforementioned issues, it’s imperative to check in with them. You can let them know what changes you’ve been observing, emphasize that you are there to support them through whatever they might be dealing with, and talk about the options for seeking help. Checking in with other caregivers in your child’s life (teachers, coaches, relatives, etc.) is another great way to gather information about changes in your child’s mental health.

If, after talking with your child, your worry still persists, do not hesitate to seek professional help. Reach out to your child’s guidance counselor, their primary care physician or a vetted therapist for further support on how best you can support your child’s needs.

For more information on therapy services, please contact:

Elyssa DeWolfe, LICSW
The Counseling Corner
Hopkinton, MA
508-216-0627
Elyssa@counselingcorner.org
www.counselingcorner.org

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