Mental Health Red Flags in Teens
AS SEEN ON FOX5DC- WTTG NEWS: https://www.fox5dc.com/video/1676006
Here are five often-overlooked signs that your teen might be dealing with anxiety, depression, or emotional overwhelm.
1. Changes in Personality or Interests
Maybe your teen suddenly drops a sport they used to love or stops listening to the music that used to light them up. Maybe they start pulling away from close friends. These shifts are often brushed off as “just a phase,” but they can actually point to something deeper going on emotionally. A sudden loss of interest in the things that used to bring joy may be a sign of depression or disconnection.
2. Increased Irritability
Yes, teens can be moody. It’s part of development. But if you’re noticing intense irritability, frequent outbursts, or a short fuse that feels out of proportion, it could be a red flag. Sometimes, what looks like anger is really sadness or anxiety in disguise. For many teens, reactivity becomes their way of coping with emotions they don’t yet know how to express.
3. Physical Complaints Without a Clear Cause
Does your teen complain often of headaches, stomachaches, or general fatigue, but medical checkups don’t reveal anything wrong? Mental health struggles often show up physically. Anxiety, stress, and depression can impact sleep, digestion, and energy levels in very real ways.
4. Perfectionism or Overachievement
Not all signs of distress look like withdrawal. In fact, many high-performing teens are struggling silently. If your child is placing intense pressure on themselves, fears making mistakes, or spirals over small errors, anxiety could be driving that performance. Just because someone is doing well on the outside doesn’t mean they feel well on the inside.
5. Isolation Even in the Same Room
Sometimes teens retreat emotionally even if they’re still physically present. You might notice short, one-word answers or a sense that they’re checked out. It can feel like they’re drifting away even if they’re sitting right next to you. This kind of disconnection is easy to miss or misinterpret, but it matters.
What to Do If You’re Concerned
These signs don’t always mean something serious is wrong, but they are invitations to lean in. Check in. Ask questions without judgment. Let your teen know you’re there and that it’s okay to not be okay. Sometimes just naming what you're seeing gently and without pressure can open the door to a deeper conversation.
If you're feeling stuck or unsure how to support your teen, therapy can be a powerful next step. You don’t have to figure this out alone.
