It’s important to know the signs and symptoms of mental illness in teens and seek help as soon as possible. While some everyday stresses can cause changes in a teen’s behavior, pay special attention to behaviors that include:
- Persistent problems across a variety of settings such as school, at home, and with peers
- Changes in sleep or appetite
- Social withdrawal; lack of interest in activities the teen formerly enjoyed
- Mood changes and signs of being upset, such as tearfulness and sadness
- Self-destructive and impulsive behavior
- Use of drugs and alcohol
- Frequent thoughts of self-harm or death
Unfortunately, less than 20% of children and adolescents with diagnosable mental health problems receive the treatment they need.