Warning Signs of More Serious Problems
- Change in sleeping or eating habits
- Easily becoming tearful or irritated
- Feeling a sense of helplessness or hopelessness
- Becoming very secretive suddenly, not wanting to answer questions or let you know where they are going or what they will be doing
- Mentioning hurting self (i.e. “I wish I was dead”)
- Experiencing difficulty making decisions or concentrating
- Socially withdrawing and demonstrating a lack of pleasure in activities that they used to enjoy—for example, not going out with friends anymore
- Unexplainable mood changes, mood swings
- Persistent low self-esteem (more than usual)
- Increased energy level without a purpose or reason
- Excessive anxiety or worrying
- Sudden changes in grades
- Unwarranted anger or aggression or often being angry for no reason
- Sudden change in friends or friend groups
- Abrupt shift in ability to take responsibility for things (suddenly more irresponsible, doesn’t do homework, go to work, etc.)
- Getting into more trouble than usual (i.e. argues, fights with family or friends, gets into trouble with teachers)
If your teen has a number of these symptoms for a prolonged period of time (2 weeks or more), it could be a sign of a more serious issue. Discuss the situation with the teen’s pediatrician or a local mental health professional as soon as possible.