The teenage years come with plenty of change. Academic pressure, friendships, social media, extracurricular activities and questions about the future can all contribute to stress and shifting emotions. And the hormones. Never forget the hormones.

It is normal for teens to have bad days, become frustrated or want more time to themselves. But how can parents and caregivers tell when typical teenage ups and downs may be something more?

Is it Anxiety?

Everyone experiences worry from time to time. Teens may be particularly anxious about academics, friendships, extracurricular activities, making mistakes or disappointing others. Anxiety becomes more concerning when worries are persistent, difficult to control or begin interfering with school, relationships or everyday activities. 

Common signs of anxiety in teens may include:

  • Excessive or ongoing worrying
  • Irritability or feeling frequently “on edge”
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Trouble falling or staying asleep
  • Avoiding school, social activities or certain situations
  • Frequent headaches, stomachaches or other physical complaints
  • Restlessness or difficulty relaxing
  • Becoming unusually concerned about making mistakes or doing things perfectly

Anxiety does not always look like fear. A teen who seems angry, frustrated or unwilling to participate in activities may actually be struggling with worries they have difficulty expressing. Physical complaints can also accompany anxiety, making recurring headaches, fatigue or stomachaches worth discussing with a healthcare provider when there is no clear explanation.

Is it Depression?

Sadness is a normal emotion, especially after a disappointment, conflict or difficult experience. Depression, however, can involve persistent sadness, hopelessness or a loss of interest in things a teen previously enjoyed.

Some depression symptoms in teens can be easy to mistake for typical adolescent behavior. Irritability, for example, may be more noticeable than sadness.

Possible warning signs include:

  • Withdrawing from friends or family
  • Losing interest in favorite hobbies or activities
  • Persistent sadness, hopelessness or feelings of worthlessness
  • Increased irritability, frustration or anger
  • Changes in sleeping or eating habits
  • Low energy or ongoing fatigue
  • Difficulty concentrating or remembering things
  • Declining grades or changes in school performance
  • Talking about death, suicide or self-harm

Not every teen experiencing depression will show every symptom. What matters is noticing patterns, especially when changes persist for weeks or begin affecting a teen’s ability to function at home, at school or with friends.

Starting the Conversation

If you notice concerning changes, choose a calm moment to talk with your teen. Instead of immediately trying to solve the problem, begin by listening.

Ask open-ended questions about how things have been going at school, with friends and in other parts of their life. Let them know they can talk to you without fear of judgment or punishment. Even if they are not ready to share everything immediately, making it clear that you are available can help keep the conversation open.

Avoid dismissing their feelings with phrases such as “everyone gets stressed” or “you’ll get over it.” What may seem manageable to an adult can feel overwhelming to a teenager.

Knowing When Your Teen Needs Support 

If emotional or behavioral changes last for several weeks, cause significant distress or interfere with everyday life, consider talking with a healthcare or behavioral health professional. If a teen talks about suicide, self-harm or hurting someone else, seek help immediately. The Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is available by calling or texting 988.

Teche Health provides behavioral health services for children and adults, including assessment, diagnosis, treatment and counseling. Our behavioral health professionals can help families determine the next steps and provide compassionate, personalized support.

If you are concerned about your teen’s emotional or mental health, you do not have to wait until things reach a crisis point. Contact Teche Health to learn more about behavioral health services or find a clinic near you.