Is My Teenager Just Moody or Is This a Mental Health Crisis?
It is a known fact that adolescents are moody. Sometimes parents find themselves walking on eggshells not knowing what mood will show up. Sometimes an adolescent's moods will dictate the state of the household. This can be very normal and you may hear things from your family and friends like “sounds pretty much like my household” or “this too shall pass.” Yet there are times when there is need for concern.
Adolescence is a unique developmental phase. An adolescent experiences significant physical, emotional and social changes more than any other developmental timeframe. If they are exposed to poverty, abuse or violence they are at even greater risk of developing mental health issues. Yet even, well adjusted adolescents experience life from a unique lense, often confused or emotionally challenged from what is happening around them. Adolescents often feel like they are outsiders even if they have a lot of friends. This can lead to feeling lonely and isolated.
According to the World Health Organization, one in seven 10-19 year olds experience a mental disorder, accounting for 15% of all mental health disorders globally. Depression, anxiety and behavioral disorders are some of the leading causes of illness and disability among teens. Suicide is the third leading cause of death among those aged 15-29 years old.
50% of all people who will have a mental health disorder in their lifetime, start to experience symptoms by age 14. The median age of onset for anxiety disorders is 6 years old.
Adolescents with mental health issues are more vulnerable to social exclusion and conflict, discrimination, mental health stigma affecting readiness to seek help, education struggles, and risk- taking behaviors.
Some factors to look for that may be red flags in your adolescent are:
Sleeping excessively or not being able to sleep. This may include difficulty falling asleep and or staying asleep
Feeling sad, empty, hopeless or worthless
Irritability accompanied by restlessness
Onset of new behaviors or rituals that are repeated
Difficulty concentrating or thinking
Auditory or visual hallucinations, including ringing sounds or seeing lights
Delusions including feeling superhuman. Teens can be higher risk-takers, but if they are putting themselves in danger due to feeling invincible, there may be a bigger issue
Self-harm
Suicidal ideation or a suicide attempt
Psychosis or detachment from reality
Significant weight loss due to disordered eating which can include restriction or vomiting after eating
If you believe your child is experiencing any of the above, it is important that they seek mental health services. If you are uncertain whether an emergency exists, call 988 for guidance from the Suicide and Crisis Hotline.
As a therapist who has worked with adolescents for 35 years, I have learned the importance of family in assisting their adolescent in their mental health recovery process. It is never a straight line. The family can be extremely helpful in providing compassionate emotional support, staying alert to warning signs of mental health crises, and making sure their adolescent receives mental health care by trained professionals such as social workers, counselors, psychologists and psychiatrists.
Even though adolescence is marked by individuation from parents and becoming independent, adolescents need guidance and support from their parents, now more than ever. If you feel that this period is more challenging than most so far, you are absolutely correct. It is important to stay vigilant and make sure that your adolescent is thriving and not just “surviving”. Parents can and should be the best resource and recognizing if their teenager is struggling with their mental health and seeking outside support to prevent a crisis.
