Signs Your Teen May Need Therapy

The teenage population can seem somewhat elusive to their caring adults. At this point in development, they are working to establish independence, grow socially, and determine their sense of self. The teenage years are a time of storming and stress as teens discern who they are and how that fits into the structures they exist in. These developmental objectives also make teenagers especially vulnerable to mental health challenges. Knowing the signs of mental health struggles in teens is important so that you can recognize when intervention is needed and get your teen help sooner. 

First, it is important to understand what is normal for a teenager and what is concerning. Mood swings are common for this demographic as hormones change frequently and social pressures increase. Conflict with caregivers is also common as teens seek independence and push boundaries. Your teen may also push the boundaries of other areas of life with new hobbies, friends, and interests in this period of experimentation. As teens seek independence, it is also normal to notice some temporary withdrawal from family activities as teens devote increased time to their peer relationships as a way to differentiate their sense of self. 

However, if you notice these behaviors becoming more persistent, excessive, or interfering with daily functioning, it may be time to pay closer attention.

Here are some red flags that may indicate your teen is in need of counseling services: 

1. Persistent Emotional Distress

1. Prolonged sadness that includes feelings of hopelessness and worthlessness 

2. Excessive anxiety that may present as panic attacks, trouble sleeping, or irrational fears

3. Uncontrolled anger showing up in intense and frequent outbursts, inability to maintain social relationships, and potential physical violence. 

2. Behavioral Changes 

1. Decline in academic performance that is consistent and a typical for the student can be a sign of distress 

2. Sudden change in social behaviors like withdrawing from friends can indicate mental health concerns

3. Changes in sleep patterns like an increased or decreased need for sleep as well as eating patterns can be signs of emotional distress 

4. Engagement in risky behaviors like substance use, self-harm, or unprotected sex are often a cry for help. 

3. Cognitive Challenges 

1. Difficulty concentrating can indicate anxiety, ADHD, depression, or other mental health concerns 

2. Noticeable shifts in personality such as becoming withdrawn, aggressive, or fearful 

3. Hallucinations or delusions where your teen is hearing or seeing things that others cannot see or hear 

4. Thoughts of Suicide or Self-harm 

1. Self-harm in teens can take many forms. Look for signs of cutting, burning, hitting, or ingesting harmful substances. Self-harm does not always indicate thoughts of suicide. Many individuals self-harm as a way to cope with emotional distress because they lack safe coping mechanisms and supports. 

2. Suicidal thoughts. You may notice your teen expressing hopelessness, low self worth, low motivation, isolation, a wish to disappear, make it all stop, or to die. These are signs that may encourage you to ask more questions around thoughts around suicide with your teen. Talking about suicide does not increase the risk of a suicide attempt. 

3. If you feel that your teen is experiencing thoughts of suicide, we encourage you to call 988, the national suicide hotline, and/or take your teen to your local emergency room for a safety evaluation. 

If you notice any of these signs in your teen, it may be supportive to seek counseling. Counseling can help by providing a supportive, non-judgemental, and confidential space for teens to work through emotional distress. In counseling, teens can process emotions, improve communication skills, build self esteem, and learn coping strategies for difficult emotions. Getting your teen support early, sets them up for a lifetime of success and wellness. 

Approaching your teen about receiving counseling may feel treacherous, especially if their mood is difficult to manage and conflict in the family is high. Find a quiet and private setting in which to approach your teen. Calmly and lovingly observe the specific behaviors you have noticed that are causing your concern for their wellbeing. Coming into the conversation with examples of these behaviors will help to support your points to a teen whose emotions may be more unreliable.  Listen actively to your teen, providing them a chance to share their thoughts and feelings and hearing without judgement. You may disagree or not understand their experience but it is essential that your teen feels validated and supported by you in order to take the next steps in getting them care. Avoid criticizing or blaming your teen for their distress as this will only increase the intensity of any existing mental health concerns. Should your teen not be open to exploring their feelings, respect their privacy and make it clear that they are welcome to return to this conversation with you in the future. 

If your teen is open to counseling, involve them in the process of finding a therapist. Talk with them about what might matter to them in a therapist and present them with options for care. Allow the teen to be present in any consultations with therapists and converse openly with your teen about their preferences for care. Providing your teen with as much choice as possible plays to their need for independence and increases their investment in the counseling process, making them more willing to commit to counseling. 

City Mental Health Counseling takes multiple forms of insurance and has a team of therapists ready to connect with you and your teen and talk about the best next steps and options for their care. If you find yourself wondering if your teen is exhibiting any of these signs, please do not hesitate to reach out to us for support. 

Written by, Kate Dotson, MHC-LP