Signs Youth May Be Struggling

What Parents and Caregivers Should Know

Children and teens don't always have the words—or the willingness—to tell adults when they are struggling.

Sometimes emotional distress shows up through behavior, physical symptoms, school difficulties, or changes in relationships instead. That's why paying attention to changes from your child's usual behavior can be so important.

Every child is different, and one sign alone does not mean a young person has a mental health condition. However, persistent or significant changes deserve attention, especially when they interfere with daily life.

Emotional Changes

You may notice that your child:

• Seems persistently sad, worried, anxious, or irritable

• Has frequent or intense mood changes

• Appears overwhelmed or unable to cope with everyday stress

• Expresses feelings of hopelessness, worthlessness, or being a burden

• Loses interest in activities they once enjoyed

  
  

It's important to remember that depression and other mental health concerns don't always look like sadness. In adolescents, depression can sometimes appear primarily as irritability, anger, withdrawal, or changes in behavior.

Changes in Behavior or Relationships

Pay attention when a child:

• Withdraws from friends or family more than usual

• Stops participating in activities they previously enjoyed

• Begins avoiding school or other regular activities

• Has unexplained outbursts, anger, or aggression

• Starts taking unusual or dangerous risks

• Begins using alcohol, nicotine, or other substances

• Shows signs of self-harm

• 
  

A sudden or sustained change in friendships or social behavior can also be worth exploring. The goal isn't to assume the worst, but to become curious about what may be happening in your child's life.

Physical Changes

Mental health challenges can sometimes show up physically.

Watch for:

• Significant changes in sleep

• Sleeping much more or much less than usual

• Changes in appetite or eating patterns

• Significant changes in weight

• Frequent headaches or stomachaches without a clear medical explanation

• Feeling tired or lacking energy

  
  

Physical symptoms should always be taken seriously. A pediatrician or other healthcare professional can help determine whether symptoms may have a physical or emotional cause.

School and Concentration

A young person who is struggling may have difficulty concentrating, completing assignments, attending school, or keeping up with responsibilities.

Look for changes such as:

• A sudden drop in grades

• Difficulty concentrating

• Losing interest in school

• Refusing to attend school

• Difficulty completing work that previously seemed manageable

  
  

A change in school performance doesn't automatically mean there is a mental health concern. Academic difficulties can have many causes, including learning challenges, bullying, family stress, sleep problems, substance use, or physical health concerns. The change is an opportunity to ask questions and learn more.

When Should I Be Concerned?

Ask yourself:

Is this new?

Is it happening more often?

Is it getting worse?

Is it interfering with everyday life?

Does it seem out of character for my child?

If concerning behaviors or emotions last for weeks, cause distress, or interfere with functioning at home, school, or with friends, consider talking with your child's healthcare provider or another qualified professional.

Take Suicide Warning Signs Seriously

Some signs require immediate attention.

These may include talking about wanting to die, feeling hopeless or trapped, feeling like a burden, making a suicide plan, giving away important possessions, saying goodbye, withdrawing significantly, taking dangerous risks, or experiencing extreme mood changes.

If you are concerned that your child may be thinking about suicide, ask directly and calmly.

Asking about suicide does not put the idea into a young person's head. A direct conversation can create an opportunity for them to tell you what they are experiencing and for you to connect them with help.

For immediate crisis support, call or text 988. If there is an immediate, life-threatening emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department.

When in Doubt, Reach Out

You don't have to wait until you are certain something is wrong.

If your instincts tell you that your child is struggling, starting a conversation and connecting with a trusted professional can help you better understand what is happening and determine what support may be appropriate.

Noticing is not overreacting. Asking is not prying. Reaching out is not a sign of failure.

It is caring.