Is your teen struggling? A guide to recognizing the signs of depression and anxiety

Moody teenage behavior is a normal rite of passage that nearly all parents will experience at some point in their parenting journey.

It may be a punch line in internet culture (“Mom, it’s not a phase!”) but parents should have the tools to know when typical teenage moodiness crosses into concerning behaviors that could mean something more serious.

Everyone wants what’s best for their kids, so it’s important to know when your child might benefit from seeing a therapist.

Knowing the signs of a deeper mental health problem — and normalizing getting help — can change lives.

Why teen mental health is different

First, parents should know that teen mental health looks different from adult mental health.

Adolescence is a season of rapid change where the brain is still developing, especially the areas responsible for impulse control, decision-making, and emotional regulation.

This means feelings can be extra intense and often overwhelming. Understanding this phase of development helps you respond with empathy instead of dismissing your child’s feelings.

The difference between anxiety and stress

Teenagers today are under a lot of pressure!

They have difficult classes and hours of homework, demanding extracurricular activities, peer pressure to fit in, and the tantalizing world of social media that wants to steal all their time and self-esteem.

With all this on their plate, it’s normal for your teens to be stressed — but they shouldn’t be feeling that way all the time.

Jennifer Katzenstein, Ph.D., of Johns Hopkins Medicine says, “Anxiety becomes an increasing concern when anxious feelings are very intense, go on for weeks, months or even longer, and/or get in the way of a teenager’s ability to learn, engage in home, school, and work environments, and enjoy daily life.”

The best way to tell the difference between stress and anxiety is that stress lasts a few hours to a few days.

Teens should not be feeling constant stress every day for months. If they are, it may be time to consult a professional.

Common red flag behaviors

The CDC’s most recent data from 2023 shows that about 40% of high schoolers are experiencing symptoms of depression or have in the past year.

While mood swings and occasional irritability are a normal part of growing up, persistent sadness or withdrawal are signals that it could be something deeper.

Here are some of the most common red flags to watch for in your teens:

• Extreme fatigue or sleep problems.Tiiredness that doesn’t go away with rest, difficulty falling asleep, and changes in sleep patterns are all signs of depression and anxiety disorders.
• Excessive worry.
• Daily anxiety and panic attacks are both signs that your teen is experiencing more than typical stress.
• Persistent sadness or suicidal thoughts. Any comments about self-harm, hopelessness about the future, or remarks about wanting to die should be taken seriously and addressed immediately by a mental health professional, says Sherri Gordon, CLC, in Parents magazine.
• Appetite changes. Since the teenage years are a common time when eating disorders develop, be on the lookout for rapid weight loss or gain.
• Severe mood swings. Rapid, intense shifts in mood without an obvious reason can be a red flag.
• Social withdrawal.
• A common depression symptom is the loss of interest in social activities and friends, or even avoiding family, can be a symptom of depression.
• Sudden changes in appearance or demeanor. Experimenting with their style is typical and healthy for adolescents. But refusing to brush their hair or shower, or wearing long sleeves and heavy clothing in warm weather is a warning sign
• Excessive screen time. Spending excessive amounts of time on social media or gaming, especially when it replaces face-to-face interaction, can be a sign of addiction or other mental health concerns.

The bottom line with all these red flag behaviors is to trust your intuition. You know your child best and can sense when something is truly wrong.

What to do if you notice red flags

It’s crucial to keep lines of communication open with your teen so that you can address problems if they arise.

Be open and honest as you express concern for them without framing it as blaming or accusing.

If your child isn’t receptive to talking with you, or you suspect a deeper issue based on red flag behaviors, you can encourage them to reach out and talk to a therapist.

So what does therapy actually look like? At Aspen Ridge Counseling Center, they can help you get started by narrowing down providers based on insurance, availability, and preferences. Then, your teen can start working with a therapist to improve communication skills, relieve stress and anxiety through improved coping strategies, and gain new problem-solving tools.

Make changes with Aspen Ridge Counseling Center

Aspen Ridge is your premier destination for comprehensive outpatient mental health services in Utah.

They serve individuals of all ages, including children, teenagers, families, and adults.

At Aspen Ridge, a dedicated team of professionals provides therapy and medication management, addressing concerns like depression, anxiety, behavioral challenges, academic difficulties, and substance misuse.

Mental health treatment should be accessible and affordable, so Aspen Ridge offers convenient telehealth and in-office appointments across five locations in Magna, Bountiful, Taylorsville, Tooele, and West Jordan.

Request an appointment with Aspen Ridge Counseling here or call (801) 990-4300.