The adolescent experience has certainly changed over the years with innovations and revolutions in personal communication and culture at large. But in many ways, the concerns of today’s teens are much the same as those in the past. Struggles with identity and acceptance among peers, finding solace at home, and planning for one’s upcoming adulthood are still top-of-mind for today’s teens. However, mental health issues among adolescents today have reached alarming levels, increasing the urgency in finding out how we can better support them. This article seeks to assemble some of the insights we've gathered as a Boulder, Colorado mental health clinic; along the way we will highlight essential information on common disorders, warning signs, and the role parents and guardians can play in facilitating open communication. By examining teen mental health in depth, we can collectively work towards fostering a healthier, more supportive environment for the new generations.
Understanding Teen Mental Health
Adolescence is a time of significant changes and challenges, which can trigger or exacerbate the presence of mental health conditions. In a period of naturally increased instability and uncertainty, teen mental health concerns can be all the more difficult to understand and effectively treat.
Beyond the internal struggles of pubescence, mental health struggles can also outwardly affect a teen's performance and experience in school. Students may face additional pressure from academics and extracurricular activities that can lead to a mental health crisis, on top of increased pressures to “fit in” to social groups. Professionals like school counselors and primary care providers are commonly the first line of defense in observing mental health concerns and shepherding young people into effective diagnosis and treatment through referrals and resource provisions.
We recommend consulting authoritative online resources like the National Institute of Mental Health and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, which provide valuable information for understanding mental health conditions and accessing appropriate care.
The Role of Parents and Guardians
As primary caregivers, parents and guardians are some of the first to observe changes in a teen’s behavior that may indicate a mental health condition. By maintaining open communication, you can encourage your child to share their mental health challenges, becoming proactive participants in their well-being. Familial support is also essential in advocating for needed mental health services—whether in the school setting through counselors or by seeking help from mental health professionals. By educating yourself on teen mental health, you gain the tools to best support your child.
Warning Signs to Watch For
Behavioral Changes
- Drop in academic performance
- Withdrawal from social interactions
- Unexplained bouts of aggression or irritability
- Decrease or increase in activity levels
- Changes in sleeping or eating patterns
- Engaging in risky or self-destructive behaviors
Emotional Indicators
- Continuous feelings of sadness or despair
- Severe mood swings that cause problems in relationships
- Excessive worry or anxiety, fear, or panic attacks
- Feelings of excessive guilt or low self-esteem
- Difficulty concentrating or apparent apathy
Physical Symptoms
- Frequent unexplained headaches or other physical complaints
- Drastic changes in energy levels or sleeping patterns
- Sudden weight gain or loss
- Neglect of personal appearance
- Use of substances like drugs or alcohol to cope
Seek Proactive Treatment at a Trusted Mental Health Clinic
Larson Mental Health has been serving Colorado’s youth since our founding. With locations across the state—in Boulder, Denver, Colorado Springs, Fort Collins, and Highlands Ranch—we proudly offer pediatric and adolescent medication management services that improve the quality of life for our teen and young adult patients. We work closely with parents and support networks to craft personalized care plans, beginning with an in-depth, detailed diagnostic process.
Reach out to learn more about the services we offer and how we can positively impact the mental health of your child.