When to Call

Deciding when to pick up the phone and get your child started is crucial, read below to see when that time should come.

Signs your child may need to see a mental health professional

Though it is natural for your teen to act out in this stage of their life, there are some signs you should look out for before contacting a mental health professional. If your teen is consistently displaying any of the behaviors below, it might be time to seek help.



Tiredness



Alcohol Abuse



Thoughts of Death



Sadness



Isolation



Guilt



Change in Appetite



No Concentration

More signs can include:

Feeling sad, hopeless, anxious, fearful or angry for an extended period
Withdrawal from family and friends
Changes in eating and sleeping habits
Frequent talk about death and suicide
Trouble concentrating and making decisions
Practicing self-harm
Decline in academic performance
Acting out sexually
Feeling restless with an inability to settle down or focus
Loss of interest in activities they once enjoyed
Running away from home

If you’ve noticed any of the above issues with your teen or young adult, don’t wait to reach out for help. Many parents may be reluctant and choose to wait to see if the problems “resolve themselves.” But if your child really does need help, their psychological and behavioral issues will only get worse and could lead to life-threatening situations.

View our Mental Health Resources

Determining if Your Teen or Young Adult Needs Help

Today, teenagers and young adults face stressors in their families, social circles, and school that most of us didn’t have to worry about growing up. Between the constant comparison with one another on social media and the unprecedented state of our world today, it’s no wonder 1 in 5 teens suffers from depression.

But how do you know if your teenager or young adult suffers from a mental illness or if they are simply becoming an emerging adult with changing hormones?

Do you ever ask yourself,

“Is my son just being a moody teenager or does he actually need help?” Or “Is my daughter acting rebellious as she tries to be an independent adult or is she crying out for help?”

You’re not alone.

Parents just like you ask those questions and many more every single day. You don’t want to stifle your son or daughter with concern, but you also don’t want to let something serious go untreated.

After all, not intervening in your teen’s mental health issues could have serious consequences.

While it’s normal for any teen or young adult to deal with plain old mood swings and sadness from time to time, you must keep a close eye on your child to observe whether it’s something more. Peer pressure, changing hormones, academic expectations, and social drama can lead to your child developing anxiety or depression.

Not all teens and young adults display the same signs and symptoms of depression. But you know your child better than anyone. Take note of any major changes in their emotions and behaviors to see if they could benefit from professional help.

Find out What We Do at Dayrise and how we will help your child based on their unique needs.

Get Started