How can I tell if my child or teenager is struggling with their mental health?
- Activ8 Mind
- Apr 23
- 5 min read
Updated: Apr 23
ACTIV8 INSIGHTS
From big life changes and tricky friendships to peer pressure and homework woes - so much happens in the day-to-day lives of our children and teenagers.
As they grow, they experience change, struggle, and an increasing desire for independence. While ups and downs are a natural part of the journey, some behavioural and emotional changes might be a sign that they’re struggling with their mental health.
Emma, Clinical Psychologist at Activ8 Mind Adelaide, shares some signs that parents, families, and caregivers should be on the lookout for.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Some signs your child might be struggling with their mental health and wellbeing
Sign # 1: Their behaviour changes
Behaviours are a form of non-verbal communication. If you’re noticing a distinct, negative change in behaviour, it’s time to pay closer attention.
Emma lists some of the more common examples -
They may have trouble focusing or following instructions
This could happen at school, at home – anywhere. You might notice a growing need to repeat yourself or provide more detailed directions. Chores or homework could be half-finished or forgotten entirely, and grades could be slipping.
They’re not enjoying school / hobbies / out-of-school events anymore
Your child might have loved school and felt passionate about their hobbies and after-school activities. Be curious if their enthusiasm and motivation drops, or they start making excuses to not go.
Their eating habits change significantly
Food preferences can change over time; here, you’re looking for behavioural changes that cause concern, for example eating in secret, feeling indifferent to eating in general, restricting food groups (without having or suspecting allergies or intolerances).
They’re reluctant to engage with others or withdraw themselves completely
It’s natural for children and teens to want some privacy and space; watch for a consistent reluctance to engage with friends or family (or everyone). Take note if they’re spending an increasing amount of time alone and avoiding family, friends, or community outings.
They begin engaging in risky behaviours
Children and adolescents will typically want to take risks as they grow. When these risks aren’t a threat to their – or others’ – wellbeing, they can help boost confidence and independence. When these behaviours have the potential for harm – for example, substance and alcohol abuse, reckless driving, illegal activities – it’s a warning sign.
They start experiencing tummy troubles or feeling ill more often
It’s always important to seek medical advice for stomach complaints and illnesses, however this can also be a sign your child is struggling with their mental health and wellbeing. You might find that younger children start having tummy troubles more often, or that older children frequently report feeling too sick to attend school. There will likely also be associated worries, fears and avoidance behaviours.
Their sleep patterns and behaviours change significantly
If your child or teen is having difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or waking up on time for school, it could be a sign that they are struggling with their mental health. Other changes, such as repeated nightmares or bedwetting, are also important to note.
Sign # 2 - You’re noticing emotional changes
Emotional highs and lows can be a normal part of growing up, but how do you know when it might be something more?
Emma tells us to look for significant, ongoing changes that are out of character and seemingly out of proportion. For example -
Their emotions are bigger than usual
You might be on the receiving end of unexpectedly big reactions to everyday questions or comments – questions and comments that wouldn’t normally phase your child or teen. Their reactions may be out of proportion to the triggering event; for example, you could witness them crying for what seems to be little to no reason or losing their temper at the tiniest of events. Conversations could become more difficult, and you and your family might feel like you’re walking on eggshells.
They seem to be feeling sad a lot, or they’re more easily angered than usual
When heightened anger responses or sadness last for a prolonged period, it could be a sign that your child or teen needs some extra emotional support.
Their emotions change from one minute to the next
In TV shows and movies, quick-changing emotions – aka moodiness – are often associated with everyday teen life. While changing emotions are normal to some extent in teenage years, prolonged experiences of quick-changing emotions – happy one minute, sad the next – could indicate your teen is struggling, and shouldn’t be so easily dismissed (particularly if this starts to impact their ability to engage in their day-to-day activities such as regularly attending school).
Telling or showing you that they’re feeling scared or worried
Children and adolescents often tell us or show us that they’re scared or worried. Remember to listen to their subtle and not-so-subtle comments, watch their facial expressions and visual cues for clues.
Sign # 3 - They express their mental health challenges through comments, stories, art or role play
Emma also notes that, alongside behavioural and emotional changes, you can learn about mental health struggles through role play, stories, art or everyday comments.
Role play, story writing and art can help children and adolescents process, express and explore their emotions. When struggling, you might notice that they begin focusing on sad or angry themes.
In older children and teens, saying things such as, “I don’t care anymore”, or “I wish I wasn’t here”, can indicate a need to lean in with love and curiosity – what’s prompting these types of comments?
How to respond, connect, and support children and adolescents who may be struggling with their mental health
Knowing what to say or do when you suspect that your child or teen might be struggling isn’t easy, especially if day-to-day conversations feel like an uphill battle.
Unfortunately, there’s no ‘one size fits all’ response or approach to follow. Your next steps will depend on many factors – from your child’s communication style to their openness to receiving support.
As a parent, it’s important to ensure that you’re taking care of your own mental health and wellbeing too. Doing so can help you approach difficult conversations with more confidence and respond with curiosity, validation, and support. Remember that conversations can’t be forced - approach questions or discussions without expectation.
In situations where additional assistance is needed, a psychologist could help your child or teen work through an issue, supporting them with individualised tools and knowledge to help improve their mental health and wellbeing.
This article shares some of the changes that could indicate that your child or teenager is struggling with their mental health. Each child is different, and the signs that they are struggling with their mental health can vary. This article should not be used as a tool for diagnosis; please see your local GP or psychologist if you are concerned about your child or teenager’s mental health. Specific next steps, care, and recommendations should be made on an individual basis by a healthcare professional.
MEET EMMA -
Emma is based at the Activ8 Mind Adelaide, Parkside. With a passion for, and experience in, working with children and adolescents, she is available to support individuals on their personal growth journey on Mondays and Tuesdays each week.
To learn more about Emma's qualifications, background, and interests, and the services that she provides at Activ8 Mind Adelaide, visit her profile.
NEED HELP AND SUPPORT?
Our psychologists are here to support you and your child / teenager. Medicare psychology appointments are available for individuals with a mental health care plan from their GP and our friendly team are available to answer your questions - contact our Adelaide team at 1300-575-329.
Comments