Mental health: How do you know when your teen is more than just moody?

Mental health problems are everywhere, but unlike a broken arm or leg, it’s difficult to see them. For many parents, it’s difficult to recognise when their child is suffering internally, whether it be from anxiety or depression for example, but in reality it is something we can no longer ignore.

The 2015 landmark national survey that examined 6 300 families, revealed that the number of children who were seeking help for mental illnesses and health problems, has doubled since 1998. This latest report has been seen as a wake-up call to parents.

The problem most parents often find is identifying these problems, and knowing how and when to intervene so they can help reduce the impact on the child’s social, emotional and academic functions. This comes as no surprise as rarely are parents or teachers helped to identify the traits of mental health teenagers versus those of a typical moody teenager.

Main signs to look out for

The main signs of depression or anxiety for which we can look out for include:

• Withdrawn or lack in social activity. These include dropping out of social sports, seeing less of their friends and choosing solo activities at home.
• Drinking alcohol or being involved with drugs. This can be particularly inherent if there is a history of this in the family.
• Poor school attendance. If your teenager is suddenly skipping classes, one has to wonder why.
• A drop in grades. This may be one of the more obvious signs to see. If you are used to seeing your child reach above 80%, and then they start regularly producing 65% in tests, this is a sign to talk to your child and discuss seeking help.
• Self-harm. A preoccupation with death can seem a scary one, a one we may wish to turn a blind eye to. Often with self-harm it is hard to identify as it’s done in places not always on display, such as on the knicker line, upper thighs covered by shorts or skirts, and on the ankles covered by socks.

Many adolescents can exhibit these types of behaviour at one time or another, which makes it even more difficult to differentiate if one is simply a moody, hormonal teenager, or one in serious need or help.

It’s important to look at what’s been going on in the life of your teen at home. Has there been a parental separation, a new marriage, a new sibling? Or there may be important changes that have happened in the school environment that may trigger a change such as a new teacher, a close friend changing schools, not doing as well in a sporting event and so forth.

Assessing the risks

Identifying and learning the risks of a teenager who needs help is just one step to ensuring they are able to attain the help they need. Being open with your child will also help with the home environment and ensuring they know they can talk to you.

If you believe your teenager may be experiencing mental health issues, please contact your general practitioner or call Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636.

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