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Signs Your Teen Might Be Struggling with Mental Health

Teenagers are known for being moody or withdrawn—but how do you know when it’s something more?

Adolescence is a time of rapid change. Hormones, identity, academic pressure, social dynamics—it’s a lot to navigate. And while occasional emotional ups and downs are normal, some signs could point to a deeper mental health concern.

At Oak Health Center, we provide professional support for teens and families who are navigating these challenges. The earlier you catch the signs, the more you can do to help.

Common Warning Signs in Teens

Mental health issues in teens can look different from adults. Keep an eye out for:

Changes in Mood or Behavior

Sudden irritability, anger, or frequent emotional outbursts
Prolonged sadness, hopelessness, or apathy
Withdrawal from friends or family
Loss of interest in activities they once enjoyed

Decline in School Performance

Trouble concentrating or completing assignments
Drop in grades or school attendance
Complaints of frequent headaches or stomachaches (often stress-related)

Changes in Sleep or Appetite

Insomnia, oversleeping, or extreme fatigue
Noticeable weight loss or gain
Skipping meals or binge eating

Risky or Harmful Behavior

Substance use or experimentation
Self-harm (cutting, burning, etc.)
Reckless behavior or talk of death or suicide

If your teen exhibits several of these signs over a few weeks—or if their behavior changes dramatically—it’s time to seek professional guidance.

What Causes Mental Health Struggles in Teens?

There’s no single cause. Often, it’s a combination of:

Genetic or family history
Academic or social pressure
Bullying (in person or online)
Identity exploration (gender, sexuality, culture)
Traumatic experiences or sudden life changes
Chronic stress, anxiety, or perfectionism

While you can’t protect your child from everything, you can give them the tools and support to navigate life’s challenges in a healthy way.

How Oak Health Center Can Help

We offer child and adolescent therapy and psychiatric support tailored to the developmental, emotional, and cultural needs of teens. Our team includes:

Licensed therapists
Board-certified child and adolescent psychiatrists
Culturally competent clinicians who speak Korean, Mandarin, Spanish, Tagalog, Arabic, and English

Depending on your teen’s needs, treatment may include:

Individual therapy (e.g., CBT, solution-focused therapy)
Family therapy or parent coaching
Psychiatric evaluation and medication management (if appropriate)
Collaboration with school counselors or pediatricians

We also offer both in-person and virtual sessions to accommodate busy school and activity schedules.

Start the Conversation

The most important thing you can do is let your teen know they’re not alone—and that getting help is a sign of strength, not weakness.

Start with a calm, open-ended conversation. Ask how they’ve been feeling. Be patient if they don’t open up right away. And reassure them that you’re there to listen without judgment.