Spotting Signs of Mental Health Issues in Kids and Teens

You have a front-row seat to your child’s growth… from their first smiles to their developing personalities.

But along with the joys of watching them learn and explore, you might also notice challenges in their emotions or behavior that leave you wondering: “Is this normal?”

Our children’s mental health is just as important as their physical health, but it can be hard to tell when something isn't right. This is because kids may not always be able to understand what’s bothering them or tell us how they are feeling.

What’s Normal, and What’s Not: Signs of Mental Health Issues

It’s completely normal for our kids to feel moody or even withdrawn at times — especially when they go through transitions or stressful situations. The problem is when those feelings persist or interfere with their ability to enjoy life and succeed in school.

If you notice the following signs of mental health issues in kids and teens, it might be time to take a closer look:

• Anger or sadness that seems out of proportion
• Avoiding activities they once loved
• Trouble concentrating or worries a lot
• Complains about physical symptoms, like stomach aches or headaches, with no obvious medical cause
• Consistently refuses to follow rules or is excessively defiant 

These behaviors might indicate underlying challenges such as anxiety, depression, ADHD, or other concerns. The key here is for you to notice patterns.

Start a conversation

Start by talking with the people who interact with your child regularly, like their teacher or daycare provider. They may offer important insight into your child’s behavior in the classroom or while they play. Have a conversation with their pediatrician as well.

Along with seeking professional advice, start a conversation with your child. This might feel tricky, but you can begin by saying something like, “I’ve noticed you seem upset lately. Is there something on your mind?”

Decide if professional support might be needed

To help you better understand what you’re observing, we’ve published free digital, evidence-based Mental Health Screening Tools for Kids and Teens on our website.

These quick assessments take just 5 to 10 minutes to complete. You can take the test as many times as needed to monitor your child’s concerns. We currently have one tool for youth and one tool for parents.

(It’s important to note that these tools are for informational purposes only and should not replace medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you’re feeling uncertain, a licensed mental health professional can guide you through the next steps.)

We hope to add more screening tools covering additional mental health concerns over the coming year, so check back for more options in the future.

Your child’s mental health journey starts with awareness… and know that you’re already taking a significant step by being curious.

*This article was originally published in our email newsletter on December 10, 2024.