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Teen Mental Health
Reviewed by Medicinsk Expert•Last updated: 2026-10-22•Mental Health Behavior

Teen Mental Health

While the pressures of being a teenager are normal, persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, or worthlessness may be warning signs of a mental health problem.

Recognizing Mental Health Problems

Being a teenager involves significant stress regarding school, family, and decision-making. While worrying is normal, mental health problems are real, painful, and sometimes severe. You might need help if you experience the following:

  • Often feeling very angry or very worried.
  • Feeling grief for a long time after a loss or death.
  • Thinking your mind is controlled or out of control.
  • Using alcohol or drugs.
  • Exercising, dieting, and/or binge-eating obsessively.
  • Hurting other people or destroying property.
  • Doing reckless things that could harm you or others.
  • Feeling depressed (sad and hopeless).

Finding Help

Mental health problems can be treated. If you are struggling, reach out for help by talking to your parents, a school counselor, or a health care provider.

Frequently Asked Questions

Normal teenage moodiness is often situational, short-lived, and tied to specific events like school stress or social conflicts. In contrast, signs of depression include persistent sadness, loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities, significant changes in sleep or appetite, and withdrawal from friends and family that lasts for more than two weeks. If a teen expresses feelings of worthlessness, hopelessness, or talks about not wanting to be alive, these are critical red flags that require immediate professional evaluation rather than waiting for the mood to pass.
If a teen cannot speak to their parents, they should reach out to a trusted adult such as a school counselor, teacher, coach, or school nurse. These professionals are trained to identify warning signs and can provide immediate support or connect the teen with a mental health provider. Additionally, many schools have anonymous reporting systems or crisis hotlines that teens can access. It is important for the teen to know that seeking help is a sign of strength and that confidentiality is generally maintained unless there is an immediate risk of harm to themselves or others.
Excessive social media use is linked to increased rates of anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem due to social comparison, cyberbullying, and sleep disruption. Practical strategies include setting strict time limits on screen use, curating a feed to include only positive and supportive content, and taking regular digital breaks. Teens should also be encouraged to engage in offline activities that promote physical health and face-to-face social interaction, which can help balance the often idealized portrayals of life seen online.
Source: MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine

MedlinePlus brings together authoritative health information from the National Library of Medicine (NLM), the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and other government agencies and health-related organizations.

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