It can be difficult to gauge whether the symptoms you are seeing are a sign of a mental illness or not.  Symptoms differ from person to person and across different cultures as well. Whether or not something is considered “abnormal” can depend greatly on the individual.

In general, the signs and symptoms you are seeing may indicate a mental illness when they interfere with quality of life.  If your teen is unhappy, unable to function in their daily life, or unable to cope with normal life stressors, then it is time to consider getting help.  Oftentimes the teen will be able to articulate their distress and discomfort. However, with some conditions such as Bipolar Disorder or Schizophrenia, friends, and family members may be the first to notice that the teen is struggling with mood and behavioral problems.

If your teenager is displaying some of these signs and symptoms and is struggling in school, interpersonal relationships or at home, then it is time to see a doctor.  You can go straight to a mental health professional or visit your child’s general practitioner for a referral. Most mental illnesses don’t improve on their own and, if left untreated, may get worse over time.

If an adolescent is feeling suicidal but he or she isn’t immediately thinking of hurting themselves:

• Allow the adolescent to reach out to a close friend or loved one, even if they may be reluctant to talk about their feelings.
• Seek help from a doctor, a mental health provider or other health care professional.
• Contact a minister, spiritual leader or someone in your faith community.