Recognizing the Warning Signs: When Your Teen Needs Professional Help

Parenting teens can be filled with ups and downs. Adolescence is a period of growth and self-discovery, but the changes teens experience can be confusing and emotional. While many challenges teens face are a normal part of growing up, some struggles might be beyond a parent's capacity. As parents, it can be hard to distinguish between what's normal and what might be a sign of a deeper issue. Knowing what to look for and when to take action can help you support your teen. You can get them the professional help they need to thrive if necessary. Learn to recognize the warning signs for when your teen needs professional help in this article.

Common Warning Signs to Watch For

Some signs are more readily apparent than others but can still be hidden under turbulent actions and attitudes. Here are some things you need to watch out for:

Emotional and behavioral changes

Has your teen become more irritable, withdrawn, or quiet? Do they have violent mood swings, increased anger, or persistent sadness? All these indicate that something is wrong. It's normal for teens to experience emotional highs and lows, but don't ignore extreme or prolonged changes in behavior. 

Academic performance decline

Has your teen's grades dropped at school? Are they showing disinterest in any subjects or ones that they usually like?  Skipping classes, forgetting assignments, or losing motivation can signal that your teen is struggling emotionally or mentally. Also, watch out for changes in their social dynamics in the academic environment; they may have problems with teachers or classmates that drive them to misbehave.

Social behavior changes

Is your teen self-isolating? Have they had new friends or experienced any changes in their relationships with their regular ones?  Teens naturally explore independence, but isolating themselves (especially from family) can signal a problem. If they stop enjoying or participating in activities they once enjoyed, they may have some struggles with unhealthy relationships.

Situations Requiring Immediate Attention

Some situations are more directly urgent. If they display the following symptoms, it's a sign they need your immediate action.

Self-harm or suicidal thoughts

If your teen starts talking about self-harm, expressing hopelessness, or showing signs of hurting themselves, act immediately.  Self-harm can take many forms, such as cutting, burning, or other deliberate injuries. These behaviors are often coping mechanisms for intense emotional pain. They indicate your teen is overwhelmed and in need of professional intervention. Take any mention of suicidal thoughts seriously and contact a mental health professional right away to ensure your teen's safety.

Substance abuse

Experimenting with drugs or alcohol is common during teenage years, but repeated use is a serious concern. Substance abuse can be a way for teens to escape emotional pain or deal with stress. Watch for secretive behavior, changes in peer groups, and waning physical appearance. This is a red flag if money or medications are missing from the house. Address this issue early to prevent the long-term consequences of substance abuse.

Extreme risk-taking behavior

Teens naturally test boundaries, but constant engagement in risky activities should raise a red flag. This may involve reckless driving, unsafe sexual behavior, or thrill-seeking actions that put their safety at risk. These behaviors are often born from emotional or mental health issues. Your teen may feel inadequate, pressured by their peers, or unable to process trauma. Seek professional help to identify the causes and guide them toward safer choices.

Getting Help from the Pros

Addressing the above issues with your teen can feel intimidating and overwhelming. However approaching them with care and understanding is essential. Let them know you're there to support them and that seeking help is never a sign of weakness. Many resources are available to help you and your family—therapists, counselors, and psychiatrists working with teens. You may also consider a residential treatment center, which can give your teens stronger structural support. A treatment center like Liahona Academy employs staff that can help you and your teens feel safe.

Conclusion

Recognizing when your teen needs professional help isn't easy, but trust your instincts. If something is off with your teen behaviorally, academically, or socially, it's a sign something is off. The riskier the behavior, like substance abuse and self-harm, the more immediate your teen needs intervention. Address these problems early to give your teen the best chance to overcome challenges and thrive. Contact us at Liahona Academy if you need further help.