1 in 7 teens now has a mental health disorder: here’s how to spot the signs early
Teenage mood swings are nothing new, but when do they stop being normal and start being something more serious?
According to the World Health Organisation, 1 in 7 young people aged 10–19 is living with a mental health disorder. That’s a stat that safeguarding specialist Steven Britton finds deeply concerning, especially when some of the most common symptoms are easily mistaken for typical teen behaviour.
“Parents need to look beyond the surface and tune in to consistent changes that affect their teen’s mood, behaviour, and wellbeing,” says Steven, who has helped hundreds of young people through his tutoring and youth coaching company Top Grade Tutoring.
So, how do you tell the difference between hormones and a hidden mental health issue? Here are the 7 red flags he says parents need to be aware of.
1. Emotional changes
Teenagers are famously moody, but when sadness and irritability seem to linger or worsen, it could be a sign of something deeper.
Steven says, “If your teen is crying frequently without an obvious reason or has lost interest in activities they once loved, this emotional withdrawal may indicate deeper struggles.”
What to watch for:
- Ongoing sadness or hopelessness
- Mood swings that feel excessive or out of the blue
- Emotional withdrawal from family or friends
What you can do: Create a calm, judgement-free space and listen: no pressure, no fixing, just being there.
2. Behavioural changes
Changes in sleep, appetite, or social habits can all be signs your teen is struggling.
“Pulling away from friends, sleeping too much or too little, and avoiding school are all behaviours that might signal your teen is trying to cope with something they don’t understand,” Steven warns.
What to watch for:
- Skipping school or avoiding social settings
- Sleeping excessively or having insomnia
- Sudden drop in grades or motivation
What you can do: Keep daily routines consistent, even small habits like regular meals and shared family time can help ground your teen.
3. Unexplained physical symptoms
If your teen complains of headaches, stomach aches, or constant tiredness with no medical explanation, it could be a sign of emotional distress.
Steven explains: “Often teens express emotional pain through physical symptoms, especially if they’re struggling to put their feelings into words.”
What to watch for:
- Ongoing fatigue
- Regular physical complaints without cause
- Neglect of personal hygiene
What you can do: Gently suggest a GP visit, not just for physical symptoms, but to open a conversation about emotional health too.
4. Cognitive struggles
Mental health issues can show up in the classroom, too, through problems with focus or memory.
“When your teen feels worthless or guilty for no clear reason, it’s a sign their self-esteem might be suffering,” says Steven.
What to watch for:
- Difficulty concentrating
- Memory problems
- Negative self-talk or low self-worth
What you can do: Help your teen break down tasks into manageable steps, celebrate small wins, and encourage journaling or mindfulness.
5. Risky or harmful behaviours
This is one of the hardest signs to face, but ignoring it isn’t an option.
Steven is clear: “Self-harm, substance use, or talk of suicide are cries for help and should never be dismissed.”
What to watch for:
- Self-injury
- Substance misuse
- Talk of death or running away
What you can do: Get professional help immediately. Let your teen know they’re not alone and that help is available.
6. Anxiety symptoms
Panic attacks, fear, and avoidance can become part of everyday life for a teen with anxiety.
“These symptoms can severely limit your teen’s ability to engage in daily life,” says Steven.
What to watch for:
- Avoiding school or social situations
- Panic attacks
- Constant worry
What you can do: Teach grounding techniques like deep breathing, and talk to a professional if anxiety is interfering with everyday life.
7. Aggressive or oppositional behaviour
Not all mental health symptoms look like sadness; some come out as anger.
“Outbursts, defiance, or even breaking the rules can sometimes be expressions of distress,” Steven explains.
What to watch for:
- Explosive temper
- Aggressive behaviour
- Rule-breaking
What you can do: Set boundaries, but stay empathetic. A youth worker or counsellor can help you both manage the behaviour and the feelings behind it.
When to seek help
Steven’s rule of thumb? “If you notice these signs persisting for more than a few weeks or they start interfering with your teen’s daily functioning, you should seek help from a GP, school counsellor, or mental health professional.”
He adds: “Early intervention can make a huge difference, and you’d be doing your job in supporting their growth into confident, resilient adults.”
Useful resources for parents:
- YoungMinds Parents Helpline: 0808 802 5544
- Mind (Mental Health Charity): www.mind.org.uk
- NHS Every Mind Matters Teen Mental Health: www.nhs.uk/every-mind-matters
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Ruairidh is the Digital Lead on MadeForMums. He works with a team of fantastically talented content creators and subject-matter experts on MadeForMums.