Adolescent Mental Health: 5 Warning Signs that You Cannot Ignore

Teenagers often exhibit behaviors that exasperate parents, but that doesn't mean that they all have mental health issues or need professional counseling. Some of the milder issues, such as teasing a sibling, listening to totally obnoxious music with words that a parent cannot understand, and forgetting to take out the trash are all things that you can figure out for yourself.

But what about the more troubling concerns? The ones that keep you awake at night. The following signs are five indicators that your adolescent may be experiencing a mental health problem and that he or she should be seen by a mental health professional immediately. These signs are not inclusive, but are certainly problem areas that need to be addressed.

1. Thinking or talking about suicide. In 2007, the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP) reported that the suicide rate for young people ages one to nineteen had increased by 18.2 percent from 2003 to 2004. Suicide is the third leading cause of death in the United States for fifteen to twenty-year-olds and the sixth leading cause of death for five to fourteen-year-olds. Approximately two million teenagers attempt suicide each year, and almost 700,000 require medical attention for their attempt. Unfortunately, the rate of death by suicide may actually be higher than reported because some of these deaths may have been incorrectly labeled "accidents". People considering suicide give warning signs, often hoping that they will be rescued. If your child or adolescent tells you that he or she feels suicidal or wants to die, take them seriously. Do not think that it is "just a joke" or a way to get attention. You cannot take that chance.

2. Expressions of worthlessness or guilt. Sadness, expressed as feelings of worthlessness, helplessness, sadness and/or loneliness, should not be ignored. Thoughts of being unworthy, or unable to help their situation, of feeling profound sadness or lonely or alone in this world may be your adolescent's way of telling you that he or she feels that there is nothing left for live for.