How to recognise early warning signs of anxiety, depression, and burnout in your teen

But how do you know if what you’re noticing is just typical teenage angst or something more concerning?

Anxiety, depression, and burnout are increasingly common among teens, with almost two in five Australians aged between 16 and 24 reporting experiencing symptoms of a mental health disorder within the preceding 12 months.¹

Recognising early warning signs is crucial for getting your teen the support they need, as early intervention can make all the difference in helping them overcome mental health challenges and thrive.

Sudden changes in mood or behaviour

Thanks to raging hormones, it’s not unusual for teens to have mood swings, but extreme or prolonged changes in behaviour are a red flag. If your usually outgoing teen suddenly becomes withdrawn, irritable, or consistently low in energy, it could indicate underlying anxiety, depression, or burnout. Similarly, frequent outbursts, unexplained crying, or intense emotional reactions to small things can be signs that something isn’t right.²

Pay close attention to how long these changes last. If you notice a persistent shift in mood that lasts for more than two weeks, it’s worth investigating further and consulting your family GP.²

Difficulty concentrating or a drop in academic performance

Stress and burnout often manifest in difficulty focusing, forgetfulness, and a noticeable drop in academic performance.³ If your child is struggling to keep up with their schoolwork despite putting in effort, it could be more than just typical teenage distractions. Persistent trouble concentrating can be an early indicator of anxiety or depression, especially when accompanied by feelings of being overwhelmed.⁴

This may also show up in procrastination, avoidance of tasks, or an increased reliance on zoning out, like excessive doomscrolling on TikTok, as a way to cope.⁵

Changes in sleep patterns

Sleep is a vital part of your teen’s overall wellbeing (as well as yours!), and disruptions in sleep can be both a cause and symptom of mental health struggles.⁶ Watch for signs like trouble falling asleep, frequent waking during the night, or sleeping much more or less than usual. Anxiety and depression can lead to insomnia, waking up too early, or oversleeping.⁷

Sleep issues often create a cycle where lack of rest worsens mental health symptoms, which in turn makes it harder to get quality sleep.⁷ If your child’s sleep patterns are consistently off, it’s time to dig deeper.

Loss of interest in hobbies and socialising

A sudden lack of interest in activities your child once enjoyed is another important warning sign. Teens dealing with anxiety, depression, or burnout may withdraw from hobbies, sports, or socialising with friends. If your child is increasingly opting out of things that used to bring them joy, it could be more than just a change in preferences.⁸

This can sometimes be subtle – maybe they’re still attending activities but seem disengaged or unenthusiastic. If this withdrawal extends across multiple areas of their life, it’s likely something is affecting their mental health.⁸

Physical symptoms with no clear cause

Mental health struggles often show up in physical ways, especially in teens. Stomach aches, headaches, unexplained aches and pains, and general fatigue can be signs of anxiety, depression, or stress-related burnout. These symptoms might pop up more frequently during stressful periods or when your child is facing something particularly challenging.^9,10

If medical checks don’t reveal any physical cause for these symptoms, it’s important to consider the possibility of an underlying mental health issue.

Negative self-talk and increased sensitivity to criticism

Listen closely to how your teen talks about themselves. Excessive self-criticism, hopelessness, or expressions of worthlessness can be early indicators of depression.¹¹ Teens experiencing burnout might also display a sense of defeat or cynicism, especially regarding school or social expectations.¹² If your child seems to be losing confidence and is highly sensitive to even mild criticism, it’s a sign they may be struggling internally.

Help them challenge negative self-talk and reinforce that everyone has setbacks and struggles – it’s part of being human.

Withdrawal from family

It’s typical for teens to seek more independence as they grow, but a complete withdrawal from family life is concerning. If your child is isolating themselves in their room, avoiding family meals, or consistently opting out of family activities, it might be a sign of deeper issues. This kind of isolation can be a coping mechanism for teens dealing with anxiety, depression, or burnout.¹³

Encourage gentle, non-intrusive connection. Suggest activities that don’t require much conversation, like watching a movie or TV show together, going for a walk or hike, cooking, completing a puzzle, or gaming. Sometimes just being present is a start.

Recognising the early warning signs of anxiety, depression, and burnout in your teen is the first step in providing the support they need.

While it’s important not to jump to conclusions, trusting your instincts and taking action when you notice persistent changes can prevent more serious issues from developing. Your first point of call should be to see a GP, who can create a mental health plan and help you access the right support for your child.

How can health insurance help?

At HBF, we know how important your mental health is.

HBF extras cover can give you benefits towards visits with a psychologist or clinical psychologist, depending on your level of cover, up to your annual limit.

HBF hospital cover can pay benefits for hospital psychiatric services to treat mental health conditions. 

Find out more about HBF mental health cover and how it could help you and your family.

For a full list of services recommended by the government, check out the Head to Health service providers page.