Teen mental health: Signs to look for and how to talk to your teenager

It’s common for teenagers to have occasional periods of low moods and poor motivation. If these symptoms continue for more than a few weeks, it may be a sign of an underlying problem that requires attention and support.

“Chatting to your teen about their mental health may feel daunting,” says Dr Marny Lishman, “But supporting them in seeking an approach that works for them is a step in the right direction.”

Mental health issues can be caused by things such as:

• loneliness
• body image issues
• bullying
• starting a new job
• study
• new relationships

In this article

• Mental health issues for teenagers
• Signs to be aware of
• When should you start talking to your teen?
• What to consider when talking to your teen
• The importance of self-care
• How to encourage your kids to ask for help
• Helpful resources
• How can HBF help?

Mental health statistics for teenagers in Australia

Australian research suggests mental health challenges are common among teenagers. In one large national survey, around 36% of secondary school students reported high levels of anxiety, depression, or both.¹

Around 8% of Australian adolescents aged 11 to 17 years experienced major depressive disorder in the previous 12 months. Additionally, 1 in 5 young people aged 11 to 17 report high or very high levels of psychological distress.²

What are the signs your teenager may be struggling with their mental health?

Dr Lishman says there are warning signs that your teen may be struggling, these are some to be aware of:

• more withdrawn than usual
• dramatic changes in behaviour and mood
• appearing unmotivated and unenthusiastic
• wanting to quit activities such as school, work or sports
• lacking in energy, concentration and focus
• sleep issues
• changes in appetite – eating more or less
• complaining of physical pain
• increased focus on weight or physical appearance

When should you start talking to your teen

If you have concerns about your child's mental health, start a conversation with them as soon as possible. Engaging in open dialogue about their emotions and wellbeing shows them that you genuinely care and want to help.

There are several ways you might like to start a conversation.

Conversation starters

"How have you been feeling lately?"

"I've noticed you seem a bit quieter than usual. How are things going?"

"You don't seem quite yourself today. Is there anything on your mind?"

"I'm getting the feeling something might be bothering you. Want to talk about it?"

"What's been the best and hardest part of your day?"

Open-ended questions to help keep the conversation flowing

Rather than questions that can be answered with a simple yes or no, try asking about their everyday experiences:

"What was the highlight of your work shift today?"

"What did you get up to with your friends today?"/p>

"What's something interesting you've been learning at school lately?"

"What was the most challenging part of your day?"

"Is there anything you're looking forward to this week?"

"How are things going with your friends at the moment?"

"What's something you've been thinking about a lot lately?"

Practical ways to support your teen

When it comes to discussing your teen's mental health, it's important to approach the conversation with care and thoughtfulness. Dr Lishman lists the below as possibly helpful when considering a new conversation with your teen.  

• Let them know that you are always available to talk
• Reassure them that they are not alone
• Ask questions in a non-threatening way, without pushing too much
• Aim to be the safe person they can talk to without fear of judgment, rejection, or punishment
• Offer to find someone they might want to talk to if they are not comfortable talking to you – another family member, close family friend or a mental health professional like a psychologist or GP

The importance of self-care

Dr. Lishman emphasises the significance of self-care for mental health.

“Encouraging your teen to prioritise themselves can greatly contribute to their overall well-being,” she says.

Things that can help include:⁴

• getting sufficient sleep – teenagers need 8-10 hours of sleep a night
• maintaining a balanced and nutritious diet
• spending time with friends
• engaging in daily physical activity
• balancing screen time with activities
• abstaining from alcohol and drugs
• spending time outside in the fresh air and sun

How can you encourage your kids to ask for help

It’s never too early to start talking about mental health. Open communication from early on can make things easier.

“Talk about mental health just like you do physical health,” says Dr Lishman. “Openly discuss what you can all do as a family to be healthier, and what needs to happen if you don’t feel good physically or mentally.

The more we are open, honest and vulnerable about how we feel, the more we are comfortable in opening up when we don’t feel good.”