Good mental health is like a well-tended garden of the mind. It’s important to protect this peace and be able to recognize mental health signs and symptoms as they arise—being proactive can help prevent difficulties later down the road. Identifying mental health struggles in teens and adolescents early can also ensure that our youth receive timely care, making all the difference. 

Access to resources and treatment is crucial in supporting those affected by mental health issues. Services like therapy, medication, and mental health treatment centers can significantly improve the quality of life for those facing these challenges. Together, we can help the next generation navigate their struggles before they spiral out of control. Taking stock of the symptoms of a mental health disorder, and knowing what to look for, is an important first step.

What is a Mental Health Disorder?

Mental health disorders are medical conditions that affect an individual’s emotional, psychological, and social well-being. These conditions can manifest in a variety of ways and impact your ability to think, feel, or behave clearly. It’s important to note that mental health symptoms aren’t always obvious—many people suffer in silence.

Symptoms of mental health disorders can develop due to several factors, such as genetics, environmental influences, or lifestyle choices, making early detection and intervention critical to improving long-term outcomes. In the U.S., there is a disturbing gap in treatment access, with half of the 7.7 million children who suffer from treatable mental health disorders not receiving the necessary treatment.

The Most Common Mental Disorders

Among the many mental health disorders that individuals may experience, a few are more commonly seen than others, especially in young people. And this is important, since the symptoms of a mental health disorder will vary greatly depending on the diagnosis and individual.

Recognizing the signs, and intervening early, is key to managing these conditions and ensuring that individuals have the support they need to navigate life. The following are some of the most common mental health disorders, along with the symptoms of each:

Anxiety & Depression

Anxiety and depression are emotional disorders that often occur together and are prevalent in adolescents, making them among the leading kinds of mental illness among young people. Both of these disorders share common symptoms. However, their symptoms can significantly impact an individual’s emotional state and overall well-being in different ways.

Anxiety Symptoms

Symptoms of anxiety include:

• Feeling irritable or constantly on edge
• Persistent panic, fear, or dread
• Restlessness
• Uncontrollable, obsessive thoughts

Anxiety may also present as panic attacks or excessive worry—which may also lead to physical ailments like heart palpitations, nausea, or clammy palms. It’s important to remember that having anxiety as a mental health disorder is different than simply being nervous. It is persistent, random, and hinders daily life.

Depression Symptoms

Symptoms of depression include:

• Fatigue, lack of energy
• Persistent feelings of hopelessness or pessimism
• Insomnia
• Loss of interest in daily activities

Depression can manifest as sustained sadness, feelings of worthlessness, and isolation. Keep in mind that there are also subtle changes in behavior that come with depression that we may not always recognize or associate with this specific mental health disorder—like indulging in more high-risk activities, spontaneous anger, or increased impulsivity.

It’s important for teens struggling with these mental health symptoms to seek help, as timely intervention can save lives. As some of the leading mental illnesses in adolescents, with depression in particular often triggering suicidal thoughts, caring for these teens and providing the necessary help can make all the difference.

ADHD

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) impacts a person’s ability to concentrate and control their behavior, and while many kids show signs of hyperactivity, those with ADHD often face more significant challenges. This disorder can often go undetected in children and adolescents since its symptoms may overlap with other issues.

Symptoms of ADHD include:

• Difficulty organizing or prioritizing tasks
• Difficulty paying attention
• Forgetfulness in daily activities
• Inability to stay focused on tasks

Proper diagnosis and treatment for ADHD are essential to help teens manage their symptoms effectively.

Eating Disorders

There’s a wide variety of illnesses that fall in the eating disorder category, which means it’s important to know the signs and identify them early on to take countermeasures. Common eating disorders like anorexia and bulimia are disorders that involve extreme behavior like restrictive eating, body image issues, and unhealthy relationships with food. 

Common symptoms of an eating disorder include:

• Body insecurity
• Excessive/Secretive Exercise
• Food-related ritualistic behaviors
• Physical ailments

These disorders not only affect the body but can also cause serious mental and emotional distress. Early detection is crucial, as untreated eating disorders can lead to long-term health problems.

Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorder is recognized by extreme shifts in mood, energy, and concentration. These shifts are often categorized as manic or depressive episodes, where individuals experience heightened energy levels or feel intense sadness or hopelessness. The duration of these episodes can vary, and some people may experience both types of episodes within a short period.

Symptoms of bipolar disorder:

• Heightened energy levels with difficulty sleeping
• Sensitivity to failure or rejection
• Short temper or irritability
• Sudden mood swings

While bipolar disorder can be challenging to manage, individuals who receive the right care and treatment can live productive and fulfilling lives. 

Mental Illness Symptoms Checklist

When assessing whether you or someone you love may be struggling, you should be able to recognize the signs of a mental health disorder. While symptoms will vary from person to person, depending on their condition, certain behaviors can indicate a mental health issue. 

Here’s a checklist to help identify signs that someone may be struggling with a mental health disorder:

Are You Struggling with Mental Health? Checklist for You:

• Do I feel bad about myself or my body?
• Has my mood been fluctuating more than usual?
• Have my eating habits changed?
• Have I been having unkind thoughts about myself?
• Have I thought of harming myself?
• Do I worry excessively? 
• Have I picked up any repetitive behaviors recently? 
• Am I having trouble sleeping? 
• Am I engaging in new or risky behavior? 
• Have I been showering regularly and drinking enough water? 
• Have I been disassociated from the things or the people I used to enjoy?
• Do I feel sad or anxious for no apparent reason or cause?
• Do I feel lonely or alone?

Does Your Loved One Seem to Be Struggling? Ask Yourself These Questions:

• Are they withdrawing from social situations and loved ones?
• Are they struggling to concentrate or pay attention?
• Are they breaking rules or getting into trouble more often?
• Has their behavior drastically changed?
• Are they experiencing sudden mood swings, or acting out of sorts?
• Are they no longer interested in hobbies or activities they once loved? 
• Have they experienced a change in friend groups?
• Are they engaging in repetitive, rigid, or strange behaviors? 
• Are they taking care of their hygiene, eating regularly, and drinking enough water? 
• Is your child engaging in excessive screen time? Are they rarely without a device? 
• Are they experiencing a drop in academic performance?
• Are they abusing drugs or alcohol?

Keep this mental illness symptoms checklist in your back pocket. If you notice any of these mental health symptoms in you or someone else, reach out for help. Early intervention is key to improving mental health and overall quality of life for the next generation.

To learn more about mental health disorders or to seek the help of a mental health professional, do not hesitate to call Turnbridge. Turnbridge is a recognized mental health treatment provider with both inpatient and outpatient programs for young men and women. Call 877-581-1793 to speak with a treatment specialist today.