• Anxiety disorders (worry, panic, social anxiety)
• Depression (low mood, loss of interest, hopelessness)
• ADHD (focus + impulse + regulation struggles)
• Trauma/PTSD (after scary or painful events)
• Eating disorders (food/body thoughts taking over life)
• Mood dysregulation (big emotions that feel unmanageable)
• Substance use disorders (using to cope or escape)
• Self-harm behaviors (serious and needs support)
• OCD (intrusive thoughts + compulsions)
• Sleep disorders (insomnia, delayed sleep phase)

Some teens have one. Some have a mix. Many go undiagnosed.

• genetics + family history
• hormones + brain development
• chronic stress (school, money, home conflict)
• bullying or social pressure
• trauma (abuse, violence, loss, discrimination)
• loneliness or rejection
• social media comparison
• sleep deprivation
• medical conditions (thyroid issues, chronic illness)
• substances (vapes, alcohol, drugs)
• big life changes (divorce, moving, identity struggles)

Risk Factors

• family history of mental illness
• trauma or unsafe home environment
• chronic stress / poverty
• bullying (in-person or online)
• isolation
• discrimination (race, disability, LGBTQ+ stigma)
• poor sleep
• heavy substance use
• untreated learning difficulties

Who is vulnerable / susceptible?

• teens with high stress and low support
• teens dealing with trauma
• neurodivergent teens (ADHD/autism)
• teens with chronic illness or pain
• teens navigating identity or discrimination
• teens in unsafe relationships

But honestly? Any teen can struggle. That’s why support should be normal.

• worsening depression/anxiety
• failing grades or dropping out
• risky behaviors to cope
• self-harm behaviors
• broken relationships
• legal trouble (impulsivity)
• physical health problems (headaches, stomach pain, immune issues)
• long-term adult mental health issues

• sleep (brain repair happens here)
• movement (small daily movement helps mood regulation)
• food + hydration (stable energy supports stable emotions)
• social support (one safe person matters)
• boundaries with social media
• skills: breathing, grounding, journaling, coping tools
• asking for help early

Prevention isn’t perfection. It’s building a safety net.

Emotional

• sadness, numbness, anger
• panic or constant worry
• feeling “empty” or hopeless

Body

• headaches, stomach aches
• sleep changes
• appetite changes
• fatigue

Behavior

• skipping school
• isolating
• fighting more
• risky behaviors
• sudden drop in grades
• quitting activities

Thinking

• negative self-talk
• “I’m a burden”
• “Nothing will get better”
• racing thoughts

What else can cause similar symptoms?

• thyroid problems
• anemia
• vitamin deficiencies
• sleep apnea
• medication side effects
• substance use
• chronic illness

Diagnosis and tests may include

• conversations + symptom screening tools
• checklists for anxiety/depression/ADHD
• medical evaluation to rule out physical causes
• questionnaires for parents/teachers (with consent)

Diagnosis isn’t a label to trap you. It’s a map to get the right help.

Treatment and therapies (what actually helps)

Therapy (core tools)

• CBT (thought patterns + coping skills)
• DBT skills (emotion regulation, distress tolerance)
• Trauma-informed therapy
• Family therapy (when home dynamics matter)
• Group therapy (peer support)

Medications (when appropriate)

• antidepressants for depression/anxiety
• ADHD meds for focus/impulsivity
• sleep supports (carefully)
• mood stabilizers (for certain diagnoses)

Medication is not “weakness.” It’s a tool — like glasses for vision.

Lifestyle supports

• sleep schedule repair
• routine
• movement
• nutrition
• stress reduction plans

Best results usually come from a combo.

Myth: “Everyone has anxiety, so it’s not serious.”
Fact: Anxiety becomes a disorder when it controls your life.

Myth: “Therapy is for ‘crazy’ people.”
Fact: Therapy is skill-building for the brain.

Myth: “Talking about it makes it worse.”
Fact: Silence usually makes it worse.

Myth: “If I get help, I’m weak.”
Fact: Getting help is a power move.

Reach out today if you notice:

• symptoms lasting 2+ weeks
• constant panic
• shutting down or skipping school
• substance use to cope
• feeling unsafe
• thoughts that life isn’t worth it