Teen Mental Health & Available Resources

TeenThreads Health Hub: Teen Mental Health & Available Resources (Ages 10–19+)

Medical Library Hub: Mental Health (MedlinePlus)

TeenThreads mission: Make mental health normal to talk about — with real facts, zero shame, and clear next steps.
This hub helps teens (and families) understand common mental health struggles, recognize red flags, and find trusted support.

Important: This page is educational and does not replace professional care.
If you feel unsafe or need immediate help, use the emergency options below.

Immediate help (U.S.):
If you or someone else may be in danger right now, call 911.
For urgent emotional support, call or text 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline) or chat at
988lifeline.org.

If you’re a teen in crisis or need support, you can also contact
Crisis Text Line
(text options vary by country; see their site).

Quick Jump

What “Mental Health” Means
Normal Stress vs Red Flags
Common Mental Health Challenges in Teens
How It Can Show Up (Body + Brain + School)
Risk Factors & Protective Factors
How to Get Help (Teen Steps)
Types of Treatment & Support
School Supports & Accommodations
For Parents/Caregivers (How to Help)
When to Seek Urgent Care
Trusted Resources (Active Links)
40-Question Quiz + Answers

What “Mental Health” Means (Simple + Real)

Mental health is how your brain and body handle emotions, stress, relationships, learning, and life changes.
It affects your sleep, energy, motivation, focus, and how you feel about yourself.
Everyone has mental health — just like everyone has physical health.

Trusted basics:
MedlinePlus – Mental Health (medical library hub)
CDC – Mental Health
NIH (NIMH) – Child & Adolescent Mental Health

Normal Stress vs Red Flags (When It’s More Than “A Bad Week”)

Teens deal with pressure — school, friendships, family, identity, and online life. Feeling stressed sometimes is normal.
But when mental health symptoms last, intensify, or disrupt daily life, it’s time to get support.

Often “Normal-ish” Stress Signals

Nerves before tests, sports, performances, or social events
Mood swings during big life changes (new school, breakup, moving)
Occasional sleep problems during stressful weeks
Feeling overwhelmed sometimes — and then bouncing back

Red Flags (Get Help)

Sadness, anxiety, irritability, or panic that lasts 2+ weeks and won’t lift
Major changes in sleep (too little/too much), appetite, energy, or grades
Pulling away from friends, hobbies, or family most days
Feeling hopeless, “numb,” or like nothing matters
Using alcohol/drugs to cope or to sleep
Experiencing scary thoughts, hallucinations, or severe confusion
Any situation where you feel unsafe or out of control

NIH (NIMH) – “Is This Just a Stage?” (signs that need attention)

Common Mental Health Challenges in Teens

Mental health challenges can happen to anyone. Getting help early usually makes recovery faster and easier.

Anxiety disorders: constant worry, panic, intense fear, or physical anxiety symptoms
Depression: low mood, loss of interest, low energy, changes in sleep/appetite
ADHD: attention, impulsivity, or hyperactivity symptoms that impact school/life
Trauma-related stress: symptoms after scary or harmful experiences
Eating-related concerns: distress about food, weight, or body image affecting health
Substance use disorders: using substances that harms health, school, or safety
Behavioral disorders: patterns of aggression, rule-breaking, or extreme conflict

Trusted topic hubs:
MedlinePlus – Anxiety
MedlinePlus – Depression
MedlinePlus – ADHD
MedlinePlus – PTSD
MedlinePlus – Substance Use Disorders

How It Can Show Up (Body + Brain + School)

Mental health symptoms can look like “physical” problems and school struggles. That’s real — stress and mental health affect the whole body.

Common Ways Teens Experience Mental Health Symptoms

Sleep: insomnia, waking often, nightmares, sleeping too much
Body: headaches, stomach pain, nausea, racing heart, muscle tension
Emotions: sadness, anxiety, anger, irritability, numbness, panic
Thinking: brain fog, negative self-talk, trouble concentrating
School: missed assignments, falling grades, skipping class, frequent nurse visits
Social: isolation, friendship conflict, feeling “different,” online drama stress

Risk Factors & Protective Factors

A risk factor increases the chance of a problem. A protective factor helps reduce risk and supports recovery.
Risk factors are not your fault — they just help explain why support matters.

Risk factors can include: chronic stress, bullying, family conflict, trauma, sleep deprivation, chronic illness, substance use, social isolation.
Protective factors can include: supportive adults, stable routines, healthy sleep, safe friendships, counseling support, skill-building, school supports.

CDC – Mental Health (learn basics)

How to Get Help (Teen Steps That Actually Work)

TeenThreads “Help Plan”

Pick one safe adult: parent/caregiver, school counselor, nurse, coach, teacher, relative.
Use simple words: “I’m not okay lately. I need help.”
Be specific: “I can’t sleep,” “I’m anxious every day,” “I can’t focus,” “I’m overwhelmed.”
Ask for an appointment: pediatrician/family doctor can be a first stop.
Use crisis support if needed: 988 is there for urgent support.

SAMHSA – National Helpline (treatment referral info)
HRSA – Find a Health Center (low-cost clinics)

Types of Treatment & Support (What Help Can Look Like)

Treatment is not “one size fits all.” The best plan depends on symptoms, safety, and what works for you.
Many teens improve with therapy, skills, and healthy routines — and some also benefit from medication prescribed by a licensed clinician.

Talk therapy: learning coping skills, communication, and problem-solving
Family support: improving safety, routines, and communication at home
School counseling/support: check-ins, academic adjustments, safe-space plans
Medical care: a clinician checks health causes (sleep, anemia, thyroid, etc.)
Medication: sometimes used for depression/anxiety/ADHD and other conditions — only with medical supervision
Substance use treatment: support programs if substances are part of the problem

NIH (NIMH) – Find Help for Mental Illness
SAMHSA – Find Help (treatment locator info)

School Supports & Accommodations (Yes, This Counts)

Mental health affects learning. Support at school can protect grades and reduce stress while you get care.

Time extensions for tests/assignments during symptom flare-ups
Reduced workload when medically appropriate
Quiet testing location
Check-ins with counselor/nurse
Movement breaks, safe space pass, or support plan
Help with organization (especially for ADHD)

CDC – Mental Health (understanding basics)

For Parents/Caregivers: What Helps Most

Teens do better when adults stay calm, listen, and take symptoms seriously. The goal is support, not lectures.

Listen first: let them talk without interrupting or judging
Validate: “I’m glad you told me.”
Make a plan: schedule a checkup or counseling appointment
Support sleep: consistent bedtime/wake time helps mood and focus
Reduce shame: mental health is health

NIH (NIMH) – Signs & Guidance for Families

When to Seek Urgent Care

Get urgent help if:

You feel unsafe or out of control
You have scary symptoms like severe confusion, hallucinations, or extreme panic that won’t stop
You’re in a situation that could become dangerous quickly

Call or text 988 (U.S.) or chat at
988lifeline.org.
If immediate danger, call 911.

Trusted Resources (Active Links)

Teen Mental Health Quiz (40 Questions + Answers)

Use these for learning, discussion groups, or a TeenThreads self-check. Answers are short and practical.

Q: What is mental health?
A: How you handle emotions, stress, relationships, and daily life.
Q: Does everyone have mental health?
A: Yes.
Q: Is stress always “bad”?
A: No, but too much stress for too long can harm health.
Q: Name one common teen mental health challenge.
A: Anxiety or depression.
Q: Can mental health affect sleep?
A: Yes, strongly.
Q: Can mental health affect school performance?
A: Yes.
Q: What is one sign that stress is affecting your body?
A: Headaches, stomach pain, or constant tension.
Q: When do symptoms become a red flag?
A: When they last 2+ weeks or disrupt daily life.
Q: Is getting help a weakness?
A: No, it’s a smart health move.
Q: Name one safe adult to talk to.
A: Parent, counselor, teacher, nurse, coach, or trusted relative.
Q: What is a simple way to start the conversation?
A: “I’m not okay lately. I need help.”
Q: Who can be a first medical stop for mental health concerns?
A: A pediatrician or family doctor.
Q: What is talk therapy?
A: Working with a professional to learn coping skills and solve problems.
Q: Can medication ever be part of treatment?
A: Yes, when prescribed and monitored by a clinician.
Q: Should you share prescription meds with friends?
A: No.
Q: Name one protective factor for teen mental health.
A: Supportive adults.
Q: Name another protective factor.
A: Consistent sleep routine.
Q: Can bullying affect mental health?
A: Yes.
Q: Can trauma affect mental health?
A: Yes.
Q: Is mental health connected to physical health?
A: Yes.
Q: What is one school support that can help?
A: Check-ins with counselor or nurse.
Q: Name another school support.
A: Extra time on tests or workload adjustments.
Q: What is a stigma-free way to talk about mental health?
A: Treat it like a health issue, not a character flaw.
Q: What is “numbness” in mental health terms?
A: Feeling emotionally flat or disconnected.
Q: Can anxiety show up as physical symptoms?
A: Yes, like racing heart or stomach pain.
Q: Can depression show up as irritability in teens?
A: Yes.
Q: What is one sign you should get help urgently?
A: Feeling unsafe or out of control.
Q: What number can you call or text for urgent emotional support in the U.S.?
A: 988.
Q: When should someone call 911?
A: If immediate danger is present.
Q: Where can you find trusted medical-library mental health info?
A: MedlinePlus.
Q: What is one healthy coping skill?
A: Breathing exercises or grounding techniques.
Q: Why is sleep important for mood?
A: Sleep helps regulate emotions and stress responses.
Q: Can social media affect teen mental health?
A: Yes, it can increase stress and comparison.
Q: What is one tip for parents that helps most?
A: Listen calmly and take symptoms seriously.
Q: What is one reason to get help early?
A: Early support often improves recovery faster.
Q: Does therapy mean something is “wrong” with you?
A: No, it means you’re getting support.
Q: Can healthy routines help mental health?
A: Yes, routines support stability and recovery.
Q: Where can you find treatment referral info?
A: SAMHSA Find Help.
Q: Where can you find low-cost clinics?
A: HRSA Find a Health Center.
Q: What is the TeenThreads bottom line?
A: Mental health is health, and help is real and available.

TeenThreads Final Word

You don’t have to carry everything alone. If your mind feels heavy, anxious, or overwhelmed, that’s a real health signal — not a character flaw.
Talk to a safe adult, use trusted resources, and get support. You deserve care, respect, and a future that feels possible.

Last updated: February 5, 2026

TeenThreads note: This page is curated for teens and families. For urgent safety concerns, use 988 (U.S.) or local emergency services.