Mental Health in Young People
Mental health problems are more common among children and teenagers than many people realise. Research suggests that around 1 in 6 children and young people (aged 5–19) have a probable mental health problem. Half of all mental health conditions begin by age 14, and 75% by age 24.
Despite this, many young people go without support for years — either because their difficulties are not recognised, because they do not know how to ask for help, or because they are afraid of what will happen if they do.
Early identification and appropriate support make a significant difference to outcomes. The goal of this article is to help young people, parents, and carers recognise when something might be wrong and understand the steps to take.
Normal Challenges Vs. Signs of a Problem
Childhood and adolescence involve significant emotional and psychological development. It is normal for young people to:
- Experience mood swings, particularly in adolescence
- Be anxious before exams, social events, or new situations
- Go through periods of sadness, low mood, or irritability
- Have conflict with parents or peers
- Feel uncertain about identity, relationships, and the future
These are not necessarily signs of a mental health problem. However, when difficulties:
- Are persistent (lasting weeks rather than days)
- Are disproportionate in intensity
- Significantly impair functioning at school, home, or with friends
- Cause significant distress to the young person
...it may be time to seek a professional assessment.
Common Mental Health Conditions in Young People
Anxiety
Anxiety is the most common mental health difficulty in children and adolescents. It includes:
- Separation anxiety — intense fear of being separated from parents or caregivers (common in younger children)
- Generalised anxiety — persistent, wide-ranging worry
- Social anxiety — intense fear of social situations and being judged
- School refusal — anxiety so severe it prevents attendance at school
- Panic disorder — recurrent panic attacks
- Selective mutism — inability to speak in certain social situations (despite speaking normally in others)
Depression
Depression in children can look different from adult depression. Children may present with irritability rather than sadness, physical complaints (stomach aches, headaches), or withdrawal from activities. Adolescent depression more closely resembles adult depression.
ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder)
ADHD is characterised by inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity that significantly affect learning and daily functioning. It is common (affecting approximately 5–10% of children) and often goes unrecognised in girls, who may present with predominantly inattentive symptoms.
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
Autism involves differences in social communication, restricted and repetitive behaviours, and sensory sensitivities. It is a spectrum — presentations vary widely. Mental health problems, including anxiety and depression, are common alongside ASD.
Eating Disorders
Eating disorders — including anorexia nervosa, bulimia, and binge eating disorder — most commonly begin in adolescence. Early identification is critical, as eating disorders can have serious physical consequences.
Trauma and PTSD
Young people who have experienced abuse, neglect, domestic violence, accidents, or other traumatic events may develop post-traumatic stress disorder. Trauma can also underlie many other presentations.
Self-Harm
Self-harm — deliberately injuring oneself — is more common in young people than in adults, particularly among teenage girls. It is often a way of managing overwhelming emotions rather than an attempt at suicide. It should always be taken seriously and addressed with professional support.
Conduct and Oppositional Disorders
Some young people present with persistent aggressive, disruptive, or defiant behaviour. While challenging, these often have treatable underlying causes including trauma, anxiety, ADHD, or family difficulties.
Warning Signs to Watch For
In children:
- Persistent sadness, tearfulness, or hopelessness
- Significant changes in behaviour, appetite, or sleep
- Withdrawal from friends, family, or activities they used to enjoy
- Complaints of physical symptoms (headaches, stomach aches) with no clear medical cause
- Regressive behaviour (bedwetting in a child who had previously achieved bladder control, baby talk)
- Excessive fears or worries that do not respond to reassurance
- Trouble concentrating or a sudden drop in school performance
- Talk of wanting to die, not wanting to be alive, or self-harm
In teenagers:
- Persistent low mood or hopelessness
- Loss of interest in school, activities, or friendships
- Significant changes in eating habits or weight
- Substance use (alcohol, cannabis, other drugs)
- Risky behaviour
- Withdrawal from family and friends
- Self-harm (cutting, burning, other forms)
- Expressing suicidal thoughts or accessing information about suicide
How to Talk With a Young Person About Mental Health
- Choose a calm moment when neither of you is stressed or rushed
- Be direct but warm: "I've been worried about you. How are you really doing?"
- Listen more than you speak — avoid jumping to solutions immediately
- Validate their experience: "That sounds really hard"
- Avoid minimising: "All teenagers feel like that" can shut down conversation
- Do not make promises you cannot keep (e.g. "I promise I won't tell anyone")
- Follow up — do not treat it as a one-time conversation
Getting Support
For children and adolescents
- School counsellors — most schools have a counsellor available; a good first port of call
- Paediatric or family doctor — can assess, provide referrals, and coordinate care
- Community mental health centres — many offer child and adolescent services
- Crisis Text Line — text HOME to 741741 (available to young people)
- 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline — call or text 988 (available to all ages)
- Teen Line — 1-800-852-8336 (staffed by trained teen volunteers, for ages 12–18)
For parents and carers
- National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) — nami.org; information, support groups, and helpline for families
- SAMHSA National Helpline — 1-800-662-4357 (free, confidential guidance)
- Family therapy can be highly effective when youth mental health is embedded in family dynamics
Seeds of New Beginnings
We offer counselling for young people and their families. If you are concerned about a child or teenager in your life, please contact us — we can discuss the situation and help you find the most appropriate support.
If a young person is in crisis, call 988 or 911 immediately.