Signs and symptoms

Although the symptoms vary for each mental health problem and from person to person, if there is something serious going on, you are sure to notice changes. A teen who is experiencing the onset of a mental illness is no longer able to get organized, or take stock of what is happening to them. This is the most obvious sign to those around the person: there is a "breakdown" in their usual behaviour.
The following are some of the most common signs and symptoms of mental illness.

It is important to be on the alert for changes in thoughts, feelings, perceptions and behaviour especially when they last for a while, or keep coming back.

Pay special attention if

You notice your teen feeling:

really sad and hopeless without good reason and the feelings don't go away

very angry most of the time, cry a lot, or overreact to things

worthless or guilty a lot

extreme highs and lows in his/her mood

excessive anger, irritability, hostility;

anxious or worried a lot more than other kids

unable to get over a loss or death of someone important

extremely fearful, with unexplained fears or more fears than most kids

constantly concerned about physical problems or physical appearance

detached from his/her life, disconnected from things and people

paranoid and suspicious of other people

like his/her mind is being controlled or is out of control.

back to top

You notice big changes in the way your teen gets along; for example:

a marked decline in scholastic performance

major changes in peer group

a loss of interest in things he/she usually enjoys

changes in sleeping or eating patterns

avoiding friends or family and wanting to be alone all the time

daydreaming so much he/she can't get things done

losing his/her motivation and energy (or sometimes the opposite – if he/she seems to have excessive energy)

frequent complaints or evidence of fatigue or unexplained pains

being unable to cope with problems and daily activities

thinking or talking about suicide

mentioning hearing voices talking to or about him/her

Your teen finds him/herself repeatedly frustrated by:

being unable to concentrate, think straight or make up his/her mind.

being unable to sit still or focus his/her attention.

excessive worry about being harmed, hurting others, or about doing something "bad."

feeling like he/she has to wash, clean things, or perform certain routines hundreds of time a day in order to avoid danger.

Your teen starts behaving in other ways that cause problems, for example:

using alcohol or other drugs.

inappropriate sexuality, provocativeness, lack of concern for harmful consequences

eating large amounts of food and then vomiting or abusing laxatives.

continuing to diet and/or exercise obsessively although he/she is already bone-thin.

repeatedly violating the rights of others or breaking the law without regard for other people.

doing things that can be life threatening.

Because the symptoms of mental illness can come and go, and can be confused with other things, (like normal teenage angst), it can take some time to figure out what’s really going on.