9 Signs of Mental Health Struggles in Young People You Should Never Ignore

I think most of us can agree that conversations about youth mental health are more important than ever. Rates of anxiety, depression, and stress among young people are rising, and yet so many of the early warning signs go unnoticed. Sometimes it is because we mistake them for “just being a teenager” or assume it is a phase. Other times, young people themselves do not feel able to share what is really going on inside.

I wanted to put together some of the most common signs of mental health struggles in young people. These are the red flags I wish more of us were taught to spot early. They do not mean someone definitely has a mental illness, but they are signals that a young person may need support, understanding, and possibly professional help.

Sudden Changes in Behaviour

The first thing I look for is a noticeable behaviour change. This might be small at first — becoming quieter, moodier, or less motivated. But when the change lasts for weeks or months, it can be a sign of something deeper.

Young people who are usually sociable might suddenly withdraw from friends and family. A once enthusiastic student might stop caring about school or hobbies. It is not about one-off bad days but a consistent shift that feels out of character.

Withdrawal and Isolation

When someone starts avoiding friends, skipping activities they used to love, or spending more and more time alone, it can be a red flag. Isolation often makes feelings of loneliness worse, which can spiral into anxiety or depression.

If you notice this, try gentle conversations. Sometimes, young people find it easier to express themselves in writing, so encouraging journaling can be powerful. Discovery Journal is a safe place to process feelings when I do not want to talk out loud. For a teen, writing could be the first step in opening up.

The Discovery Journal has both standard and neurodiverse options and, therefore, can be a great starting block for young people to get into journaling.

Risk Taking and Reckless Behaviour

Risk Taking and Reckless Behaviour

Experimentation is a normal part of growing up, but when risky behaviour becomes extreme or dangerous, it can point to deeper struggles. This could look like substance use, reckless driving, unsafe sexual behaviour, or even criminal activity.

Often, these behaviours are coping mechanisms, attempts to numb pain or escape difficult emotions. If you notice sudden changes in a young person’s social circle, secretive behaviour, or unexplained money issues, it is worth paying closer attention.

Changes in Sleep or Eating Patterns

Mental health struggles often show up physically. Some young people may sleep all day and struggle to get out of bed, while others cannot sleep at all. Appetite can also swing from overeating to barely eating.

While occasional changes are normal, consistent patterns of insomnia, fatigue, overeating, or loss of appetite are signals that something is going on beneath the surface. In some cases, these can also point to eating disorders, which always need to be taken seriously and addressed with professional help.

Persistent Sadness or Irritability

Teenagers are known for mood swings, but there is a difference between occasional frustration and ongoing sadness or irritability that does not shift. When a young person seems down most of the time, has trouble finding joy in things they used to enjoy, or is constantly irritable and agitated, it could be a sign of depression or another mental health challenge.

This is not “just being a moody teenager.” It deserves compassion, conversation, and support.

Decline in Academic Performance

Mental health and school performance are closely linked. A sudden drop in grades, missed assignments, or skipping school can sometimes be more than laziness. It can be a sign of stress, anxiety, depression, or even bullying.

If this happens alongside other changes, like withdrawal or irritability, it is especially important to check in and see what might be going on behind the scenes.

Frequent Physical Complaints

Headaches, stomach aches, muscle tension, or fatigue without a clear medical cause can sometimes be linked to mental distress. This is known as somatic symptoms, when emotional pain shows up in the body.

I have personally had times when anxiety gave me stomach pain that felt completely real, even though nothing was “wrong” physically. For young people, these complaints can be their way of communicating distress when they do not yet have the words for it.

Difficulty Concentrating or Making Decisions

Struggling to focus, feeling overwhelmed by choices, or forgetting things constantly can be signs of anxiety, depression, or another mental health challenge. In young people, it can show up as difficulty with schoolwork, missed deadlines, or even dropping out of activities they used to enjoy.

If this is happening regularly, it is not laziness. It is worth exploring whether mental health is playing a role.

Expressions of Hopelessness

This is one of the most serious red flags and should never be ignored. If a young person talks about feeling hopeless, says things like “What’s the point?” or shows a preoccupation with death, it is important to take it seriously.

These are not “attention-seeking” comments. They can be a cry for help and, in some cases, may indicate suicidal thoughts. If you ever hear this, encourage them to talk, listen without judgment, and seek professional help right away.

Why Early Support Matters

What I want to stress most is that these signs often overlap. For example, a young person who is struggling may show withdrawal, poor sleep, and declining grades all at once. The earlier we notice these patterns, the sooner we can step in with compassion, support, and resources.

If you are a parent, teacher, or friend, one of the most powerful things you can do is simply listen without judgment. Ask gentle questions. Offer to help find professional support. And remind them they are not alone.