Teenage Behaviors: Typical or Something More Serious?

Differentiating between mental illness and typical teenage behavior can be challenging because adolescence is a time of significant emotional and psychological development. It's common for teenagers to exhibit mood swings, experiment with new behaviors, and go through periods of adjustment. That being said, it is also important to recognize when these behaviors might indicate the presence of a mental health concern. Some factors to consider include:

Duration, Consistency, Severity, and Intensity
Teenage behavior: Adolescents may experience occasional mood swings, rebellion, or irritability that is short-term. Disagreements, arguments, or some withdrawal from family and friends can be expected. These behaviors are often temporary and linked to specific stressors or life changes (i.e., being upset after a breakup or a bad day at school).
Mental illness: Mental health symptoms that are extreme, consistent, and persist over time may indicate a more serious issue. If a teenager displays consistently intense emotions (e.g., extreme sadness, anger, or anxiety) that disrupt their daily life or pose a risk to their well-being, then something more serious may be going on.

Impact on Daily Functioning
Teenage behavior: Typical teenage behavior might affect daily routines and relationships to some extent and still do not cause significant impairment across settings.
Mental illness: Mental health conditions most often will interfere with daily life, including school performance, hygiene, maintaining friendships, and overall functioning. A noticeable decline in functioning or withdrawal from activities once participated in may be cause for concern.

Family History
Mental illness: A family history of mental health conditions can increase the risk for teenagers to develop similar issues. If there is a family history, it is important to be responsive and seek support if needed.

Risky Behaviors
Teenage behavior: Teens engage in a range of behaviors that can be considered typical for development. Experimenting with a new trend or style, challenging rules or curfews, trying an adventurous sport, engagement with social media, and having some level of curiosity about alcohol or other substances are common. When viewed contextually, these behaviors do not necessarily mean something problematic is happening.
Mental illness: Some mental health conditions can lead to risky behaviors such as self-harm, substance use, or suicidal thoughts. If a teenager engages in any of these behaviors, it's crucial to seek immediate professional help.

It is important to remember that teenagers may not always communicate their struggles openly. If you suspect that a teenager you know is experiencing mental health challenges, approach them with empathy and offer support. Encourage open communication and consider meeting with a mental health professional who will complete an assessment and offer treatment recommendations.