What Are the Warning Signs of a Mental Health Crisis in Teenagers?

The teenage years can bring major changes for teens and the parents or caregivers who support them. If you’re worried that a teen’s behavior feels different, unsafe, or harder to understand, you’re not alone. This guide explains which adolescent mental health crisis symptoms to watch for.

Teen Suicide Warning Signs

Let’s address the most pressing issue first, even if it’s uncomfortable. Suicide is the third-leading cause of fatality among youth ages 15-24 in the United States. If you think a teenager may be considering suicide or may hurt themselves or someone else, call or text 988 now. If there is immediate physical danger, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department.

If you’re not sure whether a teenager may be considering suicide, these warning signs can mean it is time to get help right away:

• Talking about suicide, self-harm, wanting to disappear, or feeling like a burden, even if they say they are joking
• Saying goodbye, giving away possessions, making a will, or other signs of planning
• New or increased drug or alcohol use, especially alongside mood changes, secrecy, or risk-taking
• Risk-taking behaviors or disregard for personal safety
• Self-harm, such as cutting or suicide attempts
• Looking up how to die by suicide, gathering pills or weapons, or making plans to hurt themselves

Teen Depression Warning Signs

Depression is a medical condition that can affect a teen’s mood, thoughts, energy, sleep, school performance, relationships, and sense of hope. It is also among the leading causes of illness and disability among adolescents worldwide.

Here are warning signs that may call for support, especially when they last for days or weeks, worsen, or interfere with daily life:

• Irritability, sadness, worrying, lethargy, and mood swings 
• Loss of interest in hobbies or activities that were once important
• Problems at school, including skipping classes, declining grades, or changes in relationships with peers
• Withdrawing from friends or family
• Changes in eating and sleeping habits 
• Eating disorders or substance use, especially if these are new symptoms
• Personality changes
• Less attention to personal appearance and hygiene
• Restlessness 

Signs My Teenager Needs Psychiatric Help

Sometimes, signs that a teenager needs psychiatric help are more subtle than an active crisis. If changes in relationships with peers, mood, sleep, eating, hygiene, or behavior persist or worsen, it is worth seeking help.

Keep communication open and provide a judgment-free space for teens to share their feelings and concerns. Also, remember that teens may hide symptoms, and every individual may experience mental health conditions differently.

When to Hospitalize a Teenager for Mental Health

When to hospitalize a teen depends on safety, symptoms, and the level of support they need. If your teen is hearing or seeing things others do not, expressing beliefs that seem disconnected from reality, or acting very confused, a prompt professional evaluation can help you decide what support is needed.

If your teen is having thoughts of suicide, especially with a plan or implied intent, a professional evaluation is necessary and should not be delayed.

Bournewood Health Systems offers an adolescent inpatient program for teens who need intensive support for depression, suicidal thoughts, psychosis, and other mental health disorders. The partial hospitalization program may be an option when a teen needs structured care but does not require 24/7 inpatient treatment.

How Bournewood Supports Teens and Families

At Bournewood, we support youth experiencing mental health and substance use conditions with person-centered care that involves families, outpatient providers, and other members of a teen’s support system. We create a customized plan to address the symptoms and any underlying causes or triggers of the condition, and we prioritize getting youth back to school. 

Founded in 1884 by a Harvard-trained psychiatrist, Bournewood continues to provide evidence-based, person-centered treatment in a respectful and compassionate environment. Our patients report feeling supported, respected, and better prepared for what comes next.

Contact Us for Teenage Mental Health Concerns

Noticing something is wrong is an important first step. If your teen’s needs are building and you are not sure what level of care is right, explore the assessment and admissions process or call us at 800-468-4358 to talk through next steps.