Adolescence is stormy by nature, which makes it hard to know when moodiness is normal and when it signals something more. Here are the signs that a teen could benefit from professional support.
Every parent of a teenager knows the challenge: adolescence comes with mood swings, pulling away, and big feelings as a matter of course, so how do you tell ordinary teenage turbulence from a sign that your child is genuinely struggling? The distinction matters, because getting support early can change the course of a hard season.
What is developmentally normal
Some withdrawal, irritability, and intense emotion are a normal part of growing up. Teenagers are separating, testing independence, and navigating enormous social and academic pressure. Occasional bad days, shifting friendships, and wanting more privacy are usually part of healthy development rather than causes for alarm.
Signs that warrant attention
- Changes that persist for several weeks rather than passing quickly
- Withdrawal from friends and activities they used to enjoy
- A drop in academics, sleep, or appetite that does not recover
- Talk of hopelessness, self-harm, or feeling like a burden
- Anxiety or low mood that interferes with school, friendships, or family life
When any mention of self-harm arises
Any talk of suicide or self-harm should always be taken seriously and never waited out. If your teen expresses these thoughts, reach out for professional help promptly, and if there is immediate danger, call or text 988, the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, or contact emergency services.
How therapy helps teens
A skilled therapist gives a teenager a confidential, nonjudgmental space that is theirs, separate from parents and school. It can build coping skills, ease anxiety and low mood, and help a young person understand themselves during a formative time. Dr. Kim works with adolescents in Englewood and across Bergen County, and often meets with parents as well to support the whole family. If your instinct says something is off, it is worth a conversation.
Related services
This article is for general educational purposes and is not a substitute for individualized professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you are in crisis or thinking about self-harm, call or text 988 (the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline).