Early Signs of Mental Health Issues in Adolescence

Adolescence is a period of significant growth and transformation. While mood swings and emotional ups and downs are common, it’s essential for parents to recognize the early signs of mental health issues in adolescence to ensure their teen receives the right support.

Mental health conditions like anxiety, depression, and behavioral disorders can impact a teen’s emotional well-being, social life, and academic performance. But how do you distinguish normal teenage struggles from more serious concerns?

At Adolescent Wellness Academy (AWA) in Miami, we offer comprehensive mental health treatment programs designed to help teens overcome challenges and build resilience.

Early Signs of Mental Health Issues in Adolescence

Understanding the Early Signs of Mental Health Issues

Recognizing mental health struggles early can prevent long-term challenges. Below is a comparison table outlining normal teen behavior vs. potential mental health warning signs:

Teen Behavior: Normal vs. Concern

Behavior CategoryTypical Teenage BehaviorPotential Mental Health Concern
Mood SwingsA sudden and significant drop in grades, lack of motivationFrequent, intense mood changes, lasting sadness or anger
Social BehaviorPrefers time alone but engages with friends/familyAvoids social interactions, withdraws from loved ones
Sleep PatternsStays up late but functions well in the morningInsomnia or excessive sleeping, constant fatigue
Academic PerformanceOccasional dips in grades due to workloadLoss of interest in everything; no longer enjoys past activities
Interest in ActivitiesHobbies and interests change over timeLoss of interest in everything; no longer enjoys past activities
Appetite ChangesEats more or less occasionallyNoticeable weight loss/gain, binge eating, skipping meals
Stress ManagementGets stressed but manages it with coping strategiesOverwhelming anxiety, panic attacks, difficulty calming down
Risky BehaviorSome risk-taking behavior, testing limitsSubstance abuse, self-harm, reckless actions

If your teen is displaying multiple warning signs consistently, it may indicate an underlying mental health issue that requires professional support.

Most Common Mental Health Disorders in Adolescence

Adolescents can develop various mental health conditions, many of which begin to manifest between ages 10-18. Here are the most prevalent mental health disorders among teens:

1. Anxiety Disorders

  • Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), Social Anxiety, Panic Disorder
  • Symptoms: Constant worry, excessive fear, difficulty concentrating

2. Depression & Mood Disorders

  • Major Depressive Disorder, Bipolar Disorder
  • Symptoms: Persistent sadness, low energy, hopelessness, irritability

3. Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

  • Symptoms: Inattention, impulsivity, difficulty following instructions

4. Eating Disorders

  • Anorexia Nervosa, Bulimia Nervosa, Binge Eating Disorder
  • Symptoms: Extreme concern with body image, drastic weight changes, secretive eating behaviors

5. Substance Use & Co-Occurring Disorders

  • Many teens use substances to cope with emotional distress
  • Symptoms: Experimentation with drugs or alcohol, secretive behavior, extreme mood swings

6. Self-harm & Suicidal Thoughts

  • Symptoms: Cutting, burning, reckless behavior, expressing hopelessness
  • Urgent Attention Needed: If your teen talks about self-harm or suicide, seek immediate professional help.
Most Common Mental Health Disorders in Adolescence

The Role of Social Media in Teen Mental Health

Social media is a double-edged sword; while it fosters connection, it also increases anxiety, depression, and self-comparison.

How Social Media Can Impact Mental Health:

Positive Effects: Support networks, self-expression, access to helpful information
Negative Effects: Cyberbullying, unrealistic beauty standards, dopamine addiction

Tip for Parents: Encourage healthy screen time limits and open discussions about online experiences.

When Does Mental Illness Start in Adolescence?

  • 50% of mental health conditions begin by age 14
  • 75% of mental health disorders develop by age 24

Early intervention and treatment are crucial in preventing long-term struggles. If your teen’s symptoms persist for several weeks or interfere with daily life, seeking professional help is the next step.

10 Common Warning Signs of a Mental Health Crisis

If a teen exhibits multiple symptoms from the list below, they may be in crisis and require immediate intervention:

  1. Expressing suicidal thoughts or self-harm behaviors
  2. Extreme mood swings or aggression
  3. Hallucinations or paranoia
  4. Inability to complete daily tasks (eating, hygiene, schoolwork)
  5. Withdrawing completely from family and friends
  6. Engaging in reckless, dangerous behaviors
  7. Sudden and severe changes in sleeping or eating habits
  8. Uncontrollable panic attacks or anxiety
  9. Intense fixation on perfectionism, weight, or body image
  10. Abusing drugs or alcohol to cope with emotions

If your teen is experiencing these red-flag symptoms, it is crucial to seek professional support immediately.

When Does Mental Illness Start in Adolescence

How AWA Helps Teens with Mental Health Challenges

At Adolescent Wellness Academy (AWA) in Miami, we offer personalized and evidence-based treatment programs designed specifically for teens.

Our Specialized Treatment Programs Include:

Day Therapeutic Program (PHP)

  • Structured daytime program with therapy, education, and emotional regulation training.
  • Ideal for teens who need intensive support while maintaining daily routines.

After-School Intensive Outpatient Program

  • Allows teens to attend school while receiving therapy in the evenings.
  • Flexible yet effective for managing mental health.

Family Therapy & Parent Support Groups

  • Strengthens family communication and understanding.
  • Provides parents with resources and strategies to support their teen’s mental health.

At AWA, our expert team of licensed therapists, psychiatrists, and counselors work closely with teens and families to develop a customized care plan for long-term success.

Get Help for Your Teen Today

If you suspect your teen is showing early signs of mental health issues in adolescence, don’t wait. Early intervention leads to better outcomes and helps prevent future crises.

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Dr. Maria Angelica Mejia – Clinical Director (Davie)

Dr. Maria Angelica Mejia’s therapeutic approach is rooted in empathy, resilience-building, and collaboration. As the Clinical Director for Adolescent Wellness Academy, she is dedicated to supporting high-risk teens in navigating trauma, emotional distress, and life’s challenges with a holistic and trauma-informed lens. Dr. Mejia specializes in working with adolescents facing issues such as suicide risk, self-harm, anxiety, depression, and family conflict, utilizing techniques like CBT, DBT, mindfulness, and strength-based therapy. With extensive experience in community mental health, private practice, and clinical supervision, Dr. Mejia has a proven track record of empowering teens to overcome obstacles and thrive. She holds a PhD in Marriage and Family Therapy bringing a depth of knowledge and compassion to her leadership role.

Kimberly Geller

Kimberly Geller - Primary Therapist (Davie)

Kimberly is a compassionate and dedicated therapist with a Master’s degree in Social Work from Florida International University. Kimberly creates a nurturing and secure environment where clients can freely explore their emotions and embark on their journey toward healing and growth. Kimberly specializes in client-centered approaches that helps tailor her therapeutic methods to meet unique needs and goals. By fostering a collaborative therapeutic relationship, she empowers clients to develop effective coping skills and achieve meaningful progress in their mental health journey. Kimberly ensures that each person she works with feels understood and valued throughout their therapeutic process.

Zainub Fatta - Therapist (Davie)

Zainub holds a Master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Nova Southeastern University and has extensive experience treating a wide range of mental health issues in adults, teens, and children. She specializes in treating diverse mental health struggles such as anxiety, depression, trauma, bipolar disorder, social anxiety, anger management, etc. She also has a lot of experience treating addiction and substance abuse problems within various treatment centers. Zainub views mental health from a systemic perspective, emphasizing the significance of how one’s environment and childhood impacts them, which is why she also specializes in family therapy and couples therapy, when it comes to achieving holistic well-being. Passionate about empowering individuals to find their voice, she considers it a privilege to listen to their vulnerable stories and provide the support they need. Her therapeutic approach focuses on uplifting clients by building their confidence and challenging them to break old, negative patterns of thinking and behavior.

Krystine Garay

Krystine Garay – Licensed Mental Health Counselor

Krystine Garay is a licensed mental health counselor, marriage family therapist, and certified telehealth practitioner. Raised in Miami, Florida, and a member of the Hispanic community, she provides services in both English and Spanish. With five years of experience, she has worked with children, adolescents, and adults, focusing on domestic violence, substance abuse, family conflicts, co-occurring disorders, and mental health issues.
Krystine holds a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Florida International University and a master’s degree with dual specializations in mental health and marriage and family counseling from Barry University. She is pursuing a doctorate in clinical psychology with a concentration in health psychology from Carlos Albizu University.
Her clinical experience includes rotations at Nicklaus Children’s Hospital, where she assisted children with co-occurring disorders using mindfulness exercises, cognitive-behavioral strategies, and dialectical-behavioral techniques.
Krystine believes in the power of personal growth and progress, and she is dedicated to fostering positive change in her clients’ lives.

Alyssa Mencucci – Therapist (Miami)

Alyssa is a dedicated master’s level clinician specializing in providing compassionate
therapy for adolescents and children facing severe mental health challenges. With a
deep understanding of the developmental stages and psychological needs of
adolescents and children, Alyssa offers expertise in addressing trauma-related issues,
guiding individuals through the complexities of grief, managing anxiety and depression,
navigating personality disorders, and supporting those dealing with PTSD. Alyssa uses
evidence-based techniques such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, DBT, play therapy,
and trauma-focused interventions to create a safe and nurturing environment for
healing. Alyssa believes in a client-centered approach, tailoring therapy to meet the
unique needs and circumstances of each individual. She creates a safe and nurturing
environment where adolescents and children can explore their emotions, develop
coping skills, and embark on a journey of healing and growth.

Dr. Jacqueline Pablos – Clinical Director

Vulnerability and connection are at the heart of Dr. Pablos’ therapeutic approach. As the
Clinical Director for Adolescent Wellness Academy, she aims to create a safe space for
clients to embrace their emotions and express their needs in healthier ways. Dr. Pablos
specializes in treating depression, anxiety, body image issues, bullying, eating
disorders, and self-harm behaviors using techniques like CBT, DBT, mindfulness, and
ACT.
With extensive training in hospitals and counseling centers, Dr. Pablos has a strong
background in helping teens and adults with co-occurring mental and physical health
disorders. She holds a Doctoral Degree in Clinical Psychology, with specialized training
at institutions like Florida International University, Jackson Memorial Hospital,
Clementine Monte Nido, and Nicklaus Children’s Hospital.

Kimberly

Kimberly Carlesi – Therapist (Miami)

Kimberly, a dedicated therapist with a Master’s Degree in Clinical Mental Health
Counseling from Florida International University, specializes in supporting individuals
with eating disorders, trauma, and substance abuse. She creates a safe, nurturing
environment for her clients’ healing journeys, drawing from diverse therapeutic
modalities like cognitive-behavioral therapy and dialectical behavior therapy. With a
focus on trust and collaboration, Kimberly empowers clients through personalized
interventions, fostering self-awareness and resilience.