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Common Teen Mental Health Warning Signs

Adolescence can be an incredibly turbulent time, not just for teenagers but also for their caregivers. It’s not always easy to know the difference between regular emotional changes and signs of a mental health disorder, which is why it’s essential to provide timely support and intervention.

During this phase, teenagers undergo significant physical, emotional, and social development, making it crucial to distinguish between typical teenage behavior and signs of a mental health disorder. These changes can lead to mood swings, identity exploration, and sometimes risky behavior, often leaving parents and educators wondering what is “normal.”

While it’s common for teens to experience a wide range of emotions as they navigate these changes, there’s a clear line when these fluctuations suggest something more concerning. Mood swings and emotional outbursts can be typical aspects of teen development, driven by hormonal changes and the stress of navigating new social dynamics.

However, when these changes persist, intensify, or interfere with daily life, they may indicate underlying mental health disorders such as depression or anxiety. Understanding this distinction is crucial for providing the appropriate support.

Identifying Signs of Mental Health Disorders

The challenge lies in identifying when a teenager’s behavior shifts from typical adolescent challenges to something that might require professional attention. Indicators can include prolonged periods of sadness, withdrawal from social activities, drastic changes in behavior or personality, and declining performance in school. Such symptoms often warrant a closer look, as they can be signs of mental health disorders that could significantly impact a teenager’s quality of life.

The importance of recognizing these signs early cannot be overstated. Mental health disorders like anxiety and depression can severely affect a teenager’s development, social relationships, and academic performance. Furthermore, untreated mental health issues in adolescence often carry into adulthood, affecting long-term well-being and quality of life.

Symptoms Your Child May be Experiencing

  • Poor concentration
  • Feelings of excessive guilt or low self-worth
  • Hopelessness about the future
  • Thoughts about dying or suicide
  • Not enjoying things
  • Disrupted sleep
  • Changes in appetite or weight
  • Feeling very tired or low in energy.
  • Aches and pains
  • Sad or bad mood

A Proactive Approach

Addressing the mental health needs of teenagers requires a proactive, informed approach. Educators, parents, and healthcare providers must work together to create supportive environments that recognize and respond to the mental health needs of adolescents. This includes fostering open communication, reducing stigma around mental health, and ensuring access to mental health resources and support.

References

  • Bitsko, R., Claussen, A., Lichstein, J., Lindsey I. Black, Sherry E Jones, M. Danielson, Jennifer Hoenig, Shane P Davis Jack, D. Brody, Shiromani Gyawali, M. Maenner, M. Warner, Kristin M. Holland, R. Perou, A. Crosby, S. Blumberg, S. Avenevoli, J. Kaminski, R. Ghandour, & Leah N. Meyer. (2022). Mental Health Surveillance Among Children — United States, 2013–2019. MMWR Supplements, 71(1), 1-42.
  • Casey, B. (2015). Beyond simple models of self-control to circuit-based accounts of adolescent behavior. Annual Review of Psychology, 66, 295-319.
  • Lu, W. (2019). Adolescent depression: National trends, risk factors, and healthcare disparities. American Journal of Health Behavior, 43(1), 181-194.
  • Nader, L., & Roberto J. González. (2000). The Framing of Teenage Health Care: Organizations, Culture, and Control. Culture, Medicine and Psychiatry, 24(2), 231-258.
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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.