Youth Mental Health Awareness Month: Is It “Just a Phase” or a Sign Your Teen Needs Support?
Mood swings. Stress. Withdrawal. Irritability. These experiences are quite normal for parents of teens, and it’s often considered a normal part of adolescence. And in many cases, they are. That’s because being a teen brings emotional ups and downs, shifting identities and a growing desire for independence.
But sometimes, what looks like typical teen behavior on the outside is actually a sign of a teen struggling with their mental health.
This Youth Mental Health Awareness Month, Broward Therapists is encouraging parents to take a moment to pay closer attention to the world their teens are living in. By noticing what’s going on, parents are able to offer support, which can make a meaningful difference for your kid.
When changes are typical and when they’re not
It’s no surprise that growing up is a time of rapid development, especially for teens. Teenagers are constantly learning about who they are, where they belong and how they fit into their social and academic worlds. As they figure this out, heightened emotional sensitivity, occasional irritability and a desire for privacy are all normal aspects that parents can expect.
However, there are emotions that can signal deeper distress, rather than just normal teenage development.
As a parent, if you notice sadness, hopelessness or irritability become persistent rather than occasional, it may be a telltale sign that something more is going on than just moodiness. If you notice your teen withdrawing from their friendships and activities that they normally enjoy, that withdrawal may reflect a deeper struggle than just a preference. Further, significant changes in sleep, appetite, anxiety levels or functioning at school can also be signs that your teen is overwhelmed rather than just going through a phase.
Knowing when it’s a phase and when your teen needs more support all depends on duration, intensity and impact. When emotional or behavioral changes are ongoing and begin to interfere with relationships, school engagement and overall well-being, that’s when additional support may be beneficial.
Why early support matters
Many teens struggle silently because many of them don’t know how to describe what they’re feeling, or they may worry about disappointing parents or being misunderstood. As a result, their struggles can remain hidden until they become severe.
That’s why early mental health support from parents is so important. It helps provide teens with tools to understand and regulate their emotions, manage stress and anxiety and navigate challenges with greater confidence. It also helps strengthen their resilience, self-awareness and communication skills.
Mental health support is not only for crisis moments. It can also be preventative, helping teens address concerns before situations become more difficult to change.
Starting the conversation
If you notice changes in your teen, small check-ins can help open the door to support. Approaching with curiosity rather than judgment helps teens feel safer sharing. Listening fully before offering solutions communicates respect and care. Validating feelings—even when you don’t fully understand them—reduces shame and defensiveness. Normalizing mental health support reinforces that needing help is human, not a failure.
Sometimes the most powerful message a teen can receive is simple: “I see you, and I care.”
You don’t have to navigate this alone
If your teen is struggling, guidance and support can make a meaningful difference. At Broward Therapists, our team specializes in working with youth and families navigating anxiety, depression, stress and life transitions. We focus on helping teens build practical coping tools, strengthen emotional resilience and improve communication within their relationships, before small struggles become big ones.
This Youth Mental Health Awareness Month is a meaningful time to take the next step. Reaching out for support is not overreacting; it is responding with care. If you’re concerned about your teen’s emotional well-being, Broward Therapists is here to help your family move forward with understanding, skills and hope.