10 mental health red flags in teens every parents should know

mental health conditions often develop silently, and myths or misconceptions can prevent timely intervention. for teenagers, the pressures of academics, social life, and emotional changes can make these challenges even more difficult to navigate.dr. mantosh kumar, senior consultant in mental health and behavioural sciences at fortis gurgaon, shared 10 warning signs of mental health issues in teenagers that parents should be mindful of.1. pulling away from family and friendsteens spending more time alone, avoiding conversations at home, or distancing themselves from friends may be struggling emotionally.2. sudden drop in gradesa significant decline in academic performance, especially in students who previously did well, can be an early warning sign.3. neglecting personal careskipping showers, wearing the same clothes frequently, or appearing generally unkempt may indicate difficulty in managing self-care.4. changes in sleep and appetiteexcessive sleep, insomnia, overeating, or lack of appetite can point to emotional or mental distress.5. shifts in friend circlesa sudden change in social groups or withdrawal from long-time friends may warrant attention.6. signs of substance usecigarette butts, unusual smells, or unknown items in personal belongings may suggest experimentation with substances.7. irritability or anger outburstsfrequent anger or irritability over minor issues can be a way for teens to express emotions they cannot verbalize.8. self-harmcuts, burns, or other signs of self-injury are serious red flags and should never be ignored, as they indicate deep emotional pain.9. loss of interest in activitiesteens who stop engaging in hobbies or activities they once enjoyed may be experiencing low mood or disconnection.10. frequent school absenteeismrepeatedly missing school without clear reasons or finding excuses to avoid attending may signal anxiety, depression, or feeling overwhelmed.parents noticing these warning signs are encouraged to approach their teens with empathy and seek professional help promptly. early intervention can make a significant difference in mental well-being and overall development.