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1) “I’m not sure if this is normal or something to worry about”
What parents can do:
- Watch for changes in sleep, appetite, grades, friendships, irritability, withdrawal, or behavior lasting more than a short time.
- Start a calm conversation and ask what’s been going on.
- If it’s affecting daily life, ask the pediatrician or a child mental health professional for an evaluation.
Resources:
- Child and Adolescent Mental Health — NIMH
https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/child-and-adolescent-mental-health
Good first stop for warning signs, when to seek help, and what evaluation can look like.
- Child Mental Health — MedlinePlus
https://medlineplus.gov/childmentalhealth.html
Plain-language overview of warning signs, diagnosis, and treatment options.
- Children and Mental Health: Is This Just a Stage? — NIMH
https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/children-and-mental-health
Helps parents tell normal developmental changes from problems that need attention.
2) Anxiety, constant worry, panic, or stress after a life event
What parents can do:
- Reduce pressure where possible, keep routines predictable, and help with sleep/exercise.
- Encourage coping skills: breathing, breaks, journaling, talking to a trusted adult.
- Seek professional help if worry is frequent, intense, or getting in the way of school or social life.
Resources:
- NIMH: Anxiety Disorders
https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/anxiety-disorders
Explains anxiety symptoms, when worry becomes a disorder, and what treatment looks like.
- Stress — MedlinePlus
https://medlineplus.gov/stress.html
Useful for understanding stress reactions and basic coping steps parents can use at home.
3) Sadness, hopelessness, loss of interest, or possible depression
What parents can do:
- Take it seriously, even if your child says they are “fine.”
- Ask direct, gentle questions about mood, energy, sleep, and enjoyment.
- Make an appointment with a pediatrician or mental health professional if symptoms persist or worsen.
Resources:
- Depression — NIMH
https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/depression
General depression overview, symptoms, and treatment options.
- Teen Depression: More Than Just Moodiness — NIMH
https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/teen-depression
Parent- and teen-friendly guide with warning signs and next steps.
4) Suicidal thoughts, self-harm, or a mental health crisis
What parents can do:
- Treat this as urgent.
- Stay with the child, remove or secure lethal means if possible, and do not leave them alone.
- Call or text 988 for immediate crisis support, or call emergency services / go to the ER if danger is imminent.
Resources:
- 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
https://988lifeline.org/
- SAMHSA National Helpline
https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/national-helpline
- Suicide Prevention — NIMH
https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/suicide-prevention
Explains warning signs and urgent actions families should take.
5) Self-harm without stated suicidal intent
What parents can do:
- Stay calm, avoid punishment, and focus on safety.
- Ask what the behavior is helping them cope with.
- Get a professional assessment; self-harm can raise future risk even if it’s not a suicide attempt.
Resources:
- AACAP: Self-Injury in Adolescents
https://www.aacap.org/AACAP/Families_and_Youth/Facts_for_Families/FFF-Guide/Self-Injury-in-Adolescents-073.aspx
- Self-injury/cutting — Mayo Clinic
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/self-injury/symptoms-causes/syc-20350950
Clear explanation of self-harm, what it can look like, and when to seek care.
- Children and Mental Health: Is This Just a Stage? — NIMH
https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/children-and-mental-health
Includes self-harm and other urgent warning signs parents should not ignore.
6) Bullying, peer exclusion, or online harassment
What parents can do:
- Document what happened, when, and who was involved.
- Contact the school and ask for a safety plan or intervention.
- Watch for mood changes, avoidance of school, or physical complaints.
Resources:
- StopBullying.gov: Bullying Prevention
https://www.stopbullying.gov/
- Bullying and Cyberbullying — MedlinePlus
https://medlineplus.gov/bullyingandcyberbullying.html
Good for recognizing bullying, cyberbullying, and how it differs from ordinary conflict.
7) Substance use, vaping, or experimentation with drugs/alcohol
What parents can do:
- Open a nonjudgmental conversation early.
- Set clear rules and monitor access.
- If use is already happening, seek treatment guidance quickly.
Resources:
- Vaping Devices (Electronic Cigarettes) DrugFacts — NIDA
https://nida.nih.gov/publications/drugfacts/vaping-devices-electronic-cigarettes
Explains nicotine exposure, addiction risk, and why vaping matters for teens.
- SAMHSA National Helpline
https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/national-helpline
- Parent Resources — Talk. They Hear You | SAMHSA
https://www.samhsa.gov/substance-use/prevention/talk-they-hear-you/parent-resources
Conversation tools and prevention tips for parents.
8) “I want general guidance on how to support my child”
What parents can do:
- Learn the basics of youth mental health.
- Use trusted parent resources to talk with your child, coordinate with schools, and find care.
- Don’t wait for a crisis to seek help.
Resources:
- Help for Mental Illnesses — NIMH
https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/find-help
Good starting point if you’re not sure where to begin.
- FindTreatment.gov
https://findtreatment.gov/
Search for mental health and substance use treatment by location and level of care.
- National Helpline — SAMHSA
https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/national-helpline
24/7 referral and information line for treatment options and support.
Quick action guide
- Mild but persistent concern: talk, monitor, and schedule a pediatrician or therapist visit.
- School/social problems or behavior changes: document patterns and contact the school plus a clinician.
- Self-harm or suicidal thoughts: call/text 988 immediately.
- Immediate danger: call emergency services / go to the nearest ER.ONE-PAGE PARENT CHECKLIST: YOUTH MENTAL HEALTH
Use this when you’re worried about a child or teen.
1) Notice the signs
- [ ] Mood changed a lot (sad, irritable, angry, anxious)
- [ ] Withdrawing from family or friends
- [ ] Sleep, appetite, or energy changed
- [ ] Grades, motivation, or concentration dropped
- [ ] More conflict, risk-taking, or unusual behavior
- [ ] Talk of hopelessness, being a burden, or wanting to disappear
- [ ] Self-harm, substance use, or bullying concerns
2) Start a calm conversation
- [ ] Choose a private, low-pressure time
- [ ] Say what you’ve noticed without blaming
- [ ] Ask open questions: “How have you been feeling?” “What’s been hardest lately?”
- [ ] Listen more than you speak
- [ ] Let them know you want to help
3) Reduce immediate stress where possible
- [ ] Keep routines predictable
- [ ] Support sleep, meals, movement, and breaks
- [ ] Reduce overload when you can
- [ ] Help them connect with trusted adults and healthy activities
4) Decide if extra help is needed
- [ ] Symptoms last more than a short time
- [ ] Problems affect school, friendships, family, or safety
- [ ] Child seems stuck, overwhelmed, or increasingly withdrawn
- [ ] You are worried enough to ask for a professional opinion
5) Take the right next step
- [ ] Call the pediatrician or a child mental health professional
- [ ] Contact the school counselor if school is involved
- [ ] Use parent support resources and treatment guides
- [ ] If substance use is involved, seek treatment advice early
6) Treat urgent warning signs as urgent
- [ ] Self-harm
- [ ] Suicidal thoughts
- [ ] A plan, intent, or access to lethal means
- [ ] Child cannot stay safe
If yes:
- Stay with the child
- Remove or secure dangerous items if possible
- Call or text 988 for crisis support
- Call emergency services or go to the ER if danger is immediate
Helpful resources
- 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: https://988lifeline.org/
- SAMHSA National Helpline: https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/national-helpline
- CDC Youth Mental Health: https://www.cdc.gov/mentalhealth/children/index.htmTABLE BY SCENARIO
| Scenario | What parents should do | Best resources |
| “I’m not sure if this is normal or a problem” | Watch for lasting changes, talk calmly, and check with a pediatrician if functioning is affected | NIMH: https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/children-and-mental-health ; NIMH: https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/child-and-adolescent-mental-health; MedlinePlus: https://medlineplus.gov/childmentalhealth.html |
| Anxiety, stress, panic, or constant worry | Keep routines steady, teach coping skills, reduce pressure, and seek help if worry is persistent or disruptive | NIMH Anxiety Disorders: https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/anxiety-disorders ; Stress — MedlinePlus: https://medlineplus.gov/stress.html |
| Sadness, hopelessness, low energy, loss of interest | Take it seriously, ask direct questions, and arrange evaluation if symptoms continue | NIMH Depression: https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/depression; NIMH Teen Depression: https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/teen-depression |
| Self-harm | Stay calm, focus on safety, and get professional assessment promptly | AACAP Self-Injury in Adolescents: https://www.aacap.org/AACAP/Families_and_Youth/Facts_for_Families/FFF-Guide/Self-Injury-in-Adolescents-073.aspx; Self-injury/cutting — Mayo Clinic: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/self-injury/symptoms-causes/syc-20350950 |
| Suicidal thoughts or mental health crisis | Do not leave the child alone; call/text 988; call emergency services or go to the ER if immediate danger | 988 Lifeline: https://988lifeline.org/ ; SAMHSA Helpline: https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/national-helpline; Suicide Prevention — NIMH: https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/suicide-prevention |
| Bullying, peer conflict, or online harassment | Document incidents, contact the school, and watch for emotional or school-avoidance signs | StopBullying.gov: https://www.stopbullying.gov/; Bullying and Cyberbullying — MedlinePlus: https://medlineplus.gov/bullyingandcyberbullying.html |
| Substance use or vaping | Start a nonjudgmental conversation, set clear limits, and seek help early if use is happening | Vaping Devices (Electronic Cigarettes) DrugFacts — NIDA: https://nida.nih.gov/publications/drugfacts/vaping-devices-electronic-cigarettes; SAMHSA Helpline: https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/national-helpline; Parent Resources — Talk. They Hear You | SAMHSA: https://www.samhsa.gov/substance-use/prevention/talk-they-hear-you/parent-resources |
| General parent support | Use trusted guides to understand youth mental health and find local help | Help for Mental Illnesses — NIMH: https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/find-help; FindTreatment.gov: https://findtreatment.gov/; National Helpline — SAMHSA: https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/national-helpline |
SHORT PARENT ACTION GUIDE
Mild but persistent concern
- Talk with your child
- Monitor symptoms
- Schedule a pediatrician or therapist visit
School or social problems
- Document patterns
- Contact the school
- Seek a clinician’s evaluation
Self-harm or suicidal thoughts
- Stay with your child
- Call or text 988 immediately
Immediate danger
- Call emergency services
- Go to the nearest emergency room
SOURCE LIST
- NIMH: Children and Mental Health: Is This Just a Stage?
https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/children-and-mental-health
- Child and Adolescent Mental Health — NIMH
https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/child-and-adolescent-mental-health
- Child Mental Health — MedlinePlus
https://medlineplus.gov/childmentalhealth.html
- NIMH: Anxiety Disorders
https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/anxiety-disorders
- Stress — MedlinePlus
https://medlineplus.gov/stress.html
- NIMH: Depression
https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/depression
- Teen Depression: More Than Just Moodiness — NIMH
https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/teen-depression
- AACAP: Self-Injury in Adolescents
https://www.aacap.org/AACAP/Families_and_Youth/Facts_for_Families/FFF-Guide/Self-Injury-in-Adolescents-073.aspx
- Self-injury/cutting — Mayo Clinic
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/self-injury/symptoms-causes/syc-20350950
- 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
https://988lifeline.org/
- SAMHSA National Helpline
https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/national-helpline
- StopBullying.gov
https://www.stopbullying.gov/
- Bullying and Cyberbullying — MedlinePlus
https://medlineplus.gov/bullyingandcyberbullying.html
- Vaping Devices (Electronic Cigarettes) DrugFacts — NIDA
https://nida.nih.gov/publications/drugfacts/vaping-devices-electronic-cigarettes
- Parent Resources — Talk. They Hear You | SAMHSA
https://www.samhsa.gov/substance-use/prevention/talk-they-hear-you/parent-resources
- Help for Mental Illnesses — NIMH
https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/find-help
- FindTreatment.gov
https://findtreatment.gov/
- National Helpline — SAMHSA
https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/national-helpline