Being a teenager has never been easy—but today’s teens face a world of added pressures: social media, academic demands, peer expectations, and global uncertainty. While mood swings and growing pains are normal, some behaviors may signal something deeper—like anxiety, depression, or other mental health concerns.
As a parent, caregiver, or educator, knowing what to look for can make all the difference. At Rivendell Health, we help families recognize the early signs of mental health struggles—and provide the support teens need to thrive.
If your teen suddenly loses interest in things they once loved—sports, hobbies, family dinners—it may be more than a phase. Social withdrawal is a common sign of depression and anxiety in teens.
What to watch for:
This shift in behavior could mean your teen is overwhelmed or struggling to cope.
Teens naturally have unpredictable sleep schedules, but extreme changes could be a red flag.
What to watch for:
Physical habits are often tied to emotional health. If your teen is using food or sleep to avoid stress—or can’t regulate either—it may be time to intervene.

Teenagers can be emotional, but persistent irritability, anger, or unexplained sadness may signal an underlying issue.
What to watch for:
Emotional regulation issues can be a sign of anxiety, depression, or even trauma responses in adolescents.
A sudden drop in grades or apathy toward school may be your teen’s way of expressing mental distress.
What to watch for:
Academic struggles are often one of the first outward signs of internal struggles—especially if your teen was previously motivated.
This is one of the most serious signs and should never be ignored. Even subtle mentions of wanting to “disappear” or feeling like a burden may indicate suicidal thoughts.
What to watch for:
If you see these signs, seek professional help immediately. Your teen may be in crisis and needs support urgently.
At Rivendell Health, we specialize in outpatient and acute psychiatric care for adolescents facing serious mental health challenges. Our compassionate team of mental health professionals helps teens stabilize, process what they’re feeling, and learn healthy coping strategies.
What we offer:
When early intervention happens, teens can recover, grow, and gain the tools they need to thrive.
Contact us for a confidential assessment
If their behavior is significantly different from their usual self and lasts more than two weeks—or if they talk about hopelessness or self-harm—professional help is needed.
We offer outpatient programs for adolescents, typically ages 18+. Call us to discuss options based on your child’s needs.
The length of stay depends on the severity of the symptoms and response to treatment. Our goal is stabilization and setting up a safe, supportive discharge plan.
Rivendell Health gave me my life back. Highly recommend, everyone should see them.