Dr. Lewis First (Provided photo)

I find it anything but depressing when parents ask me about how to help them recognize that their teen may be having a mental health problem – so let me provide some information on this important topic.

First, is it any wonder our teens are struggling with mental health concerns?

Think of the stressors put upon them, including pressures they often put on themselves to succeed. Combine that with tough schedules that don’t allow time for rest and relaxation. Then layer on potential bullying in person or via social media, along with discrimination based on race, ethnicity, gender identity, disability or other factors to name but a few — all of which contribute to higher rates of such problems as depression, anxiety, eating disorders, self-harm, and sadly, teen suicide.

How can you recognize if a mental health problem is occurring in your teen?

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Five common signs

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First, there can be notable changes in sleep, weight, eating habits or even everyday patterns of activity.

Second, there may be a new lack of interest in things your teen used to love or a desire to quit activities they once enjoyed.

Third, you may see a withdrawal from friends and family and a whole set of new friends you’ve never met before.

Fourth, there may be academic struggles they did not have before — like failing to perform well in their favorite subject.

Finally, you may notice a refusal to talk about what is bothering your teenager — especially when they used to feel safe discussing hard issues with you openly.

Please be aware that having one sign of those listed above does not mean a full-blown mental health crisis is imminent.

There are other things including just puberty itself that can do this — but if you see more than one or are concerned about even one of these signs, discuss it with your teen and/or have them seen by their health care professional.

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Speaking with your teen

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Reaffirm that the conversation will be a safe one in a judgment-free zone and provide the unconditional loving support they need.

Your health care professional can be of great help in working with you to not only speak with your teen about your concerns regarding their mental health, but also help them get the counseling or treatment needed to overcome whatever the problem is affecting their mental health.

Hopefully, tips like these will not make you anxious — but, instead, ready to support your teenager experiencing (and with your help, overcoming) a mental health issue.

Lewis First, MD, is Chief of Pediatrics at The University of Vermont Children’s Hospital and Chair of the Department of Pediatrics at the University of Vermont’s Larner College of Medicine. You can also catch “First with Kids” weekly on WOKO 98.9FM and NBC5.