Warning Signs

overview
Written By Marisa Meldonian

In: Mental Health Overview

Look out for any sudden or significant changes in your student’s behaviors, academics, or emotional responses. Each mental health disorder presents a variety of symptoms and warning signs. Use the list below as a general overview of common signs of when a teen may need support with their mental health. 

If you notice warning signs of mental health or if a student shares personal issues, use the conversation guide below to begin discussing mental health with your student.  Follow the referral guide and confidentiality guide to see if you need to refer the student to the school counselor or other professional mental health services or if you need to reach out to family for support. 

  • Sudden drop in grades

  • School avoidance

  • Eating too much or too little

  • Sleeping too much or too little

  • Frequent physical complaints (headaches, stomach aches) 

  • Social withdrawal (from friends, family, previous social connections) 

  • Excessive worry or fear about daily activities 

  • Frequent mood swings

  • Prolonged periods of irritability or anger

  • Excessive sadness or lack of energy

  • Ideas of self harm or suicide 


    Source: https://www.nami.org/About-Mental-Illness/Warning-Signs-and-Symptoms

Marisa Meldonian
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