This article provides general information about mental health for adolescents. It also has emergency resources for families if there are concerns about suicide or self-harm behavior.
Disclaimer: This material is for educational purposes only. You, the reader, assume full responsibility for how you choose to use it. It is not intended to provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment, nor does it replace the advice or counsel of a doctor or health care professional. Reference to a specific commercial product or service does not imply endorsement or recommendation of that product or service by CPCMG.
All teens experience some stress which may be related to school, work, family, friendships, other relationships, or social activities.
In addition, some adolescents may have a medical diagnosis of depression and/or anxiety disorder.
If you are concerned that your child is sad, depressed, nervous, anxious, irritable, hopeless, or angry and/or that these symptoms are lasting longer than 2 weeks, please discuss your concerns with your child’s primary care provider.
Some signs of depression or anxiety disorder may include:
Changes in mood or behavior.
Loss of interest in activities they used to enjoy.
Frequent complaints of headaches, abdominal pain, or nausea that prevent them from participating in their usual activities, attending school or their job.
Withdrawal from family and friends and becoming increasingly isolated.
Trouble sleeping or sleeping too much.
Skipping or refusing to attend school or declining grades.
Change in appetite with significant weight loss or weight gain.
Increased irritability or anger with reactions often being out of proportion to the trigger.
Loss of energy or increased fatigue.
Feeling worthless or guilty for things that are not their fault, or things they have no control over.
Difficulty thinking, concentrating, or making decisions.
Thoughts of death, self-harm, or suicide.
Acts of self-harm (ex. Cutting, skin picking).
You can find more information about depression and anxiety in children and teens here.
Emergent/Urgent Resources
If you are concerned about suicide or self-harm behavior in your child, please go to your local emergency room (ER) or behavioral/mental health urgent care (see below) for an immediate evaluation.
Rady Children’s Behavioral Health Urgent Care
4305 University Avenue, Suite 150
San Diego, CA 92105
Phone: 858-966-5484
Fax: 619-795-1228
Walk-In Hours: 4 p.m.-8 p.m., Monday-Friday
Riverside County 24/7 Mental Health Urgent Care
Riverside (for adults ages 18 and over)
9990 County Farm Rd.
Bldg. 2
Riverside, CA 92503
(951) 509-2499
Open 24/7. Call or walk-in. No appointments needed.
Access and Crisis Lines:
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline – you can text 988 to reach someone to speak with at any time. You can also call the following numbers to speak to someone immediately:
San Diego County Access and Crisis Line: 888-724-7240
Riverside County Access and Crisis line: (951) 686-HELP (4357)
Information provided by CPCMG Behavioral Health Committee PL M.D., reviewed by CPCMG Patient Education Committee AR D.O. | 09/2024