School age (5–12 years) · Teen (12–18 years) · Young adult (18–21 years) · Behavioral & mental health, Teens
Anxiety and depression in teens: signs, what to say, and where to start
About one in three teens experiences an anxiety disorder and one in five a depressive episode. Warning signs include withdrawal, sleep and appetite changes, irritability and falling grades for two weeks or more. Screening starts at 12 and treatment works.
Key takeaways
- Two weeks of persistent change is the threshold, not one bad day
- Irritability and physical complaints are common faces of depression in teens
- Ask directly about self-harm and suicide; asking does not plant the idea
- Treatment works: therapy, sometimes medication, and family support
- In a crisis call or text 988, or go to the ER
What does anxiety or depression look like in a teen?
- Pulling away from friends, family or activities they loved
- Sleeping much more or much less; eating changes
- Irritability, anger or tearfulness that seems out of proportion
- Headaches, stomach aches or fatigue with no medical cause
- Falling grades, missed school, loss of motivation
- Talk of hopelessness, being a burden, or wanting to disappear
What should I say?
Lead with observation, not diagnosis: “I have noticed you seem worn down lately, and I care.” Listen more than you talk. Ask directly: “Have you had thoughts of hurting yourself?” Research is clear that asking reduces risk. Do not promise to keep it secret if safety is involved.
What happens at the visit?
From age 12 every well visit includes a confidential depression screen (PHQ-A). If concerns come up, we spend time with your teen alone, then together, and build a plan: counseling, school supports, lifestyle changes, and medication when it is the right tool. We follow up in weeks, not months.
What helps at home?
- Regular sleep, real meals and daily movement
- Screens out of the bedroom at night
- Predictable family time without an agenda
- Model asking for help yourself
When to call us
- Changes lasting two weeks or more
- School refusal or a sudden drop in grades
- Self-harm you have discovered, even if “not serious”
- Substance use
- Your instinct says something is wrong
Go to the emergency room or call 911 if…
- Talk of suicide with a plan, or any attempt: call 911 or go to the nearest ER
- Call or text 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline) or Georgia Crisis & Access Line 1-800-715-4225, 24/7
Questions parents ask
Are antidepressants safe for teens?
For moderate to severe depression, SSRIs combined with therapy are effective and, with monitoring, safe. We discuss the FDA warning, start low, and see your teen frequently in the first weeks.
Not sure? Ask us
Call or text the office during hours, or send a portal message. For emergencies call 911.
(770) 615-7000Trusted further reading
- 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (opens in new tab)988 Lifeline