Is My Teen Just Moody—or in Need of Help?
Maria Mojica-Rangel • April 24, 2025
Is My Teen Just Moody—or in Need of Help?
A Parent’s Guide to Teen Mental Health in 2025
By Maria Mojica-Rangel, PMHNP-BC
Board-Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
If you're concerned about your teen's mental health, you're not alone. Two years after the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and other national health organizations declared a national youth mental health emergency, many adolescents are still struggling.
The pressures teens face today are overwhelming: academic performance, social media, extracurricular expectations, and a world that often feels uncertain. As a parent, how do you know when your teen’s emotional ups and downs are a normal part of adolescence—or a sign that they need help?
Signs Your Teen May Need Support
The AAP and the American Psychiatric Association (APA) recommend watching for:
- Noticeable changes in sleep, appetite, or energy
- Loss of interest in hobbies or social activities
- Withdrawal from friends and family
- A drop in school performance or motivation
- Irritability, tearfulness, or hopelessness
- Increased risk-taking or substance use
- Evidence of self-harm or suicidal thoughts
Seeing one sign occasionally doesn’t mean your teen is in crisis. But if signs persist or intensify, it’s time to open a conversation—and possibly, to get professional help.
What Are the Most Common Mental Health Challenges for Teens?
- Anxiety disorders (impacting nearly 1 in 10 teens)
- Depression, often presenting as irritability or fatigue
- ADHD, which can affect emotional regulation and focus
- Eating disorders and self-harm, which often go unnoticed
- Substance use, often as a way to cope with deeper emotional pain
How Can Parents Help?
Start with connection. The AAP recommends regular, supportive conversations—not just one-off talks. Here’s how:
- Create a safe space for open, judgment-free communication
- Use observations, not accusations: “I noticed you’ve been quieter lately…”
- Listen actively and validate their feelings
- Avoid trying to fix everything immediately—just being present matters
When to Seek Professional Help
Your pediatrician is a great first step. They can:
- Screen for mental health conditions
- Recommend therapy, medication, or other supports
- Connect you to local specialists
- Work with you to develop a treatment and safety plan
If your teen is having thoughts of suicide or is in immediate danger, contact the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline or text TALK to 741741.
Everyday Mental Wellness Matters
Mental health is more than crisis prevention—it’s daily care. Encourage your teen to:
- Get enough sleep and balanced meals
- Move their body and get outside daily
- Spend time with friends and family
- Set boundaries with screens and social media
- Have time for fun, rest, and creativity
You're Not Alone—And Neither Is Your Teen
Mental health is part of whole-person health. There is no shame in seeking support, just as there’s no shame in treating a physical illness. Show yourself and your child compassion. Reach out early. Healing is possible—and help is always available.
Need support for your teen’s mental health?
At Harmony Psychiatry & Wellness, we’re here to listen and help.
The Power of Gratitude: A Simple Habit That Can Transform Your Well-Being In the fast pace of work and daily life, it’s easy to focus on what’s stressful, overwhelming, or not going the way we hoped. But research continues to show that intentionally pausing to notice the good—no matter how small—can make a meaningful difference in how we feel and function. This is where gratitude exercises come in. What Are Gratitude Exercises? Gratitude exercises are simple practices designed to help you focus on the positive moments in your day. They can be as easy as writing down three things you’re grateful for, keeping a daily gratitude journal, or using a gratitude app to track moments that made you smile. These practices don’t require much time, but their impact can be powerful. Why Gratitude Works Boosts mood and happiness: Consistently practicing gratitude can increase positive emotions, elevate overall life satisfaction, and support a more optimistic outlook. Many people notice they feel happier and more grounded when gratitude becomes part of their routine. Reduces stress and negative thinking: Gratitude helps shift attention away from worry and repetitive negative thoughts. This shift can make it easier to manage daily stress and respond to challenges with more clarity and calm. Supports emotional resilience: Studies show that people who regularly practice gratitude report fewer symptoms of anxiety and depression. Gratitude acts as a buffer during difficult times, helping you stay centered even when life feels heavy. Improves relationships: Expressing appreciation strengthens connections. Whether it’s thanking a colleague, acknowledging a friend, or noticing support you’ve received, gratitude fosters trust and deeper relationships. Encourages healthy habits: Some research links gratitude with better sleep, healthier lifestyle choices, and even improved heart health. When you feel better mentally, positive physical changes often follow. Who Can Benefit? Everyone. Gratitude exercises are helpful for individuals facing stress, students juggling responsibilities, people managing health issues, busy professionals, and anyone hoping to enhance their mental well-being. How to Get Started Write down three things you’re grateful for each day. Try a gratitude journal or mobile app to capture positive moments. Share your appreciation—send a thank-you message or tell someone how they’ve helped you. Tips for Success Be consistent. A few minutes a day or several times a week is enough. Be specific. Small details matter—sunlight through your window, a supportive coworker, or a delicious meal. Be patient with yourself. Gratitude doesn’t mean ignoring challenges. Think of it as a tool that helps you notice the good alongside the hard. Building a gratitude habit is simple, free, and backed by science. Whether you’re looking to reduce stress, strengthen relationships, or boost your mood, these small daily practices can create meaningful long-term change. If you’d like personalized ideas for starting a gratitude routine, your healthcare or wellness provider can help guide you.
Why Fall is the Perfect Time to Start Vitamin D
How to Help Your Child Prepare for the New School Year By Maria Mojica-Rangel, PMHNP-BC | Harmony Psychiatry & Wellness
Daylight Savings: A Perfect Time to Reset Sleep Habits Daylight savings time shifts our schedules, making it a great opportunity to reassess our sleep habits. The adjustment can disrupt sleep patterns, but it also serves as a reminder to prioritize rest. Use this transition to establish a consistent bedtime, limit screen exposure before bed, and create a calming nighttime routine to support better sleep and mental health.
Uncertainty is a part of life, but when challenges arise—whether financial strain, health concerns, or unexpected life changes—stress can feel overwhelming. As a psychiatric nurse practitioner, I often see patients struggling with the weight of uncertainty. While we can’t always control our circumstances, we can develop strategies to manage stress and protect our well-being. 1. Focus on What You Can Control Uncertainty often brings a sense of helplessness, but shifting your focus to what you can control can make a big difference. Create a daily routine, set small achievable goals, and prioritize self-care—these small steps provide stability in chaotic times. 2. Practice Mindfulness & Deep Breathing Grounding techniques like deep breathing, meditation, or even a short mindful walk can help calm the nervous system. Try the 4-7-8 breathing technique: inhale for 4 seconds, hold for 7, and exhale for 8. This simple practice can lower stress levels in minutes. 3. Limit Overexposure to Stressful News While staying informed is important, constantly checking news updates or social media can heighten anxiety. Set boundaries—perhaps limiting news intake to twice a day—and choose trusted sources to avoid unnecessary stress. 4. Stay Connected Uncertainty can make us withdraw, but maintaining connections with loved ones provides emotional support. Whether through a phone call, video chat, or a coffee meet-up, sharing your worries with someone who listens can be incredibly therapeutic. 5. Seek Professional Support When Needed If stress becomes overwhelming, don’t hesitate to reach out for help. Therapy, counseling, or speaking with a mental health provider can offer guidance and coping strategies tailored to your needs. Small psychiatric practices like ours provide a safe space for individuals to navigate their challenges with compassionate support. Uncertainty may be unavoidable, but by taking small, intentional steps, we can build resilience and find peace amidst the unknown.