Struggling with Mental Health Concerns:
Support for Teens and Young Adults

If you’re searching for more information about mental health diagnoses and symptoms such as bipolar disorder (I and II), OCD (obsessive compulsive disorder), or PTSD (post- traumatic stress disorder), you’re not alone, and help is available. YouthLine offers free, confidential peer support for young people up to age 24. You can call 877-968-8491, text “teen2teen” to 839863, chat at theyouthline.org, or email teen2teen@linesforlife.org. You don’t need to be in crisis to reach out. Sometimes you just need someone who gets it.

Having Concerns about Your Mental Health is More Common Than You Think

Growing up involves a lot of change — emotionally, socially, and physically — and it’s common for those changes to impact mental health. As your brain continues developing, you might notice differences in your mood, thoughts, energy levels, behaviors, or how you relate to others. Changes in friendships, school pressure, family dynamics, identity, and life transitions can all play a role.

Many young people start to wonder if what they’re experiencing could be related to a mental health condition. Some commonly searched or discussed conditions among teens include bipolar disorder (Types I and II), obsessive – compulsive disorder (OCD), post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), as well as depression, anxiety, and other concerns.

Because mental health conditions aren’t always talked about openly, it makes sense to feel nervous or scared when you start questioning your mental health. Wondering if you might need support does not mean something is wrong with you; it means you’re paying attention to and taking care of yourself.

Mental Health Conditions in Teens: How Common Are They?

Mental health challenges among teens and young adults are more common than many people realize:

• About one in five adolescents experience a mental health condition in a given year.
• OCD affects an estimated 1% to 3% of children and adolescents, and symptoms often begin in childhood or the teen years.
• Bipolar disorder is estimated to affect around 2% to 3% of adolescents, with mood symptoms sometimes appearing before a formal diagnosis is made.
• PTSD affects approximately 5% of adolescents, often following experiences such as trauma, violence, loss, or ongoing stress.

These conditions can look different from person to person, and symptoms don’t always fit neatly into one category. Many teens experience overlapping symptoms or struggle before ever receiving a diagnosis. And many never receive a diagnosis at all. What matters most is how you’re feeling and whether you’re getting the support you need.

Signs You’re Struggling with a Mental Health Condition

While we cannot diagnose anyone at YouthLine, there are some signs that often come up when someone might be struggling with their mental health that could indicate needing additional support.

Some of these signs are:

• Changes in functioning compared to one’s norm (appetite, sleep, appearance, etc.)
• Impulsive behaviors and decisions
• Excessive worry, flashbacks, or resurfaced memories
• Trouble concentrating
• Substance misuse
• Feeling out of control of one’s thoughts or actions
• Major shifts in mood, like extreme highs and lows, or increased irritability

If any of this resonates, you’re experiencing something many young people face. You deserve nonjudgmental support, and reaching out is a sign of strength. It is important to speak to a professional if you are experiencing these symptoms, but starting out by talking about it with a peer is a great way to seek extra support. YouthLine is one place you can start.

What to Do If You Feel Like You’re Struggling with a Mental Health Condition

Feeling that you might be experiencing symptoms of a mental health condition can be an isolating and scary experience to have. It’s important to know that there are small steps you can take to get support. Needing support doesn’t mean something is “wrong with you” – it often means you’re a human dealing with something difficult. Mental health conditions are not character flaws; they are real experiences many teens face that are treatable and manageable with the right support. Here are some ideas of what you can do if you’re struggling:

Start with one trusted adult. It’s important to get support from a trusted adult when you are worried about your mental health or a friend’s mental health. Whether it’s a parent, an extended family member, a counselor, or a teacher, you deserve to have someone know that you are struggling.

Reach out for support from a resource. It can be helpful to speak to someone who isn’t a part of your daily life but may be able to listen and provide a safe space for you to share what you’re struggling with. Being able to talk about what you’re going through can help you understand why you’re worried about your mental health and what may be the best next steps. YouthLine could be a great resource to reach out to about this.

What Is YouthLine?

YouthLine is a free, peer-to-peer help, support, and crisis line for youth up to age 24. When you reach out, you connect with a trained peer volunteer, someone who understands what it’s like to be young and navigating life’s challenges.

No problem is too big or too small. Whether you’re feeling lonely, unmotivated, disconnected, overwhelmed, or just not yourself, YouthLine is here to listen. We’re ready to talk with you about anything you’re going through, including mental health concerns.

How to Reach YouthLine

• Call: 877-968-8491
• Text: “teen2teen” to 839863
• Chat: theyouthline.org
• Email: teen2teen@linesforlife.org

YouthLine is available for teens and young adults across the United States.

You Deserve Support

Feeling like you’re struggling with your mental health can be isolating. Having a mental health condition does not define your worth. Many young people who struggle with their mental health can go on to get the support they need and lead fulfilling lives.

You deserve to feel safe and stable. You deserve spaces where you feel seen and valued. You deserve support while you navigate this challenging stage of life.

If you’re struggling with concerns about your mental health, consider reaching out to YouthLine. Talking to someone who understands can help you feel less alone and allow you space to explore other coping skills without judgment.

YouthLine is here for you, wherever you are, whatever you’re going through. Reach out today.

National Survey of Children’s Health data:
Health Resources and Services Administration, Maternal and Child Health Bureau. (2024). Adolescent mental and behavioral health, 2023. https://mchb.hrsa.gov/sites/default/files/mchb/data-research/nsch-data-brief-adolescent-mental-behavioral-health-2023.pdf

CDC adolescent mental health trends:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024). Mental health — Adolescent and school health. https://www.cdc.gov/healthy-youth/mental-health/index.html

Bipolar disorder prevalence (adolescents):
National Institute of Mental Health. (n.d.). Bipolar disorder — Statistics. https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/statistics/bipolar-disorder

OCD prevalence in kids and teens:
Indian Health Service. (n.d.). Assessment and treatment — OCD prevalence data. https://www.ihs.gov/sites/telebehavioral/themes/responsive2017/display_objects/documents/slides/nationalchildandadolescent/spring2015/assessmentocd.pdf

General youth mental health disorders:
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Adolescent Health. (n.d.). Mental health for adolescents. https://opa.hhs.gov/adolescent-health/mental-health-adolescents

PTSD in teens (approximate prevalence):
Verywell Mind. (n.d.). What to know about PTSD in teenagers. (See discussion of prevalence around 5% among teens.) https://www.verywellmind.com/what-to-know-about-ptsd-in-teenagers-5210244