Teenagers are moody—everyone says so. But how do you know when it's just mood swings and when it's something more serious?

Understanding the difference can help parents support their kids before things spiral. According to Drs. Kari Stausmire and Kathryn McHugh, the key is watching for patterns that interfere with daily life.

“If it’s starting to impact day-to-day activities, decreasing social function or school performance, that’s when you should pay attention,” says Dr. Stausmire.

Other warning signs include major shifts in sleep or eating habits, withdrawal from friends, or losing interest in things they used to enjoy.

“If they’re sleeping too much, not eating, or no longer doing things they typically enjoy, those are signs to look for,” says Dr. McHugh.

Quick Tips for Parents: Spot the Signs Early

  • 😴 Changes in sleep (too much or too little)

  • 🍽️ Sudden shifts in eating habits

  • 🚫 Loss of interest in hobbies, sports, or friends

  • 😔 Frequent irritability, sadness, or hopelessness

If you’re worried, don’t wait. Talk to your child and contact a healthcare provider.

💬 Start the Conversation

If you notice any of these behaviors, the first step is talking to your child. Keep it simple. Ask how they’re feeling and let them know you’re there for them—without judgment.

“Some teenagers won’t open up easily,” says Dr. McHugh. “So, keep the door open by saying something like, ‘Hey, some people feel anxious or down sometimes. If you ever do, you can talk to me.’”

If they don’t want to talk to you, encourage them to open up to someone else—like a school counselor, a trusted teacher, or their doctor.

🩺 Know Where to Turn

Well-child visits are a valuable opportunity to check in on your teen’s mental health. “We screen for anxiety and depression during those visits,” Dr. McHugh explains. “It’s a normal part of the check-up.”

It’s also a safe space for teens to speak privately. “Usually, we’ll talk to them one-on-one about things like mood, safety at home, and any questions they might not feel comfortable asking with a parent in the room,” says Dr. Stausmire.

❤️ Normalize Mental Health Support

Dr. Stausmire says it’s essential to treat mental health like any other medical condition.

“This is something you didn’t choose. It’s a medical issue, and we have solutions. Just like with diabetes or asthma, there are treatments that can help.”

That might include therapy, lifestyle changes, medication—or all the above. What matters most is that your child knows they’re not alone, and help is available.

About Halifax Health

Halifax Health is the leading healthcare provider for Volusia and Flagler counties, offering a comprehensive range of services through a network that includes a tertiary hospital, two community hospitals, an urgent care network, psychiatric services, and a specialized cancer treatment center with multiple outreach locations. As the area’s only provider of a Level II Trauma Center, Center for Transplant Services, and a Pediatric Emergency Department staffed 24/7 by board-certified pediatricians, Halifax Health is also home to the Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, and Child and Adolescent Behavioral Services. In addition, Halifax Health has collaborated with UF Health to bring over fourteen specialties to the area.

Recognized for excellence and innovation, Halifax Health consistently receives top ratings, multiple accreditations from CARF International for inpatient rehabilitation, and the prestigious Novalis Certification of Excellence for its cancer treatment center. The organization has also achieved a 3 Star Rating from the Society of Thoracic Surgery for Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery, is designated as a Comprehensive Bariatric Surgery Center of Excellence, and has been recognized by U.S. News & World Report as a Best Hospital, with high performance in heart failure, knee and hip replacement, abdominal aortic aneurysm repair, heart bypass surgery and TAVR procedures. In addition to being the region's longest-standing Thrombectomy-Capable Stroke Center, Halifax Health Medical Center of Daytona Beach has consistently earned AHA’s Get With The Guidelines® Stroke Gold Plus Honor Roll. With a legacy of excellence and community service since 1928, Halifax Health continues to set the standard for quality and compassionate care in the region.