5 Early Signs a Young Person May Need More Support

Young people do not always say directly when something is wrong. More often, the signs show up in changes: a shift in mood, behavior, attendance, sleep, or connection to the people and activities that used to matter to them. Not every change means a crisis, but patterns are worth noticing early. According to the CDC, in 2023, 40% of U.S. high school students reported persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness, and 20.4% seriously considered attempting suicide. Early support matters.

1. Pulling away from friends, family, or activities

One of the clearest early signs is when a young person begins spending much more time alone or loses interest in things they used to enjoy. NIMH lists both social withdrawal and loss of interest as warning signs that a child or teen may need mental health support. UNICEF also encourages adults to notice when teens stop opening up, disconnect from others, or seem unusually shut down.

2. Noticeable changes in sleep, energy, or appetite

A young person who is sleeping far more or less than usual, seems exhausted all the time, or shows a major change in appetite may be signaling that something deeper is going on. NIMH identifies sleep disruption, low energy, and changes in routine behavior as common warning signs in children and adolescents. These signs can show up both in and outside of school and are especially important when they last more than a short period.

3. Increased irritability, worry, or emotional outbursts

Support may also be needed when a young person seems unusually anxious, fearful, angry, or irritable much of the time. NIMH notes that frequent irritability, excessive worry, and physical complaints like headaches or stomachaches without a clear medical cause can all be signs that a child is struggling. SAMHSA also points to agitation, intense emotional reactions, and major behavior changes as warning signs of emotional distress.

4. Trouble at school, including attendance or concentration

A sudden drop in attendance, difficulty concentrating, falling behind, or disengaging from school can be an important early sign. The CDC says school connectedness has lasting effects on health and well-being, and youth who feel connected at school are less likely to experience a range of health risks. When a young person starts missing school, checking out, or struggling to focus, it may be a sign that more support is needed, not just more discipline.

5. Risky behavior, self-harm, or talk about hopelessness

Some signs call for urgent attention. NIMH lists self-harm, substance use, major behavior changes, and talk of wanting to die or hurt oneself as serious warning signs. The CDC’s 2023 Youth Risk Behavior Survey found that 9.5% of high school students reported attempting suicide in the past year. If a young person is talking about hopelessness, self-harm, or suicide, do not wait to see if it passes on its own.

What to do if you notice these signs

Start with calm, direct support. Choose a private moment, ask simple questions, and focus on listening rather than immediately trying to solve everything. UNICEF recommends checking in regularly, letting teens know you are there for them, and creating space for them to talk without judgment. If concerns continue or grow, reach out to a pediatrician, school counselor, mental health provider, or another trusted professional. If there is immediate concern about safety or suicide, call or text 988 right away, or call 911 in an emergency.

Over time, YouthLink is being built to serve as a centralized place where young people and families can be connected to the kinds of local and national resources that support earlier, more coordinated help. Our goal is to strengthen lasting community partnerships so families have a clearer place to start and more consistency in the support they receive.

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