As a parent, it’s one of your greatest fears: the possibility that your child is silently struggling with mental health issues. In today’s fast-paced, high-pressure world, teen mental health challenges like anxiety, depression, and emotional distress are on the rise. Yet, many parents are left wondering how to spot the signs early on.

World-renowned teen psychotherapist Mendi Baron, known for his impactful work on Dr. Phil and founder of multiple mental health treatment programs, has developed a practical Parent’s Mental Health Checklist. This guide is designed to help parents recognize early warning signs and take proactive steps to support their child’s emotional well-being.

Mendi emphasizes, “Parents don’t have to be mental health experts. They just need to be observant, empathetic, and willing to open up a dialogue. This checklist isn’t about diagnosis—it’s about awareness and action.”

Below is the Mendi Baron Parent’s Checklist to help you assess whether your teen might be struggling with their mental health.

1. Have You Noticed Significant Changes in Mood?

Mood swings are common in teenagers due to hormonal changes, but persistent sadness, irritability, or emotional numbness are red flags. If your teen seems unusually withdrawn, easily agitated, or expresses hopelessness over an extended period, it could signal deeper emotional struggles.

Mendi advises, “Trust your gut. You know your child’s typical behavior. If something feels ‘off’ for weeks, don’t dismiss it as normal teenage moodiness.”

2. Is Your Teen Isolating Themselves from Family and Friends?

Social withdrawal is a classic indicator of mental health challenges. Has your teen stopped engaging in family activities they used to enjoy? Are they avoiding friends or becoming increasingly isolated in their room?

Mendi warns that isolation can escalate depression and feelings of loneliness. He encourages parents to gently check in and provide opportunities for low-pressure social interaction, even if it’s just watching a movie together at home.

3. Have You Observed a Decline in Academic Performance or Motivation?

A sudden drop in grades, missed assignments, or a noticeable lack of motivation towards schoolwork could reflect internal emotional battles. Teens struggling with depression or anxiety often find it hard to focus, stay organized, or find purpose in tasks they once excelled at.

Mendi’s advice: “Rather than scolding your teen for slipping grades, approach the conversation with curiosity and care. Ask them how they’re feeling about school without judgment.”

4. Is Your Teen Displaying Changes in Sleep Patterns?

Mental health struggles often disrupt sleep. Is your teen sleeping excessively, struggling with insomnia, or experiencing restless nights? Both oversleeping and sleeplessness can be physical manifestations of depression or anxiety.

“Sleep is a window into mental health,” Mendi explains. “Teens often don’t have the words to describe their emotional pain, but their sleep habits will tell you everything.”

5. Has Your Teen’s Appetite Changed Drastically?

A sudden increase or decrease in appetite can be another sign of emotional distress. Whether it’s emotional eating or loss of interest in food, these changes can accompany anxiety, depression, or even eating disorders.

Parents should observe not just the quantity of food intake but also the emotional context—does your teen eat when stressed or skip meals altogether during emotional lows?

6. Are They Expressing Feelings of Worthlessness or Hopelessness?

Listen carefully to the language your teen uses. Casual phrases like “I’m a failure,” “Nothing matters,” or “I’m just a burden” should never be ignored. These could be indicators of negative self-talk patterns associated with depression.

Mendi emphasizes, “Words have weight. When teens verbalize hopelessness, they’re often testing the waters to see if someone will notice and care enough to respond.”

7. Have You Observed Risky or Self-Destructive Behaviors?

Teens in emotional pain sometimes engage in risky behaviors—substance use, reckless driving, self-harm, or unsafe sexual activity—as a form of coping or expressing their distress. Even minor incidents of self-harm (e.g., scratching, cutting) require immediate attention.

Mendi urges parents not to minimize these behaviors as “phases” or “attention-seeking.” He says, “Every risky act is a cry for help. It’s a parent’s job to listen, not to shame.”

8. Does Your Teen Seem Overwhelmed by Everyday Tasks?

Tasks like getting out of bed, completing homework, or even personal hygiene can become overwhelming for a teen struggling with their mental health. If your once-active teen seems paralyzed by simple daily routines, it’s a significant indicator that they’re battling internal struggles.

Instead of pushing them to “snap out of it,” Mendi recommends breaking tasks into smaller, manageable steps and offering to help them through the process.

9. Have They Mentioned Thoughts of Self-Harm or Suicide?

Any mention of suicidal thoughts, no matter how casual or offhanded it sounds, should be taken extremely seriously. Mendi stresses that asking about suicidal thoughts doesn’t implant the idea—it opens a necessary conversation.

“Silence is more dangerous than asking the question. Show them it’s safe to talk about those thoughts,” Mendi advises.

10. Have You Noticed a General Loss of Interest in Things They Once Loved?

A decline in hobbies or interests is a strong indicator of depression. If your teen no longer shows excitement for activities they once enjoyed—whether it’s sports, music, art, or social events—it’s time to explore what’s behind the disengagement.

Mendi suggests gently revisiting these activities together without pressure, creating opportunities for connection and conversation.

What to Do If You’ve Checked Multiple Boxes

If you recognize several of these signs in your teen, it’s essential to act with compassion and urgency. Start by having an open, non-judgmental conversation. Let your teen know that you’ve noticed they’re going through a hard time and that you are there to support them, no matter what.

Mendi strongly encourages parents to seek professional guidance. Early intervention with a qualified therapist can make a profound difference. “The bravest thing a parent can do is admit they need help supporting their child,” he says.

Final Thoughts from Mendi Baron

Mental health struggles in teens are real, but they are also manageable with the right support. Mendi Baron’s Parent’s Checklist isn’t about being perfect—it’s about being present, observant, and proactive. By staying engaged and informed, you can help your teen navigate the challenges of adolescence with resilience and hope.

Parent’s Checklist by Mendi Baron: Is Your Teen Struggling with Mental Health?