Teen Mental Health in August: Signs They’re Struggling And How to Help
August can feel like a pressure cooker for teens. The slower pace of summer is coming to an end, school is right around the corner, and for many young people, there’s a quiet (or not-so-quiet) sense of dread building beneath the surface.
Maybe your teen is feeling anxious about grades or friend groups. Maybe they’re dreading early mornings or dealing with body image stress as they head back into more social settings. Even if they don’t say much, you may notice changes in their mood or behavior this time of year.
Teen mental health often gets overlooked in the back-to-school rush. But the truth is, August can be a tough time emotionally. Paying attention now can help prevent more serious struggles later on.
Signs Your Teen Might Be Struggling With Their Mental Health
Every teen is different, but here are a few things to look out for:
Pulling away from friends, family, or activities they used to enjoy
Irritability, mood swings, or sudden anger
Changes in sleep or appetite
Trouble focusing or seeming more forgetful
Talking negatively about themselves or the future
Complaints about headaches, stomachaches, or fatigue
Expressing hopelessness or saying things like “What’s the point?”
If you’re seeing more than one of these signs and it’s lasting more than a couple of weeks, it could be time to check in a little deeper.
How to Support Your Teen
Start where they are
You don’t need to have the perfect words. Just showing up with care matters. You might say, “You seem a little off lately. Want to talk about it?” Then pause and give them room to speak. If they’re not ready, let them know you’re available whenever they are.
Stay steady
Your teen may push back, seem uninterested, or try to brush it off. Try not to take it personally. Keep your approach calm and low-pressure. What they need most is your steady presence and reassurance that they’re not alone.
Keep the connection going
Look for simple ways to connect, like watching a show together, going on a drive, or making dinner side by side. Teens often open up more during everyday moments, not formal sit-down talks.
Limit pressure, not expectations
Help them ease into the idea of school without piling on pressure about performance. Instead of focusing on grades or achievements, ask what they need to feel more ready. Keep your expectations clear, but lead with compassion.
Make mental health part of the conversation
Talk about mental health the same way you would talk about physical health. Let your teen know that it’s okay to not feel okay, and that getting support is a strength, not a weakness.
Know when to reach out
If your teen is showing signs of depression, anxiety, or is talking about self-harm or hopelessness, don’t wait. It’s okay to get help even if you’re not sure how serious it is. A mental health professional can offer support, tools, and guidance for both you and your teen.
Your Teen Deserves Support and So Do You
The teenage years can be overwhelming, and transitions like the start of school only add more pressure. You don’t have to figure this all out alone.
At Alleviant, we offer compassionate care for teens and families facing anxiety, depression, emotional regulation issues, and more. Whether your teen just needs a safe space to talk or a more personalized care plan, we’re here to help you both feel more grounded and hopeful.
