Growing up has never been easy, but today’s youth face a unique combination of pressures. From social media stress to academic and social demands, childhood and the pre-teen and teen years can be a lot to navigate. As parents, it can be tough to tell the difference between typical growing pains and something deeper.
You know your child best. If you notice several changes that are ongoing, seem out of character or are affecting daily life, lasting for more than two weeks, it might be a sign they need a little extra help.
Look for the Shifts
The Emotional Rollercoaster: It is typical for children to experience changing emotions and as they get older want more privacy. Pay attention to intense or ongoing irritability, sudden angry outbursts, frequent tearfulness, or persistent sadness.
Pulling Away: Notice if they stop spending time with friends or family, lose interest in activities or hobbies they used to enjoy, or begin isolating themselves more than usual.
School Struggles: A sudden, uncharacteristic drop in grades, skipped assignments, difficulty concentrating or a loss of motivation can sometimes point to stress or other challenges.
Physical Changes: Stress in children can often show up in the body. Pay attention to frequent stomachaches or headaches, major changes in eating habits, or trouble sleeping.
How to Start the Conversation
Don’t worry about having the perfect words. Just create a quiet, judgement-free space. Try opening with what you’ve noticed rather than assuming. You could say: “I’ve noticed you seem a bit more tired and stressed lately, and I just want to check in. I’m here to listen, whatever is on your mind.” Let them talk without rushing to “fix” it right away.
Local Support is Available
You do not have to navigate this alone. If your family needs professional guidance or just a safe place to start, reach out to these trusted resources:
- I Matter: A free program providing, confidential mental health sessions for Colorado youth.
- Safe2Tell Colorado: A secure, anonymous way for youth or parents to report concerns about safety or mental health. Call 1-877-542-7233
- 988 Colorado Mental Health Line: For immediate, free support 24/7/365, you or your child can call or text 988 to talk to a trained specialist.
Our team at AllHealth Network is also here to support youth and families with counseling and behavioral health services.
Call AllHealth Network at 303-730-8858 or complete a referral on our website at allhealthnetwork.org to learn how we can help.
About AllHealth Network, Premiere Site Sponsor of Macaroni KID Englewood-Greenwood Village-Centennial
AllHealth Network is a trusted family of mental health and substance use providers. Our compassionate clinicians (counselors, therapists, social workers, psychiatrists, case managers, nurses) offer a consistent model of clinical excellence with a focus on individualized goals for growth and recovery. Whether this is one’s first call to seek services, a mental health emergency, or if someone has been a client with us for years, ALL of our providers are here to serve with an open heart and mind TOGETHER. AllHealth Network has over 250 clinical providers and more than 30 psychiatrists and nurse practitioners. Beyond our 12 physical locations, our teams provide services in schools, detention centers, community centers, and other community locations throughout Arapahoe County, Douglas County, and the greater Denver Metro region.
Macaroni KID Englewood-Greenwood Village-Centennial is thankful for AllHealth Network's generosity, which keeps our publication free for our readers.
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