All children and teens experience stress, mood changes, and big emotions.
The key difference is how long the feelings or changes last, how intense they are, and how much they interfere with daily life.
More Typical Experiences
- Temporary moodiness or irritability
- Short-term stress related to school, friendships, or life changes
- Occasional worries that don’t stop daily activities
- Wanting more independence or privacy
Signs That May Be a Concern
- Changes in mood or behaviors lasting two weeks or more
- Emotions that feel overwhelming or hard to manage
- Difficulty functioning at home, school, or with peers
- Withdrawal from activities they once enjoyed
- Talking about hopelessness, worthlessness, or wanting to disappear
When in doubt, it is always okay to seek guidance.