Trouble with alcohol or drugs. For many teens, experimentation with alcohol and drugs is part of growing up. But if this experience is accompanied by a drop in grades or becomes a regular occurrence, it's time to seek help. Depression and anxiety. Children who are consistently sad, anxious, moody or negative may be experiencing the symptoms of an emotional problem.
Suicide is one of the leading causes of death among adolescents.
If your child has a run-in with the law, it's a clear call for help. Dramatic mood swings Purple hair, tattoos and body-piercing. As long as an adolescent's interests and styles reflect popular peer-group standards, there's usually nothing to worry about. But if a teen's life begins to unravel at the same time these changes are made, parents should be alert for trouble. When combined with falling grades, truancy, alcohol consumption or other aberrant behaviors, body piercing and bizarre clothing can be a call for help.