Teens’ Mental Health: Understand the Warning Signs Before It’s Too Late
Fear fades when facts are known.
Just weeks ago, a tragic and alarming story emerged from Maryland. Sixteen-year-old Sash Nemphos confessed to police that he had planned to kill his parents and then carry out a mass shooting at his high school. His reason? Revenge—a disturbing response to years of being bullied.
As shocking as that sounds, there’s more to this story. When questioned by officers, Sash was reportedly intoxicated. This suggests substance abuse, which often coexists with untreated mental illness. It’s a powerful reminder that beneath violent threats, there may be underlying psychological distress crying out for help.
Mental Illness Fear—Recognize the Red Flags
If you are a parent or guardian, it’s vital to recognize early warning signs of mental illness. Consider these questions:
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Does your child believe everyone is against them?
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Do they avoid talking about friends or social life?
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Are they isolating—spending most of their time alone in their room?
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Do they experience frequent, unpredictable mood swings?
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Have you seen evidence of self-harm?
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Are their emotional reactions extreme or out of proportion?
Any one of these symptoms may signal a deeper issue. Don’t wait. Talk to your child’s doctor and seek a mental health evaluation.
Knowledge Saves Lives
No parent wants to believe their child could pose a danger. But the truth is: when mental illness goes untreated, the risk increases. Many parents ignore serious warning signs, hoping it’s just a phase or “teen drama.” This denial can lead to catastrophic consequences.
As hard as it may be, acknowledging a problem is the first step toward healing.
Real Lives, Real Pain—A Senator’s Tragedy
Take the heartbreaking story of Senator Creigh Deeds, whose son, Gus, struggled with severe mental illness. Despite a loving relationship, Gus violently attacked his father in 2013, stabbing him before taking his own life.
No amount of love or hope alone can replace proper diagnosis and treatment. As tragic as this was, it highlights how urgently intervention is needed—before it’s too late.
What Parents Can Do
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Don’t dismiss warning signs as “normal teenage behavior.”
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Don’t be afraid to ask hard questions—about self-harm, suicidal thoughts, or aggression.
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Seek professional help immediately if something feels off.
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Stay engaged and observant, especially if your child has experienced trauma, bullying, or sudden emotional shifts.
Remember: most children with mental illness are not violent. But their ability to make sound decisions may be impaired. Your role is to provide love and access to treatment.
Break the Stigma. Protect Our Youth.
Mental illness is not a failure—it’s a medical condition that can be managed. But only if we talk about it.
Only if we act early.
And only if we support families without judgment.
Let’s replace fear with facts, and stigma with support. That’s how we protect our children—and give them a future worth living for.