Heads Up Boston Parent Resources

Some teen behaviors are just part of growing up. But other behaviors may be signs of a deeper concern, one that requires professional support.  

Your teen may need professional support:  

• If they appear on edge, stressed, anxious, or worried for no reason. 

• If they tell you they’re experiencing physical symptoms like headaches, nausea, GI issues, increased breathing, or increased heart rate. 

• If they’re skipping or no longer participating in their favorite activities. 

• If they are sad, irritable, moody, or uninterested in things they used to enjoy. 

• If they tell you they’re having negative thoughts they can't seem to shake. 

• If they say they’re feeling guilty about things that don’t seem to be their fault. 

• If they are isolating, or avoiding friends and social activities. 

• If they are engaging in harmful behaviors, like drugs, vaping, or alcohol. 

• If they display intense mood swings or aren’t acting like themselves. 

• If they display paranoid behavior (ex: tell you they think people are trying to control their mind or hear voices that other people don’t hear). 

The longer you notice any of the above behavior, the more important it is to seek support for your teen. 

 

For any situation, in which you believe your child is considering self-harm or thinking about suicide, call 988 immediately. 

1. Be there. Remind your teen that you love and support them, no matter what they’re going through. 
2. Be a role model. Set an example for your teen. Take care of your own mental and physical health. Reach out to a professional if you need support for yourself.    
3. Build strong relationships. Develop healthy relationships with your teen. Encourage honesty and openness.  
4. Create a safe environment. Give your children a safe, stable home. One that limits access to objects that could cause self-harm, like controlled prescriptions, firearms, and other types of weapons.  
5. Be aware of the signs. Keep an eye on your teen. If you see signs of harmful behavior, speak up. Talk to your teen and show your support.  
6. Be prepared.  Make sure you and your teen save important contacts and emergency numbers on your phone, such as: 
   • A trusted friend or relative 
   • 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: 988 
   • The Massachusetts Behavioral Health Help Line: 833-773-2445 

​If you notice that your child is struggling in new ways, or that old problems are getting worse, HandHold MA is a curated collection of information and resources that you can try at home today, with links to organizations that can help. 

​The Mayor’s Health Line is a free, confidential, multilingual information and referral service. ​We help all residents regardless of immigration status. If you or your family needs legal help we provide referrals to legal services. 

​Includes a list of resources for families offered by the Boston Public Health Commission as well as behavioral health resources in Boston and beyond.

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