As a psychiatrist who works with teenagers, I see the impact of isolation on young people every day. Parents often make comments like “They just don’t talk to us anymore. They’re always in their room. I don’t know what’s going on with them.”
What I hear from the teenagers themselves is that they’re often overwhelmed, anxious, sad—or all three. They withdraw from family because they don’t know how to handle these emotions. But isolation isn’t just a symptom of emotional distress in teenagers; it’s also a contributing factor.
If you’re reading this, you may be concerned about your child. Maybe they’ve pulled back from family. Maybe they’re spending hours behind a screen, gaming or scrolling. Maybe their grades have slipped, or they’ve lost interest in activities they once loved. These aren’t just “teenager mood swings.” They can be red flags that deserve your attention.
Let’s talk about what’s going on, how to spot the warning signs, and when it might be time to seek professional help.
How Teens Isolate Today
Teenagers have always pulled away from their parents to some degree. It’s a normal part of growing up and expressing their independence. But in recent years, the ways teens isolate have changed in some concerning ways.
Here are some common patterns I see:
· Excessive Screen Time: Many teens spend 6–8 hours or more a day on screens outside of school. Social media, gaming, and YouTube are the most common activities. This abundance of screen time often replaces in-person interaction and can distort reality, amplify social comparison, and contribute to feelings of anxiety and depression.
· Gaming as Escape: Video games can be social, but when a teen is playing for hours alone or withdrawing from real-world responsibilities, it can become a form of emotional escape. Gaming can temporarily distract from feelings of sadness or anxiety, but excessive time spent gaming may actually increase the problem by neglecting the issues that are causing anxiety (unfinished homework, for example).
· Avoiding Family: Teens who are struggling often stop engaging with family. Meals, conversations, and even basic check-ins can become rare. This isn’t always teen rebellion. It can often be a sign they feel emotionally overloaded or disconnected.
· Pulling Back from Friends: Isolation from friends is especially concerning. If your teen is no longer talking about friends, isn’t being invited to hang out, or avoids social events, they may be withdrawing due to depression, anxiety, or social difficulties they’re not telling you about.
Colorado Trends in Teens and Mental Health
In Colorado, The Kids Count in Colorado survey is conducted annually to monitor youth mental health and well-being. In the 2023 report (the most recent year available), every data point possible shows increases in Colorado youth struggling mentally.
The report highlighted several issues contributing to worsening mental health in Colorado teens, including:
· Rising pressure to succeed academically
· Increased use of social media
· Fewer young people getting adequate sleep
· Broader societal issues such as economic struggles, climate change and increasing gun violence
The report also noted the increase in feelings of isolation among teenagers: “In our generation, a lot of people are really isolated,” one student in the data report noted. “Many of us don’t have good support systems, or even just a few people who truly know us…”
Signs to Watch For
If you are concerned about your teenager’s behavior, here are some signs that should raise concern:
· Persistent low mood or irritability
· Noticeable changes in sleep or appetite
· Falling grades, skipping school or missing schoolwork
· Loss of interest in things they used to enjoy
· Frequent headaches, stomachaches, or vague physical complaints
· Talking about feeling hopeless, overwhelmed, or like a failure
· Self-harming behavior (cutting, burning) or talk of suicide
Any one of these on its own might warrant concern. But if your child is exhibiting several of these behaviors, it is time to seek help.
When to Seek Help
If you’re worried about your teen, trust your instinct. You know them best. If they seem “off” for more than a few weeks, or if the changes are interfering with school, friendships, or daily functioning, it’s time to consider visiting with a psychiatrist at Colorado Recovery Solutions, with offices in Colorado Springs and Monument.
We can conduct a full mental health evaluation and help determine what’s going on. We can also discuss and recommend treatment that will help. We offer multiple treatment options at our clinics, including medication, TMS, and ketamine therapy, that are proven to alleviate feelings of depression and anxiety.
TMS can be especially helpful for teenagers dealing with isolation, depression, and anxiety. Last year the FDA approved TMS treatment for teenagers ages 15 and older, making it much more accessible for treating depression in teenagers.
Where to Find Mental Health Help in Colorado Springs
If you are concerned about your teenager (or other family member) who is exhibiting signs of depression, anxiety, or isolation, please schedule an appointment at Colorado Recovery Solutions at one of our three Colorado Springs locations or our office in Monument by calling 719-622-6522.
We accept most major commercial insurance and we are accepting new patients. In most cases, we can schedule you within a week.
You can also request an appointment online on our contact request form or reach us from the chat module on our website. We look forward to helping you and your family with better mental health.
