Many parents say teenagers are moody and a little rebellious. They push the limits and make mistakes. But when does your teen's behavior signal serious problems? Family Specialist Shelley Osterloh joins us now with some answers. Shelley, isn't that just normal teen behavior?.

Yes it is, but if the teen has multiple problems, taken to extremes, it could be a sign of mental illness. And the numbers back up the claim: State Mental Health officials say 12% of Utah's teenagers are struggling with a mental health issue, and 5% are seriously emotionally disturbed and should be in counseling--that's about 34-thousand teenagers. When does a troubled teen really need help?

Kelly was a bright, popular 14 year old--a candidate for student body office, and on the swim team.

((KELLY: I WAS PRETTY GOOD AT FOOLING PEOPLE INTO BELIEVING THAT I WAS HAPPIER THAN I WAS, AND EVERYTHING WAS OKAY, I DIDN'T WANT TO WORRY ANYONE. ))

((MOTHER: KELLY APPEARED HAPPY. .. UNTIL RIGHT BEFORE HER 14TH BIRTHDAY. THAT'S WHEN SHE HAD HER FIRST LETHAL SUICIDE ATTEMPT. ))

Kelly was haunted by feelings of worthlessness, overwhelming emotion, depression and hoplessness.

((MOTHER: A LOT OF SELF DESTRUCTIVE, SELF MUTILIZATON TYPE BEHAVIOR. FEELING SUCH EMPTINESS... THAT EVEN THE FEELING OF PAIN, OF HURTING YOURSELF, WAS RELIEF, A RELEASE AND A WAY TO TO FEEL PART OF LIFE.))

Now, three and half years later, this troubled teen is a different person. She does well in school, copes with life's challenges and is well on her way to recovery. But only after years of therapy, hospitalization, medication and tears. Kelly is not alone. Experts estimate 5% of Utah teens are seriously emotionally disturbed, but only about 1% receive therapy.

Some kinds of mental illness are common in teens: Depression, Attention-Deficit Disorders, Anxiety, Phobias, Conduct Disorders, and Developmental Disorders like Autism. Others are less common, but serious, Schizophrenia and Bi-polar Disorder.

((Keri Herrmann/ Adolescent Psychiatrist/ Utah State Hospital: PARENTS SHOULD KNOW THAT A LOT OF THESE THINGS ARE VERY TREATABLE.))

One of these warning signs may not be a problem, but multiple behaviors could signal trouble. Sleep problems, verbal or physical aggression to themselves or others, does not comply with limits, impulsive, eating problems, inappropriate sexual behavior, lies, steals, lacks remorse, self destructive behavior like substance abuse, poor school attendance, runs away. appears anxious, fearful, depressed, or suicidal.

Kelly agreed to share her story, because she wants other troubled teens and families to know that its possible to recover from mental illness.

((KELLY: MAYBE IF SOME PERSON, JUST ONE PERSON, TO SEE IT, THAT'S GOING THROUGH IT AND KNOW THAT THERE IS SOME HOPE. IT'LL GET BETTER.))

Tomorrow (Monday), at Ten, we'll tell you where to go for help and we'll find out more about how Kelly manages to cope with her problems and turn her life around. She is quite a success story.

Those warning signs could be the behavior of a lot teenagers. Yes and we're not saying all teenagers need mental health counseling. Mental health experts say if the teen shows multiple troubling behaviors, then parents may want to get information.