Objective Based on"timing it right"framework,this study explored the dynamic changes of care dilemma in caregivers of adolescents with mood disorder and non-suicidal self-injury at different stages of disease development,and provided support for the construction of intervention programs.Methods This study adopted phenomenological research and purposive sampling method to select 11 caregivers of adolescents with mood disorders and non-suicidal self-injury behavior who were treated and hospitalized in a tertiary A psychiatric hospital in Henan Province from May 2022 to February 2023 as research subjects.According to the"timing it right"theory,5 semi-structured interviews were conducted with caregivers during the adolescent diagnostic period,hospitalization period,discharge preparation period,adjustment period,and adaptation period.The data was analyzed by the Colaizzi 7-step analysis method.Results The following themes were summarized.①Diagnostic period:complex emotional reactions,facing a dilemma at a loss.②Hospitalization period:lack of knowledge of disease and childcare,self-conscious care difficulties.③Discharge preparation period:lack of confidence in home care and lower expectations for the future of adolescents.④Adjustment period:lack of care skills and desire professional care support.⑤Adaptation period:negatively coping with diseases,with persistent care difficulties.Conclusion The care dilemma of caregivers of adolescents with mood disorders and non-suicidal self-injury behavior in different stages of disease development is dynamic.Medical staff should provide personalized professional support in a planned and continuous manner based on their different stages of care experience and needs,in order to improve the quality of their care and promote adolescent rehabilitation.