Teenage Mental Health: Understanding, Supporting, and Seeking Help

Many things can cause anxiety in teens. These include:

• Biological Factors

  • The teenage brain is still growing, especially the part that helps with decisions and self-control. This can make teens more emotional.

  • Hormone changes during puberty can make emotions stronger.

  • If mental health problems run in the family, a teen may be more likely to have them.

• Life Events and Social Pressures

  • Schoolwork, tests, and thinking about college can cause stress.

  • Social media can hurt self-esteem and make teens compare themselves to others.

  • Friendships and peer pressure can lead to worry, feeling left out, or loneliness.

• Family and Environmental Stress

  • Arguments at home or tension in the family can make things stressful.

  • Parents expecting too much can add pressure.

  • Moving, money problems, or family breakups can also cause stress.

• Chronic Stress or Trauma

  • Bullying, either in person or online, is a big cause of anxiety.

  • Doing poorly in school can make teens doubt themselves.

  • Trauma, like losing a loved one or experiencing abuse, can lead to lasting mental health problems.

Knowing what causes anxiety can help adults support teens and find ways to help them cope.

Spotting mental health problems early can help teens get the support they need. Signs include:

• Emotional Signs

  • Feeling sad, moody, or irritated for a long time

  • Being very sensitive to criticism or easily overwhelmed

  • Feeling hopeless or having low self-esteem

• Physical Signs

  • Trouble sleeping or sleeping too much

  • Changes in appetite

  • Headaches or stomach aches caused by stress

• Behavioral and Thinking Changes

  • Avoiding friends, family, or activities they used to enjoy

  • Doing worse in school

  • Negative self-talk or always expecting the worst

If these signs last a while, it may be time to get help from a mental health professional.

Mental health problems can affect many parts of a teen’s life:

• Relationships

  • Family life can become tense or distant.

  • Friendships may suffer if a teen withdraws or has conflicts.

  • Dating can be hard if a teen struggles with confidence or expressing feelings.

• School

  • Trouble focusing or lack of motivation can hurt grades.

  • Teens may skip school because of anxiety or depression.

  • Some may have trouble with teachers or following rules.

• Long-Term Health

  • Ongoing problems can make it hard for teens to develop a strong sense of self.

  • Teens may turn to drugs or alcohol to cope.

  • If not treated, mental health problems can continue into adulthood.

Getting help early can make a big difference and help teens build resilience.

Helping teens stay mentally healthy means creating a safe, supportive environment and teaching healthy habits.

• Open Communication

  • Listen without judging.

  • Let teens know their feelings matter.

  • Be someone they can talk to without fear.

• Healthy Habits

  • Encourage regular exercise to lower stress and boost mood.

  • Make sure they eat a balanced diet.

  • Help them get enough sleep.

• Coping Skills

  • Teach stress-relief techniques like deep breathing or journaling.

  • Encourage positive self-talk.

  • Help them set and reach small goals.

Supporting teens in these ways can help them manage stress and develop skills they’ll use for life.