Teenager Mental Health Resources And Services
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Adolescence is a phase of human development during which people go from childhood to adult life. It typically is characterized by entering and experiencing puberty, which usually begins between the ages of 10 and 12. The years between 13 and 18 are often referred to as “teenage years” and may feature both mood and physical changes. Here you will find articles about teenagers and unique mental health challenges they may face. Whether you are a teenager now, know one, or work with young people, this section can help you better understand what they experience.
Adolescent mental health is an important topic, with the American Academy of Pediatrics reporting that the prevalence of mental health problems in teens is high, and rising even more quickly after the Covid pandemic. Risk factors for certain mental health conditions are high during adolescent development, including depressive disorders, anxiety disorders, conduct disorder, and eating disorders. Often young people spend a lot of time in excessive worry over expectations from school, parents, and peers. They can face sexual violence, poor body image, and peer pressure. Pregnant adolescents may deal with stigma from their community, as well as fear of the unknown. All of these challenges can contribute to mental health difficulties. And on top of all this, warning signs for poor mental health are often ignored due to mental health stigma.
Mental health care is health care, and can be just as important as caring for physical health in high school students and young adults. Mental health services are available to address adolescent mental health, you can get started by contacting your child’s pediatrician for more information.
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Medically reviewed by Paige Henry, LMSW, J.D.
An individual’s teenage years, which span the ages of 13 to 19, are marked by significant changes in their mind, body, and circumstances—changes that can cause them to feel and act in ways that are unique to their life stage. The transition into adulthood is a time of significant growth, exploration, and discovery.
Teens typically experience numerous physical, social, educational, and personality changes as they age. They often form new relationships, take harder classes, and start to develop a sense of self. Because teenagers may experience stress related to school, their social lives, and uncertainty about the future—along with fluctuations in their hormones—their emotions can be heightened, and they can be particularly susceptible to mental health conditions. In fact, it is estimated that almost 50% of teens have had a mental health disorder.
Despite the difficulties teens often face, this can also be a rewarding, enjoyable, and memorable time in their lives. It is usually the period during which young people mature the most and begin growing into the person they want to be. Understanding the experiences and challenges teenagers are exposed to can help parents and their teens better navigate this important period.
Mind and body changes in teens
As they enter their teenage years, young people are often in the beginning or middle stages of puberty. They may be just starting to menstruate, discovering their sexuality, and growing into their adult bodies.
During this time, levels of hormones like testosterone and estrogen become elevated, promoting mind and body development. These hormonal changes can also, however, lead to concerns like acne, self-doubt, low self-esteem, and drastic shifts in mood.
It can be hard for a teenager to cope with the feelings that accompany a changing body and mind. They can benefit from guidance and advice when it comes to dealing with the effects of these changes. This can include developing healthy nutritional habits, exercising regularly, practicing self-care, and managing stress.
Developing a sense of self as a teen
During the transition into adulthood, teens are often discovering their individuality and learning who they are as people, independent of their parents. This can be a particularly stressful time because teenagers—who may not know what they want out of life yet—are often pressured to start creating a path for their academic and professional careers. Additionally, they may be further developing their personality, pursuing their passions, and nurturing relationships, all of which can help define who they are.
As they mature, teens may wonder about their place in the world, how they might contribute to society, and which values are important to them. This period can be scary, but it can also be fruitful, as it often leads to important discoveries and lessons that help shape them into the adults they’ll become.
Mental health concerns in teens
Teenagers are faced with numerous trials that can affect their mental well-being, including bullying, academic anxiety, relationship concerns, and peer pressure to experiment with substances or become sexually active. This can lead to symptoms of mental health conditions like anxiety and depression or physical health concerns such as self-harming or eating disorders. Additionally, certain teens—including those who are in the LGBTQ+ and BIPOC communities—may be more at risk of experiencing mental health concerns.
There are some warning signs that a teen’s mental and emotional well-being are being impacted. For example, if they show signs of using drugs or alcohol, receive notably lower grades, are having a hard time getting enough sleep, or becoming increasingly withdrawn, seeking help can be vital.
Today’s youth is given a great deal of responsibility. Young people today are generally busier and more active than previous generations. This is partially due to the role that digital connectedness and social media play in a child's life—which can also present unique issues, such as social comparison and cyberbullying. Connecting teens with easily accessible mental health resources can be a constructive step toward helping them address these challenges and tend to their emotional well-being.
Navigating the teenage mental health with online therapy
There are resources available designed to improve teen mental health or youth mental health. Therapy can provide a place to talk about what they’re going through if they are experiencing a mental health crisis and how it makes them feel while promoting positive mental health practices. It can also be helpful for parents to see a therapist when their child becomes a teenager so that they can work through their concerns as a guardian.
Studies have found that mental health care through online therapy is an effective form of care for teens experiencing a variety of mental and behavioral health conditions. In one study, researchers concluded that online therapy has helped to “curb the burden of mental health needs in children and adolescents”. The study specifically notes the ability of online therapy to reach teenagers given their familiarity with technology and mobile platforms.
If you’re a teenager or a parent of one seeking support for mental health-related concerns, online therapy can help. Parents can connect with a mental health professional through BetterHelp or, along with their teen, get matched with a counselor that specializes in working with young adults through BetterHelp’s sister site, TeenCounseling. With online therapy, you can connect with a therapist remotely, which is helpful if you lead a busy life. BetterHelp and TeenCounseling work with thousands of licensed mental health providers—who have a wide range of specialties—so you’ll have a good chance of matching with someone who can address your specific concerns.
Takeaway
The years between 13 and 19 are a unique and formative time. Teenagers experience significant changes in their bodies and minds, and they frequently have to face new challenges related to school, relationships, and the transition into adulthood. If you’re a teen or parent looking for emotional support or guidance, consider getting matched with a qualified mental health provider. A licensed therapist can provide helpful insights and advice as you navigate this experience and nurture mental and emotional wellness.
Frequently asked questions
What does it mean to be a teen today?
Today’s teenager often has a lot of responsibility. They are generally busier and more active than previous generations. This is partially due to the role that digital connectedness and social media play in a teenager's life. These years may be increasingly defined by social connection, but other realities like peer pressure, social comparison, and cyberbullying may also be worth considering.
Why are the teenage years so hard?
Teenage life can be challenging for both parents and their children. Many teens experience unfamiliar changes in their mental and physical states due to puberty, hormonal changes, and an increase in responsibility as they become young adults. Guardians are often tasked with helping them navigate these challenges while also managing needs of their own.
What are the advantages of being an adolescent?
Teens are generally more energetic and have a pure zest for life that older adults and younger children may lack. They can also represent the hope for future societies, as they bring fresh ideas and new perspectives to outdated societal belief systems. The time a person spends as a teenager can be a formative part of their identity, beliefs, and social connections.
What are the disadvantages of being an adolescent?
Teens are often treated like either a child or an adult; in reality, they are somewhere in between the two. This is often confusing for teens because they may feel like they can’t live up to the expectations of each simultaneously. While they may feel like adults and even have some adult responsibilities, like a job, they may still have a curfew and need to be driven around until they are of legal driving age.
Are adolescents children?
In some ways, teenagers are still children— at least chronologically so, as they continue with child development. In other ways, they seem to be more adult-like as they learn to take on new responsibilities and challenges that come with age. It can be important to find balance when working with teens because adolescence can be a challenging and tumultuous time in their lives.
How can teenagers deal with a toxic mother or toxic parents?
Toxic relationships can wreak havoc on a teenager's peace of mind. Setting personal boundaries may be one way to try to manage toxic parents. Another may be to find support from someone else at home or find a caring friend who can listen to you vent. Therapy can also help.
How do I deal with my 13-year-old daughter's attitude?
When addressing teen behaviors of any kind, it can help to first take a deep breath. Try to put things into perspective before you have a conversation. Recognize that they likely aren’t trying to be a toxic person, even if they’re displaying negative behavior or saying cruel things. Put yourself in your teen’s shoes and remember what it was like when you were at that age. Foster an environment of open communication between you and your teen that makes it easier for you to talk to them without confrontation (on either side).
Does adolescent love last?
Some people who meet as teens are still happily together or married years or even decades later. Teenagers who have decided to commit to each other can build lasting relationships with proper communication and support. If you’re a teen and you need love and relationship advice, you might consider confiding in a teen or adolescent therapist for support.