Being a teenager can be tough. It feels like everything is changing — their bodies, their emotions, even their friendships. One minute, they’re your goofy kid; the next, they’re slamming doors and retreating to their rooms. As a parent, you can’t help but worry: Is this typical teenage angst, or something more?

The truth is, mental health struggles are common among teens. Studies say nearly 1 in 7 teens experience a mental health condition each year. That’s a lot of teens grappling with anxiety, depression, eating disorders and other challenges.

Why is it such a tricky time for teens? Here’s the lowdown:

• Brain under construction — Their brains are like houses under renovation. Areas that control emotions, decision-making and impulse control are being built, leading to mood swings, impulsivity and emotional changes. 
• Hormonal havoc — During puberty, hormones like estrogen and testosterone can affect mood, sleep and energy levels. This can make teens extra sensitive and sometimes downright grumpy.
• Social scene drama — High school can feel like a high-stakes competition. Fitting in, navigating friendships and figuring out romance are intense. It’s no wonder teens feel pressure, stressed about being accepted and maybe even a little lonely.
• Academic anxiety — Between deadlines, tests and the future looming, it’s easy for teens to feel overwhelmed, stressed and unable to focus.
• Life’s curveballs — Life can throw curveballs at everyone and teens are no exception. Dealing with family conflict, loss or a big move can trigger emotional distress and mental health struggles. 

These struggles aren’t a sign of weakness. They’re just a reflection of all the complex changes happening in your teen’s world.

How can I help? Recognizing the signs and getting support

How can you tell if your teen might be struggling? Every kid is different, but here are some red flags to watch for:

• Mood swings — Feeling down, irritable or withdrawn for long stretches
• Behavior shifts — Changes in sleep or eating, neglecting hygiene, isolating themselves, or taking risks
• School struggles — Difficulty concentrating, memory problems or slipping grades
• Loss of interest — No longer enjoying favorite activities, or feeling apathetic or hopeless
• Thoughts of self-harm — Talking about wanting to hurt themselves or end their life

Don’t wait. If you’re concerned about your teen’s mental health, reach out for help. Early intervention can make a huge difference. 

Effective treatments are available to help your teen regain control and build a brighter future. Here’s a breakdown of some of the most successful approaches:

• Therapy — Therapy can help teens learn how to manage their emotions, develop healthy coping skills and improve problem-solving skills. Working with a therapist can help your teen uncover the root causes that can be behind their mental health issues like avoidance behaviors or emotional dysregulation. Addressing these root causes can help them develop a more flexible and adaptable approach to managing their challenges. 
• Medication — Medication may be recommended alongside therapy to help manage symptoms more effectively. Antidepressants can be commonly prescribed for teen mental health conditions like depression and anxiety. These medications work by increasing the levels of certain brain chemicals that play a role in mood regulation. 
• Lifestyle changes — Healthy habits can significantly impact overall well-being and can be a powerful tool in supporting recovery from mental health challenges. Healthy habits to adopt include exercising regularly, eating a balanced diet, getting adequate sleep and managing stress.
• Support groups — Getting connected with others who understand the challenges of a specific mental health condition can be beneficial for teens. Support groups can provide a safe space to share experiences, gain encouragement and learn from others on a similar journey. 

Common conditions that can affect teen mental health

Here’s a look at some of the most common mental health conditions that teens face:

• Anxiety disorders — These are the most common conditions and affect millions of teens each year. Anxiety can manifest as excessive worry, racing thoughts, panic attacks, and physical symptoms like stomachaches or headaches. Social anxiety, specifically the fear of social situations, is also quite common among teens. 
• Depression — Feeling down, hopeless and losing interest in activities are hallmarks of depression. An estimated 5 million U.S. teens struggle with depression.
• Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) — While often diagnosed in childhood, ADHD can persist into adolescence. Teens with ADHD may struggle with focus, hyperactivity, impulsivity, and difficulties with organization and time management. 
• Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) — Intrusive thoughts and repetitive behaviors like constant hand-washing or checking things repeatedly are characteristics of OCD in teens. These obsessions and compulsions can interfere with daily life and cause significant distress.
• Eating disorders — Eating disorders involve unhealthy eating patterns and a distorted body image. Anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa and binge eating disorder can affect teens, particularly girls, but can affect boys as well. While not as common as other issues, eating disorders are still a concerning issue that teens can face. 

This is only a glimpse into the mental health challenges that teens may struggle with. If you are concerned that your teen may be struggling with one of these conditions or a different mental health condition, you should seek help from their doctor or qualified mental health professional. 

Lightfully Teen can be your partner in supporting your teen’s mental health journey

At Lightfully Teen, we understand the challenges teens can face, and our licensed clinical therapists specialize in helping teens navigate this challenging time. We see your teen as the unique individual they are, not just their mental health struggle. We strive to create a safe space where your teen feels heard and understood so they can learn to manage their mental health and thrive. 

Change is possible. When they’re ready to take the first step, reach out to our Admissions Concierge Team. We’ll take the next steps together, toward the fullest, brightest version of them.