Mental Health in Teens: Breaking the Stigma, Building Resilience
On March 14, 2025. Mental health issues in teens are more widespread than ever. Emotional discomfort and anxiety can affect all aspects of their life, from academic success to relationships, and many teens struggle in silence—often without the support they need.
Data shows that of U.S. teens ages 13–18, nearly half are estimated to experience some form of mental disorder during their lifetime. Of those, about 1 in 5 deal with symptoms serious enough to cause major disruptions in daily life.
How prioritizing well-being helps teens thrive
Mental wellness in teens is all about psychological and social well-being, and it plays a significant role in shaping who they are and how they handle life’s ups and downs. The teenage years are full of changes—physically and mentally—which is why this stage is so important for developing critical thinking skills, forming personal values, and building relationships that impact their confidence and future well-being.
When teens feel mentally well, they’re better able to cope with stress, face challenges, build strong friendships, and make good decisions. But when they struggle with emotional difficulties, it can affect their school performance, social life, and ability to enjoy daily activities. That’s why fostering mental wellness in teens isn’t just important—it’s necessary.
Creating an environment that encourages open communication, freedom to express emotions, and access to the right resources can make all the difference. Supporting teen well-being helps them develop strong coping skills, build resilience, and thrive in all areas of life.
Why is mental health important?
Teen emotional well-being influences every part of their development—from how they interact with others to how they approach learning, decision-making, and personal challenges. When young people feel supported and understood, they’re more likely to develop confidence, form lasting relationships, and stay engaged in school and activities they enjoy.
This stage of life comes with big changes and new responsibilities. Having a strong sense of self and a reliable support system helps teens stay grounded as they navigate friendships, school demands, and personal growth. It also encourages them to ask for help when needed and to develop habits that promote long-term wellness.
Prioritizing this kind of care during the teenage years lays the foundation for a more balanced, fulfilling life as they transition into adulthood.
Common myths about teen mental health
When it comes to teens and their inner world, there are still many misunderstandings that can prevent them from getting the care and support they need. Let’s look at a few common myths—and the truth behind them.
Myth 1: “It’s just a phase.”
While it’s true that teenagers go through many changes, brushing off signs of emotional agony as “just a phase” can cause more harm than good. If a teen is withdrawing, losing interest in things they love, or showing signs of being overwhelmed, they may need help dealing with hurt and anger that they don’t know how to name or share.
Myth 2: “Only kids with serious problems need therapy.”
Support isn’t reserved for crisis situations. Many teens benefit from having a safe place to talk about what they’re going through, especially when they’re dealing with uncomfortable feelings like sadness, confusion, or feeling disconnected from others. Everyone needs support sometimes—it’s not a sign of weakness.
Myth 3: “If they’re not talking about it, they’re fine.”
Teens don’t always open up right away, especially if they fear judgment or feel like they’re being a burden. But just because a young person isn’t speaking about what they’re going through doesn’t mean they’re not in pain. Learning to spot changes in mood or behavior—and creating space for conversations—can be the first step toward healing.
Common struggles and sympstoms in teens
Challenges related to emotional well-being are on the rise, and understanding the most common conditions can help parents, educators, and teens themselves recognize when support is needed. Below are some of the most common struggles affecting teenagers today:
Anxiety and depression
If your teen frequently complains of headaches or stomachaches, it could be more than just physical discomfort—anxiety often comes with physical symptoms. Teens with anxiety may experience excessive worry, restlessness, difficulty concentrating, and tension, usually triggered by school, social situations, or uncertainty about the future. Depression, on the other hand, can cause withdrawal from family and friends, a loss of interest in their favorite activities, and struggles with schoolwork. Sudden changes in sleep patterns, expressions of hopelessness, or risky behaviors like self-harm or substance use can also be warning signs.
ADHD in teens
Teens with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) may struggle to focus, frequently forget assignments, interrupt conversations, or fidget constantly. They might start tasks at home but never finish them, lose important items, or need frequent reminders. While often diagnosed in childhood, ADHD symptoms can persist into adolescence, requiring proper support through 504 plans or individualized education plans (IEPs) for academic success.
Eating Disorders
Teens struggling with eating disorders may obsess over food, calories, or weight, skip meals, or hide food. Some binge eat or purge, while others exercise excessively to “make up” for eating. Boys are affected, too, often focusing on extreme dieting or muscle gain. Sudden weight changes, mood swings, and avoiding social situations involving food can be red flags.
Social and academic stress
A teen dealing with academic or social pressure might experience test anxiety, self-doubt, or sleep issues from staying up late studying or scrolling social media. Feeling left out of a group chat or social event can hurt self-esteem and lead to isolation. Stress from school and friendships can take a toll, making it important to recognize when support is needed.
Recognizing the early signs of emotional struggles is the first step in getting teens the support they need. But just as important is helping them find constructive ways to manage dealing with uncomfortable feelings so they can bounce back more quickly from life challenges. Encouraging positive coping strategies can make a big difference in their overall well-being.
Creative and physical activities that support teen well-being
Getting involved in physical and creative activities is a great way for teens to express themselves, reduce stress, and feel more balanced. Whether through movement, artistic expression, or spending time with others, these activities help teenagers manage stress, express themselves, and build resilience.
Here are some activities that can support your teen’s well-being:
Active outlets for teens
Activities like yoga or mindfulness meditation can help teens relax and manage stress while improving their overall well-being.
Similarly, dance and movement-based exercises provide an expressive outlet, allowing teens to release emotions while improving physical fitness. These activities support teens’ self-esteem and foster a sense of accomplishment.
Also, getting involved in team sports and group activities can promote teamwork and give kids a sense of belonging, reducing feelings of isolation.
Creative expression for emotional wellness
Having a creative outlet can be a game-changer for teen wellness. Whether it’s picking up a paintbrush, strumming a guitar, or singing in a choir, these artistic endeavors help teens process their thoughts in a nonverbal way, reducing anxiety and boosting mood.
Youth theater groups, school music programs, and art clubs allow teens to explore their creativity while building confidence and social connections. When led by trained professionals, music and art therapy take this a step further, providing structured support for teens working through deeper emotional challenges.
Just like art and music, writing can be a powerful coping mechanism. Keeping a journal or trying expressive writing helps teens organize their thoughts, reflect on their experiences, and better understand their emotions. The act of putting pen to paper can provide a much-needed release. Studies have linked journaling to increased relaxation, making it a great option for teens dealing with anxiety or sadness.
Social media’s impact on teen well-being
Social media can be both a lifeline and a source of pressure or overwhelm for teens.
It can help them stay connected with friends, build supportive communities, and find peers who share their interests. Many platforms also promote wellness awareness, providing access to self-care tips, inspirational content, and resources that help teens feel understood and validated. For creative teens, social media offers an outlet to share their art, writing, and videos, allowing them to express themselves and build a sense of identity.
But the downside is real, too. Constant exposure to curated, filtered images can make teens compare themselves to unrealistic beauty and lifestyle standards, leading to low self-esteem, body image issues, and FOMO (fear of missing out). Cyberbullying and online harassment can also be a problem, contributing to anxiety, sadness, and feelings of isolation.
Too much screen time—especially before bed—can disrupt sleep, increase anxiety, and make it harder for teens to regulate their feelings. Plus, the sheer amount of information on social media, from upsetting news to online drama, can be overwhelming. While social media has its benefits, helping teens find a balance is key to maintaining their well-being.
Encouraging responsible screen use
Many parents give their kids smartphones for practical reasons—whether to stay in touch, for schoolwork, or just for convenience. Instead of completely restricting screen time, the focus should be on helping teens build better digital habits. Here are some simple ways to guide them:
Set screen time boundaries: Establish screen-free times, like during meals or before bed.
Promote mindful social media use: Encourage teens to follow positive, inspiring accounts and unfollow anything that makes them feel bad about themselves.
Talk about online safety: Discuss cyberbullying, privacy, and the importance of being responsible online.
Lead by example: Show better screen habits yourself by limiting your own phone use and prioritizing real-life interactions.
Encourage offline activities: Support hobbies, sports, and social events that don’t involve screens, helping teens find a balance between digital and real-world experiences.
By guiding rather than restricting, parents can help teens build a balanced relationship with technology. Taking proactive steps to monitor and adjust screen time can make a big difference in supporting emotional well-being.
Signs a teen may need a digital detox
If social media starts taking over your teen’s daily life, it might be time for a digital detox.
Some warning signs to look for include increased anxiety or mood swings, especially if they become irritable or agitated when away from their phone. A drop in grades or trouble focusing on schoolwork can also signal that screen time is getting in the way.
Teens who lose interest in activities they enjoy or start skipping social events, sports, or hobbies to spend more time online may be having trouble maintaining balance in their daily lives. Sleep problems are another big red flag—staying up late and scrolling through social media can lead to exhaustion and difficulty concentrating during the day.
Obsessive behavior, like constantly checking and refreshing feeds or needing to reply to every notification immediately, can indicate an unhealthy attachment to their devices. Recognizing these signs early can help parents and teens make positive changes to their digital habits or help determine if professional support is necessary.
Supporting a teenager through emotional struggles
If your teen is struggling, it’s important to approach them with compassion, open communication, and access to the right support. The good news is that emotional challenges in teens are treatable, and with the right guidance, they can develop the skills they need to navigate obstacles.
One of the best ways to support your teen is by having open conversations about their emotional well-being. Talking about it reduces stigma and encourages them to seek help when needed. Choose the right moments to bring up these conversations when your teen feels relaxed and open to talking. Be non-judgmental, offering empathy rather than criticism, and if you feel comfortable, share your own experiences to normalize seeking help.
Be consistent in setting expectations and consequences to provide a sense of security. Most importantly, lead by example—model positive coping strategies, set boundaries, and practice open communication in your own life. Creating a supportive space can help your teen feel more comfortable discussing their feelings and getting the help they need.
Talking with teens about how they feel
Starting a conversation with a teen who seems overwhelmed can be challenging, especially when they’re dealing with hurt feelings or struggling silently. But showing up with patience and curiosity can make a world of difference.
Begin by choosing the right time—moments that feel low-pressure, like driving in the car or taking a walk. Ask open-ended questions like, “What’s been on your mind lately?” or “How’s everything going with your friends?” The goal is to create a space where your teen can talk freely, not to interrogate or immediately fix things.
When your teen opens up, try to stay present without rushing in with advice. Just listening, nodding, or saying, “That sounds really difficult,” can go a long way in helping them feel seen. If they say they feel hurt, resist the urge to downplay it. Instead, acknowledge it: “I hear that. That would be hard for anyone.”
Remember, teens may not always have the words for what they’re feeling, especially when dealing with uncomfortable feelings or emotional agony. Your calm presence—and willingness to listen without judgment—can help them sort through what they’re carrying, one conversation at a time.
When to seek professional support
Addressing emotional struggles in teens early on is key to helping them feel better and thrive. Therapy can give teens the support and coping skills they need to handle challenges in a positive way.
Why professional help matters
When left unaddressed, emotional struggles can impact schoolwork, relationships, and overall functioning. In some cases, teens may turn to destructive coping mechanisms like substance use or self-harm. Therapists can provide personalized support, helping teens manage emotions and reduce stress.
When a teen needs therapy
It’s not always easy to tell when a teen needs professional support, but certain signs shouldn’t be ignored:
Constant sadness or irritability
Withdrawing from favorite activities
Struggling in school
Unusual behavior changes like aggression or defiance
Physical symptoms such as stomachaches and headaches
Substance use as a means to escape
Self-harm or suicidal thoughts – Any talk of self-harm or suicide should be taken seriously and addressed immediately.
If your teen has been struggling with their emotions or personal challenges for more than two weeks, and it’s starting to interfere with their daily life, it’s time to seek support. Therapy isn’t just for crisis situations—it can be an incredibly valuable way to help teens navigate life’s challenges and develop positive coping strategies.
Finding the right treatment for your teen can make a huge difference, and Pacific Health Group is here to support your family every step of the way. Our team offers personalized therapy for teens and behavioral treatment plans tailored to their unique needs. We also provide Parent and Teen therapy, helping families improve communication, strengthen relationships, and better understand teen emotions and impulses. With the right support, teens can learn to regulate their emotions while parents gain the knowledge to guide them through life’s challenges.
If your teen is struggling, don’t wait—help is available. Contact us today at 1-877-811-1217 or visit www.mypacifichealth.com to learn more about our counseling and behavioral services. Your teen deserves the support they need to feel better and live their best life.
