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Teens Are Not Just Being Dramatic: Let’s Talk About What They’re Carrying

  • Writer: Bri Vigorito
    Bri Vigorito
  • 1 day ago
  • 2 min read

Social pressures, academic stress, identity questions, and the challenge of balancing a digital world…being a teen is hard! Often, adolescents are misunderstood by adults - sometimes labeled as dramatic or rebellious. In reality, teens are navigating their developing identity, balancing new responsibilities, and experiencing new hormonal shifts. Their emotional experience is real, and it’s hard. If you’re a teen, we want you to feel heard - you don’t have to navigate this alone. If you’re a parent or caregiver, how can you recognize when your teen is struggling and offer empathetic support? 


What can depression and anxiety look like for teens? 


If your teen is struggling, you might notice changes in mood, irritability, sadness, and fatigue. However, sometimes symptoms of depression and anxiety are more covert: 


  1. Social Changes 

Maybe you notice your teen has been spending less time with their peers. Maybe they have a totally new social circle that has shifted dramatically. Do they spend all of their free time at home? Have they suddenly avoided being home at all? Of course, shifts in a teen’s social life are normal and healthy as they explore new independence. However, sudden changes or new behaviors in conjunction with other symptoms might point to something deeper.


  1. Academic Shifts 


Depression may come with trouble concentrating or thinking clearly. This might lead to some falling grades or new struggles with test taking. Attendance can also falter due to anxiety or symptoms of fatigue. Sometimes, it may even look like the opposite - an anxious high achiever with a life consuming goal. 


  1. Physical Symptoms 


Fatigue, headaches, stomach pain…Sometimes mental health manifests physically. Maybe your teen has a clear bill of health, but is experiencing new unexplained physical symptoms. Often our physical body mirrors our emotional well-being. 


  1. Risk-taking 


Taking calculated risks is both important and healthy! New uncalculated risky behaviors might be a cause for concern. Changes in sexual activity, increased substance use, and other unsafe behaviors might point to emotional pain outside of the normal teenage desire for independence. 


How can I help? 


Of course, experiencing one or more of these symptoms is not a sure sign of any mental health diagnosis. However, whenever you notice significant emotional and behavioral changes, it is worth having an open conversation with your teen. Talking about mental health can be challenging, and that’s okay.  Normalizing mental health in your household is the first step, and creating a non-judgemental space is important.  Sometimes, offering support might take a couple tries before it is accepted. 


If your child is struggling, know that it is not your fault, and it is okay not to have all the answers! Therapy might be the first step in opening these conversations, as it offers your teen autonomy over their own mental health. A space outside of home and school gives your teen a chance to unpack, find new insight, and process their difficult emotions. If you believe your teen could benefit from extra support, our team is here to help. Reach out to schedule a consultation or learn more about how therapy can support your teen’s growth and well-being.


Written by:

Bri Vigorito

MHC - Intern


 
 
 
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