"Teen Mental Health"
Patricia Sylve

Hormonal changes, environmental stressors, traumatic experiences, academic pressure, peer pressure, substance use, and genetic factors contribute to teen mental health issues. 

A growing number of teens are not only experiencing behavioral concerns typical of adolescence but are also navigating through anxiety, depression, eating disorders, mood disorders, and self-esteem issues.

Symptoms of mental health issues include changes in academic performance, the teen becoming withdrawn or exhibiting anger outbursts, fatigue, excessive worrying or anxiety, suicidal thoughts, and overall changes in behavior. More specifically, these symptoms manifest as a loss of interest in activities once enjoyed, changes in appetite, weight loss or weight gain, persistent sadness or feelings of hopelessness, insomnia, excessive sleep, difficulty concentrating or making decisions, and withdrawal from family and friends.

Many teens undergo the pressure to excel in school to meet the expectations of their parents, peers, or their self-imposed marks of excellence. Then, there is high pressure to fit in, which may include engaging in risky behavior. Anxiety is often the byproduct of the pressure to meet peer and societal expectations and the fear of failure. 

As a parent or support person, if you observe your teen exhibiting increased irritability or agitation, a decline in school performance, unexplained physical symptoms, withdrawal and isolation from family and friends, intense worry and anxiety, or your teen is expressing feelings of hopelessness, or worthlessness starts with an open nonjudgmental conversation. If you are not able to reach your teen, you may need to seek professional counseling services for them. It is better to seek a licensed provider/counselor who specializes in working with children and adolescents.



Understand that prioritizing your teen’s mental health is necessary to nurture resilience and emotional balance. Do not be afraid to get help for your adolescents if they need it.

Patricia Sylve

Growing Wise Together