Teenagers’ Mental Health in Today’s World

Your teenager stops going to football, spends every evening in their room and says they've got a headache again. Is it just being a teenager, or something more?

A teenager's brain reacts to fear and stress more strongly than an adult's, which is why a two-week relationship ending can feel like the end of the world. Add social media, exams and worries about climate and money, and there's a lot going on behind that bedroom door. Once you understand it, it's easier to stay patient and not brush their feelings aside.

You'll know which changes to watch for, like shifts in sleep, eating or mood, and why some teenagers show worry as bad behaviour rather than sadness. And you'll have practical ways to help, such as explaining how their brain is changing, or setting aside half an hour just to listen.