Helping Teens Navigate Mental Health Struggles

If everything is going well in your teen's life — positive relationships, academic success, emotional well-being and strong friendships — you may be less inclined to intervene. However, many teens lack independence and direction due to the physical, emotional and social changes they experience during this phase.

At this stage of life, friends become a defining influence, they begin to develop their identity and are prone to risk-taking, often triggered by peer pressure or a desire to fit in. Their impulsive nature and sense of invincibility can make it difficult for you to guide them.

If you have built a strong, open relationship with your teen, you will feel more confident in your ability to help them and offer them guidance, and a broader view of the world and their place in it. You can help them make better choices and prioritise their well-being. It's important to always be there for them, respond to their needs and adapt to their changing circumstances.

If your relationship with your teenager is strained, they won't talk to you about their feelings and may not ask you for advice in difficult situations.

Your influence is crucial not only in times of crisis but also in helping them build resilience and cope with adversity during this time of change.

A Youth Crisis in Mental Health

While every teen faces challenges, some struggles can signal deeper issues, particularly around mental health. According to the mental health charity MIND, 1 in 5 young people in England and Wales now experience a mental health problem, a significant increase from 1 in 7 in previous years. This situation has worsened since the COVID-19 pandemic. However, due to increased demand for mental health services, such as Community Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS), many young people are struggling to get treatment when they need it.

Research also shows that untreated mental health problems in adolescence can lead to long-term challenges, including difficulties in education, relationships, and even employment later in life. Such issues can take a toll on physical health, compounding the challenges these young people face.

As a result, some young people are increasingly self-medicating with drugs and alcohol or self-harming to cope with their emotional problems, often in response to depression, anxiety and feelings of isolation or hopelessness.

Teens face various pressures, such as bullying (on and offline), academic expectations, body image concerns, social media influences, and family and personal relationships. These pressures can feel overwhelming, frequently leading to substance misuse and worsening mental health;.

Unfortunately, many young people do not consider the consequences or understand the risks of dependence or addiction when they decide to self-medicate. As a parent, how you respond to your teen is very important. Recognising their emotional struggles and understanding what's distressing them can help you guide them more effectively through setbacks and build their resilience over time. There’s no guaranteed way to prevent mental health challenges in teenagers, but it helps if you’re approachable. When teens feel safe and comfortable talking to you, they are less likely to feel alone in their struggles.

Encouraging them to talk about their feelings can provide relief from emotional pain. Watch for behaviours such as self-isolation, changes in sleeping patterns, loss of interest in usual activities, or acting sad and withdrawn—these can all be warning signs that something is wrong.

If your teenager tells you that they have a problem with drugs and alcohol or if you see signs that substance use is negatively affecting their day-to-day life, seeking professional help and supporting your teen could change their life trajectory for the better.

By maintaining an open, supportive relationship with your teen, you can help them navigate the challenges of adolescence, including mental health struggles. Staying involved, recognising warning signs, and offering guidance can make a lasting difference in their well-being and future resilience.