Struggling teens are all around us. According to the CDC, suicide rates and mental health issues among teenagers have been rising for years—even before the global pandemic. Roughly 40% of high school students report persistent feelings of sadness and hopelessness, while 20% of students, or a devastating 1 in 5 teenagers, have seriously considered attempting suicide.  

But this is just the beginning. A 2022 survey also found that more than 20% of adolescents in the U.S. are experiencing symptoms of anxiety, and another 17% are battling depression. The crisis is clear: teenagers need and deserve our support. 

But sometimes, it’s hard to tell if a teen is really struggling, or if they are just going through a normal phase of adolescence. We see this all the time. Teenagers are inherently moody, with rapid changes happening in their development, and parents constantly question whether their teen is struggling, or if this, too, will pass. 

This guide is for parents of teenagers, parents who are concerned about their teenagers’ overall health and well-being. Below we break down the common struggles of teenagers today, along with the tell-tale signs that a teen is struggling emotionally or mentally. We’ll also offer tips for parents of struggling teens, unpacking what they can do to help offload the struggles of our youth today. Let’s dive in. 

Why are teens struggling right now? 

There are various risk factors that can cause a teenager to struggle with their mental and emotional health. These struggles, in turn, can impact their ability to perform well in school, carry out daily activities, and maintain relationships with friends. 

This can also happen in reverse. When a teen is struggling at school, in relationships, or in other areas of their life (such as financially, or in their home environment), the struggles can pile up and trigger mental health problems. For example, teenagers commonly cite the following as having a negative impact on their mental health: 

Biological Factors Contributing to Teen Struggles: 

• Being female, as females are more likely to experience anxiety, abuse, eating disorders, and other mental health struggles 
• Family history of mental health conditions 
• Chronic disorders like cancer, addiction, and even other mental health conditions (these increase vulnerability to other mental health struggles down the road) 
• Brain trauma, caused by injury or infection for example 
• Imbalance of chemicals in the brain 
• Being of a certain race, ethnic group, religion, or gender identity (leading to discrimination) 

Internal Struggles of Teenagers: 

• Concerns about their physical appearance, and how they are perceived by others 
• Low self-esteem, or extreme need to get approval and validation from peers 
• Negative thought patterns and intrusive thoughts 
• Behavior conduct issues, which put a teen at greater risk of mental health struggles 
• Anti-social behavior, or unexplained anxiety in social situations, leading to loneliness 

Environmental Factors Causing Struggles for Teens: 

• The news and societal issues, at a macro level (e.g. gun violence, school shootings, politics, global warming, and racial injustice are just some of the many examples affecting teens) 
• Social media  
• Stressful or unhealthy family dynamics 
• Poverty or poor living conditions at home 
• Toxic or uneasy friendships 
• Rocky romantic relationships 
• Peer pressure or pressure to fit in 
• Bullying, either online, by text, or in-person 
• Fear for their physical safety, often a result of discrimination/being in a marginalized group 
• Substance abuse among themselves, friends, or family members 
• Legal troubles, either for themselves or friends/family 
• Problems at work 
• Emotional issues in childhood 
• History of abuse, violence, or trauma 
• Stressful events, such as divorce, death, financial struggles, moving, and changing schools 
• Lack of sleep 
• Poor nutrition 

Academic-Related Struggles Among Teenagers: 

• Stress related to schoolwork and getting good grades 
• Concerns about their future career and success 
• Anxiety over seeing other students at school 
• Worries about getting into college 
• Pressure from teachers at school 
• Pressure from family members to succeed 
• Learning disabilities impacting their ability to perform/keep up 

Learn more about the risk factors for teenage mental health struggles here. 

What are the signs of a struggling teenager? 

It’s not always easy to spot a struggling teen. Because of the transformation that occurs during adolescence, both physically and mentally, teenagers are likely to do things a bit outside their “norm.” For example, many teenagers will experiment with their appearance, become more distant from their parents, and exhibit mood swings from time-to-time. They are also likely to take risks, spend more of their time with friends, and rebel against their parents wishes occasionally. This is in their nature. However, when these behaviors become excessive, they can be worrisome.  

As explained by the Director of the Mood Disorders Program at Tufts Medical Center, “Most adolescents don’t repeatedly abuse drugs or alcohol, frequently engage in sexually risky behavior, become physically violent, or rebel strongly against cultural norms. In the minority of adolescents who exhibit such behaviors, various causes can be relevant, ranging from the onset of mental illnesses (like bipolar disorder or depression) to a response to adverse experiences (like sexual or physical trauma).”  

If you think your teen might be struggling, watch for the following behaviors. Typically, these are tell-tale signs that your teenager is struggling with something beyond the “normal” teen dynamics. 

• Sudden drop in academic performance 
• Skipping class or getting in trouble at school 
• Drug and alcohol use 
• Violent or aggressive behaviors 
• Persistent feelings of sadness and hopelessness 
• Ignoring personal hygiene and self-care 
• Excessive worrying and fear, without clear rationale 
• Significant changes in sleeping patterns 
• Major fluctuations in weight or eating habits 
• Complaints of physical ailments, like headaches and stomachaches, persistently and without an explicable cause 
• Frequent distancing from friends and family 
• Withdrawal or avoidance of once-loved activities 
• Sudden changes in friend groups 
• Self-harm and suicide ideation 

Learn more about the signs of a troubled teenager here. 

How to help a struggling teen 

There are so many teenagers struggling, but not all of them know it. Even those that sense something is “off” might not know how to ask, or where to turn, for help. It’s up to parents to step in and step up, by paying attention to the signs of a struggling teen and by following their gut. 

If you are a parent of a teen, and concerned they might be struggling, there’s a good chance you’re right. You know your teen best of all. And your teen needs you to be supportive, even if they don’t welcome it right away. Teenagers have a tendency to resist help from parents, as they strive for independence in the adolescent years, but it’s important to continue to extend your unwavering love and support. 

Here are some things you can do to help your struggling teen: 

• Watch for any of the concerning signs listed above, and talk about your concerns with your teen. 
• Have open and honest conversations with your teen, including regular check-ins about how they are feeling, what they are dealing with, and what they need from you. 
• Act immediately if you suspect your teen is in danger, in that they are displaying signs of self-harm, suicidal thoughts, dangerous substance abuse, or other threatening behaviors. 
• Reach out to a clinician for a mental health screening, which will evaluate your teenager’s symptoms and any underlying conditions impacting their mental state. 
• Seek mental health treatment or therapy, if you believe your teen is facing issues with depression, anxiety, or other conditions related to their mental health. There are many treatment options for struggling teens, but it’s important to find one that is evidence-based and individualized, based on your son or daughter’s needs. 

If you are concerned about your teen, and seeking advice or guidance, Turnbridge is always here for you. Turnbridge specializes in the treatment of mental health conditions among adolescents and young adults. We are just one call away. Contact us at 877-581-1793 to learn more.