The teenage years are a whirlwind of change, opportunity, and growth, but they also bring immense pressures. Modern teens face high expectations, intense competition, and evolving social dynamics that can significantly impact their mental health. As a parent, especially as a mom, it’s essential to understand the challenges teens face and know how to support them. In this post, we’ll explore three common mental health challenges—anxiety, depression, and substance abuse—along with actionable advice to help your teen navigate these common mental health struggles in ages 13-19.
Understanding Anxiety in Teenagers
Anxiety isn’t just occasional stress or worry; it’s a prolonged emotional response to real or perceived threats. The American Psychological Association (APA) defines anxiety as “an emotion characterized by feelings of tension, worried thoughts, and physical changes like increased blood pressure.” Anxiety is a complex response to real or perceived threats. It can involve cognitive, physical, and behavioral changes.
Types of Anxiety in Teens
- Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD): Excessive, ongoing worry that’s difficult to control and interferes with daily life.
- Panic Disorder: Sudden episodes of intense fear accompanied by symptoms like rapid heartbeat, trouble breathing, or dizziness.
- Social Anxiety: Extreme fear of social interactions, often avoiding places like school.
Signs Your Teen May Be Struggling
- Changes in sleep, weight, or eating habits
- Avoiding school or a decline in academic performance
- Risky behaviors, such as substance use or engaging in unsafe activities
How to Take Action
- Seek Professional Help: Talk with a healthcare provider or mental health specialist for an evaluation.
- Connect with Your Teen: Build resilience through open communication and listening.
- Limit Social Media: Monitor and guide their online activity to reduce stress and social comparison.
Recognizing Depression in Teens
Depression is more than sadness or a bad mood—it’s a persistent feeling of hopelessness or disinterest that lasts two weeks or more, drastically impacting daily life. For teenagers, it may manifest differently than for adults, making it harder to recognize.
Signs of Depression in Teens
- Persistent sadness, irritability, or feelings of hopelessness
- Loss of interest in activities they once loved
- Withdrawal from friends and family
- Self-harm or expressing feelings of worthlessness
How to Take Action
- Screenings: Talk to your pediatrician about initial depression evaluations.
- Supportive Conversations: Let your teen know you’re a safe space for open dialogue.
- Professional Help: Connect with a child mental health specialist for therapy or counseling.
Did You Know? The U.S. Preventive Services Taskforce recommends screening for depression in adolescents aged 12–18.
Substance Abuse in Teens
Substance abuse in teens often stems from stress, peer pressure, or coping with mental health struggles. However, misuse of alcohol, drugs, or other substances can lead to dependency and long-term health issues.
Teenagers may use substances to escape emotions or fit in socially, but it can quickly lead to dependency or long-term consequences. Around 15% of all high school students say they have used street drugs such as cannabis, cocaine, inhalants, heroin, meth, hallucinogens or MDMA (also called ecstasy or molly). 14% report they have misused prescription opioids. Nearly 30% say they’ve tried alcohol and 14% admit to binge drinking. A frightening 17% got into a car driven by someone who had been drinking.
- Alcohol: Binge drinking or regular use
- Marijuana: Often viewed as “safe” but can impair brain development
- Prescription Drugs: Misuse of medications like ADHD stimulants or opioids
- Illicit Drugs: Cocaine, MDMA, or methamphetamine
Signs of Substance Use
- Sudden changes in social circles
- Refusing to communicate about emotions or struggles
- Mood swings, irritability, or unexplained aggression
How to Take Action
- Store Prescription Medicines with Care: sports injuries and oral surgeries are more common in this age range. Videos of teens coming out of anesthesia are often entertaining, but they are also a showcase of their first opioid for pain management.
- Open Communication: Foster honest discussions about the dangers of substance use.
- Educate Your Teen: Share facts about the risks of addiction and health impacts.
- Seek Professional Support: Look into counseling or substance abuse programs for help.
A Mother’s Story: Aaliyah’s Journey to Recovery
When Aaliyah turned 16, her mother noticed changes beyond teenage life’s usual ups and downs. She withdrew from friends and family, lost interest in dance, and seemed perpetually exhausted and irritable. I also began to suspect she was experimenting with substances, something I never imagined we’d face. As a mom, I felt helpless, unsure of how to help her through struggles I couldn’t fully understand.
The first conversation with a professional at Alabama Child & Adolescent Counseling (ACA Counseling) provided incredible comfort and relief. They listened without judgment, offered guidance, and reassurance that we were not alone in this journey. Aaliyah was diagnosed with depression and substance use concerns, and while it was hard to hear, ACA’s team empowered us by explaining these conditions and providing tools to support her.
Over the next few months, therapy became a turning point. Her counselor not only worked with Aaliyah on managing her emotions and triggers but also helped the whole family, understand the connection between her depression and substance use. They encouraged small but impactful changes—like fostering open communication, rebuilding trust, creating consistent routines, and finding healthier outlets for her stress.
Today, Aaliyah is on a much better path. She has started to rebuild her confidence, re-engage in school, and reconnect with loved ones. Most importantly, she feels supported in her journey toward recovery.
Where to Go from Here: Resources and Support
If your teen shows signs of anxiety, depression, or substance abuse, don’t wait to take action. Resources like Alabama Family Central and Alabama Child & Adolescent Counseling offer the support your family needs to navigate these challenges together.
Supporting your child’s mental health can make a profound difference in their long-term well-being. For parents, understanding common child mental health struggles in ages 13-19, including conditions like anxiety, depression, and the warning signs of substance abuse is essential. Staying informed and taking action as needed can have a positive impact on your teen’s emotional and behavioral growth. You’re not alone in this journey. Together, we can prioritize teen mental health and build a brighter future for our children.
It’s important to talk openly with your children and ask how they’re feeling. Alabama ranks eighth out of 47 states in the rate of teen suicide, highlighting the need for conversation and support. If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, learn more with the help of Alabama Family Central.
Need Immediate Help? Call or text 988 for crisis support or visit 988lifeline.org.
This is part three in a three-part series called Child Mental Health Awareness (read part 1 for ages 5-8 and part 2 for ages 9-12), presented by Alabama Family Central. Alabama Family Central is a collaboration of state agencies and partners supporting Alabama’s families with online resources, services, and more to help raise healthy, happy kids. With access to vetted resources families can search Alabama Family Central confidently, find answers quickly, and get one step ahead.
Meet Alexis Sapp and ACA Counseling
Alexis Sapp of Alabama Child & Adolescent Counseling is the featured contributor for this series and the writer of this article. ACA Counseling is a group practice located in the heart of Hoover. Ms. Sapp is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), Supervising Counselor (LPC-S), and National Board Certified Counselor (NBCC). She leads a passionate team empowering children, teens, and families to overcome personal obstacles. At ACA Counseling, we are proud to offer animal-assisted therapy, where our facility dogs play a therapeutic role in helping children heal and thrive. To reach out for services you may contact ACA Counseling at 205-530-8743 or email [email protected].
Enjoy this article? Check out part 1 in this series here…
Understanding 3 Most Common Child Mental Health Struggles :: Ages 5-8
