Adolescence, which lasts from ages 13 to 19, is the period between childhood and adulthood. Adolescence’s physical and psychological changes often begin earlier, between the ages of 9 and 12, during the preteen or “tween” years.

Adolescence: What Is It?

Adolescence may be a period of confusion and discovery. As teenagers develop their sense of self, they may have to make challenging decisions about academics, friendships, sexuality, gender identity, use of drugs and alcohol, and independence.

Most teenagers have a somewhat egocentric outlook on life, which usually changes as they become older. They often focus their attention on themselves and think everyone else—from a close friend to a distant crush—is doing the same. They could struggle with anxieties and judgmental emotions. Family relationships often take a backseat to relationships with friends, love interests, and looks, which youth view as more important now.

Anxiety over one’s physical growth, changing connections with others, and position in the broader world might naturally result from the shift. While minor issues like mild anxiety are common, adolescence is also when major mental health disorders start to manifest. Early treatment of a condition may help assure the best result.

What are the stages of adolescence?

Early adolescence lasts from the ages of 10 to 14; mid-adolescence lasts from 15 to 17, and late adolescence lasts from 18 to 24. Each stage presents unique difficulties for teenagers and calls for various parental reactions.

What function does adolescence serve?

The goal of adolescence is for a kid to develop into a young adult mentally and socially. Children may gain freedom and responsibility, build independence, separate themselves from their parents and upbringing, and create their distinct personalities by letting go of the connection and security they felt as children.

Why is puberty such a struggle?

Between the ages of 9 and 15, puberty sets in and lasts for one and a half to three years. Adolescents may experience hormonal and biological changes that make them feel uncomfortable and self-conscious, need more seclusion, and focus on their looks, which may affect how others see and accept them.

Why do teenagers act recklessly and make poor decisions?

Hormonal changes are often responsible for adolescent risk-taking, but relationships also play a significant influence. The formation of friendships that last a lifetime is a goal of adolescence. For better or worse, research reveals that teenagers are more driven by peer approval than by adult opinions.

How does sleep alter as a teenager?

Teenagers have a biological clock change throughout puberty, which causes them to fall asleep later and get up later to achieve the recommended 8 to 10 hours of sleep. Because of this, later middle and high school start times are linked to better attendance, grades, and a decreased risk of depression.

How Should I Approach My Teen?

Any parent may find it difficult to openly discuss changes with their teenage children, particularly considering the changes in the parent-child dynamic at this time.

Educating kids on what lies ahead is crucial to communicating with them. A child’s fear may be reduced by explaining how their bodies will change, so they are not taken by surprise. In addition to physical changes, parents may start a discussion regarding adolescence’s impact on social and lifestyle changes. Discussing the repercussions of significant decisions—like engaging in sex or using drugs—can inspire a youngster to think about their actions.

One of the most effective yet underutilized tools is listening. Parents often lean toward instructions and solutions. But putting such inclinations aside and just listening to the adolescent may improve the connection. When a kid feels judged, they may be reluctant to communicate freely and honestly. This might happen when you ask them specific or probing questions. A focused listening style conveys attention, approval, and support. It also increases the likelihood that an adolescent would turn to a parent for help when necessary. Intimacy and trust are developed via active listening, which also allows adolescent to process their experience.

How can I keep my connection with a teenager strong?

Adolescence is a time when people experiment with new friendships and interests while growing independent from their parents. But even during that process, you may still keep your relationship strong. Encourage your teen’s new interests by showing an interest in them, getting to know them, and providing structure for the family. Don’t criticize character in disciplinary circumstances; criticize decisions.

How can I talk to an adolescent about healthy sex?

Make it clear that you are willing to talk about everything, including love, pleasure, and sexual health. Listen to these discussions with honesty and without passing judgment. Shame and dread might result if a sensitive teenager is shut down by negativity or criticism. Being honest allows kids to connect healthily with sex and trust you with any future inquiries.

How do I approach a teenager about using alcohol and drugs?

Many teenagers will try a mix of drugs, alcohol, and smoking. However, parents may influence their children’s decisions by providing counsel, such as the idea that drug use should be a deliberate choice rather than something that happens automatically or out of societal pressure. Open, sincere, and ongoing discussion between parents and children is recommended.

How should I respond to a teenager who is upset?

Even if it’s not with you, encourage them to express their emotions to lessen the emotional strain. Investigating the source of their dissatisfaction might also inspire individuals to take action. For example, if they’re bored, they can decide to take up a new sport or pastime. Teenage years may be emotionally challenging, but these suggestions and others might be helpful.

What Shifts in Mental Health During Adolescence?

Many mental health issues that individuals deal with as adults appear during adolescence. The Department of Health and Human Services estimates that one in five young people has a diagnosable disease.

Teenagers may also experience developmentally normal, transient distresses, including anxiety, sadness, and other types of distress. Whether in doubt, speaking with a school counselor or another mental health expert is the best course of action. It may be challenging to determine when a situation requires clinical attention.

Parents may assist by being knowledgeable about the early warning signs of the condition they are worried about and being willing to inquire about their child’s feelings and experiences. Early identification of mental health issues and therapy may help prevent a problem from worsening or lasting longer. Most disorders may be successfully controlled or cured when they are treated early.

Why are today’s adolescents so stressed and worried?

According to a study by the American Psychological Association, 91% of Generation Z has experienced physical or mental signs of stress, such as anxiety or despair. Parental tendencies like overscheduling, social media consequences like unfair social comparisons, and historical occurrences like the Great Recession and mass shootings might all contribute to this stress.

How can I support an anxious teenager?

Parents concerned about their teenagers may help them by being empathetic and supportive without passing judgment. Parents may refrain from communicating the demand for perfection because teens do better when they are not under pressure to be flawless. It also helps to keep in touch with and support their connections with other kind adults, such as teachers and mentors.

How prevalent are mental health issues among college students?

According to statistics, at least one in three first-year college students has a mental health issue. The shift to college, childhood trauma, hormonal changes, financial stress, academic pressure, lack of sleep, social isolation, and worry about the future are just a few of the variables that may cause the start of mental illness during this period.

How can I assist college students in getting the mental health treatment they need?

Encourage your kid to use the mental health services offered by the university. Suppose the school cannot provide treatment due to excessive demand. In that case, your kid may want to consider visiting a doctor or nurse practitioner on campus, contacting a campus case manager for assistance finding care off-campus or starting teletherapy.

What connection exists between using social media and mental health?

Defining the connection between social media and mental health is difficult. According to several recent studies, social media does not fuel depression, but depression may increase social media usage, at least among teenage females.