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Kids Health Info

Mental health – teens and young people

  • Key points

    • Mental health refers to social, emotional, and psychological wellbeing.
    • Adolescence can be a tricky time for young people; it is common for them to face mental health challenges as they go through puberty and go from being a child into an adult.
    • A teen’s mental health is influenced by many factors – from hormonal changes to genetics and the environment they are in.
    • You can support your teen’s mental health by forming a strong relationship with them and helping them to work through new challenges.
    • Speak with your teen about what they are going through and encourage them to meet with a professional, such as a doctor or school counsellor.
    • If you or your child is having a mental health emergency, or at immediate risk of harm, contact emergency services (000).

    About mental health in teens and young people

    Mental health refers to social, emotional, and psychological wellbeing. All children can have mental health challenges, but teenage years can be particularly tricky. As a teen’s body changes, so too does their brain and the demands for their time and attention.

    It is normal for a teen’s mental health to vary. They may be enthusiastic and energetic one day, then tired and stressed the next. The key is to support them through the highs and lows of life.

    Mental health is important as it helps your teen to:

    • learn and study
    • socialise and form relationships with family and friends
    • enjoy their hobbies
    • cope with challenges and unfamiliar experiences
    • have a realistic outlook
    • develop better self-esteem
    • become more independent.

    What impacts mental health in teens?

    A teen’s mental health is shaped by many different factors – some that are within their control, but many that are not. Some examples include:

    • School and schoolwork
    • Home and family relationships
    • Genetics
    • Friendships and connection with peers
    • Trouble sleeping
    • Difficulties fitting in and feeling isolated
    • Illness or disability
    • Neurodivergence, such as autism or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
    • Hormonal changes during puberty
    • Major life changes, such as parental divorce or the death of a loved one.

    Teenage years often come with increased stress from school, family, and social pressures. Everyday challenges can become harder to manage or more complex at this time in their development. Teens are also learning to be more independent from their caregivers, but they are still learning important skills such as problem solving, decision making, and impulse control. This makes them more likely to take risks, such as drinking alcohol or using drugs.

    If your teen is facing mental health challenges, it is important to focus on supporting them – no matter the cause.

    Signs and symptoms of mental health challenges in teens

    It can be tricky for parents to notice the difference between normal stress and more serious social, emotional, or psychological problems in teens.

    The following signs and symptoms may suggest mental health concerns – especially if your teen shows them most of the time, or they affect their daily life:

    • Trouble coping with everyday activities
    • Problems with attention, memory, or focus
    • Lack of interest in things they once enjoyed
    • Feeling hopeless, down, or crying a lot
    • Increased irritability or aggressive behaviour
    • Trouble sleeping or sleeping too much
    • Not going to school
    • Avoiding socialising with friends and family
    • Excessive screentime
    • Changes to appetite, such as eating more or less than usual
    • Ongoing drug or alcohol use
    • Excessive worry or fear
    • Acting impulsively and taking dangerous risks, such as driving under the influence of alcohol.
    • Often reporting headaches, stomach aches, or back pains
    • Strong focus on weight and appearance.

    How to help teens with mental health challenges

    The key to supporting your teen with their mental health is to connect with them. Forming a strong and positive relationship will teach your teen that they can come to you for help and advice without fear of judgement. This will empower them to take safe risks and build their resilience to the challenges they will face throughout life.

    Try to:

    • Listen to their concerns in a compassionate way
    • Show interest in their life and celebrate their achievements
    • Help them develop coping strategies for challenges, such as breathing exercises, journaling, and problem-solving skills
    • Spend time with them one-on-one and as a family.

    It is also important to encourage healthy habits that support your teen’s mental wellbeing, such as:

    • Eating a balanced diet
    • Getting enough quality sleep
    • Practising good sleep hygiene, such as no screens before bed
    • Exercising
    • Limiting time on screens and social media
    • Socialising with friends
    • Talking about their emotions or problems.

    When to seek professional help

    It may be time to get extra support for your teen if:

    • They have many signs and symptoms of mental health challenges
    • Their signs and symptoms are impacting their daily life
    • You are worried about their safety
    • You need help as a parent.

    The more engaged your teen is in the process of getting support, the better the results are likely to be. Try to speak with them about what they are going through and encourage them to meet with a mental health specialist, such as a doctor or school counsellor. They may feel more comfortable doing this alone.

    If your child talks about suicide or self-harm, seek help from a health professional. If you or your child is having a mental health emergency, call an ambulance (000) immediately.

    Common questions about mental health challenges in teens

    What activities can help improve my teen's mental health?

    When it comes to improving your teen’s mental health, it is a good idea to start with the basics: diet, exercise, and sleep. Help your teen set up a daily routine that includes physical activity, eating a mix of nutritious foods, and getting enough sleep.

    Spending one-on-one time with your teen can have a big impact on their mental health. Something as simple as walking the dog together and having a chat can strengthen your relationship and show them that you care.

    It is also helpful for teens to learn new skills and practise existing ones. For example, your teen could start playing an instrument, take up a craft, or try a new sport.

    If your teen struggles with stress or anxiety, you could teach them simple mindfulness techniques such as breathing exercises. These can help them manage their mental health day-to-day.

    How can I get my teen to talk to me about their mental health?

    It is normal for teens to pull away from their parents and turn towards their peers for advice. This does not mean you should give up on talking to them about tricky topics like mental health. Rather than forcing your teen to share, show interest in their life and focus on keeping lines of communication open so they know they can come to you for help. When they do speak to you, try to respond in a nurturing and supportive way, and validate how they feel.

    Does my teen need to tell me if they speak to someone about their mental health?

    Teens have a right to private and confidential health care when they are old enough – usually around 14 years and older. While it is always best for you to be aware and supportive of your teen’s mental healthcare, they also need to have a private space where they are comfortable speaking about the issues impacting them. The mental health professional does not need to tell you what your teen has shared unless they have safety concerns.

    If you have any questions about this, you can speak with the mental health professional.

    How much time should my teen be spending on screens per day?

    Devices are part of modern life, but it is important for teens to use them in moderation. Spending time on a phone or other device should not replace in-person socialising or impact the time they spend on activities, such as playing sport.

    Help your teen set up healthy screen routines. This could include limiting their screen time in a way that works for them and for your family, or turning off their devices one hour before bed.

    For more information


    Developed by The Royal Children’s Hospital Psychology department, with input from the Adolescent Medicine department. We acknowledge the input of RCH consumers and carers.

    Reviewed July 2026

    Please always seek the most recent advice from a registered and practising clinician.


Disclaimer

This information is intended to support, not replace, discussion with your doctor or healthcare professionals. The authors of these consumer health information handouts have made a considerable effort to ensure the information is accurate, up to date and easy to understand. The Royal Children's Hospital Melbourne accepts no responsibility for any inaccuracies, information perceived as misleading, or the success of any treatment regimen detailed in these handouts. Information contained in the handouts is updated regularly and therefore you should always check you are referring to the most recent version of the handout. The onus is on you, the user, to ensure that you have downloaded the most up-to-date version of a consumer health information handout.

Updated July 2025

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