Teen mental health in focus: Supporting emotional wellbeing during adolescence

Every October 10, the world observes World Mental Health Day, a global initiative to raise awareness and promote mental wellbeing. Adolescents face unique challenges - from hormonal changes and identity exploration to academic pressure and digital overload.

According to the World Health Organization, 1 in 7 teens aged 10–19 worldwide lives with a mental health condition. Yet most go undiagnosed and untreated, especially in countries with limited access to care.

Puberty, PMS & emotional turbulence: What’s happening inside?

Hormonal shifts during puberty - including estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone - can significantly impact mood, sleep, and emotional regulation. For many teens, this manifests as:

Mood swings and irritability;
Increased anxiety or sadness;
Sleep disturbances;
Heightened sensitivity to stress.

For girls, PMS (Premenstrual Syndrome) can intensify emotional symptoms. Up to 75% of adolescent girls experience PMS - related mood changes, and PMDD (Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder) affects about 3 - 8%, causing severe emotional distress.

Global mental health statistics: A wake-up call

Mental health conditions account for 15% of the global disease burden among adolescents aged 10 -19;
Depression, anxiety, and behavioral disorders are the leading causes of illness and disability in this age group;
Anxiety disorders affect:

4.4% of 10 – 14 year-olds
5.5% of 15 – 19 year-olds

Depression affects:

1.4% of 10 – 14 year-olds
3.5% of 15 – 19 year-olds

Suicide remains a leading cause of death among young people, with over 727,000 lives lost globally in 2021
The global economy loses over $1 trillion annually due to untreated mental health conditions.

How parents and caregivers can help

Supporting teen mental health starts with presence, empathy, and education. Here’s how to make a difference:

Listen without judgment

Create safe spaces for open conversations
Avoid minimizing or dismissing feelings
Validate emotions, even if you don’t fully understand them

Encourage healthy habits

Prioritize sleep (8–10 hours for teens)
Promote balanced nutrition and regular movement
Limit screen time and encourage offline hobbies

Teach emotional literacy

Help teens name and understand their feelings
Introduce coping strategies like journaling, breathing exercises, or mindfulness
Model emotional regulation in your own behavior

Know when to seek help

Watch for signs of persistent sadness, withdrawal, self-harm, or academic decline
Contact school counselors, pediatricians, or mental health professionals
Use global helplines and youth-focused platforms

Where to find help (International resources)

WHO Adolescent Mental Health
UNICEF – Mental Health Support for Youth
Child Mind Institute – Tools for parents and teens
TherapyRoute – Global directory of mental health professionals
Teen Line – Peer support and crisis help

Mental health is not a luxury - it’s a necessity. Adolescents are navigating complex emotional landscapes, and they need compassionate support, reliable information, and access to care. World Mental Health Day is a reminder that we must listen, learn, and act - not just in October, but every day.

Sources:

Youth Mental Health: 2025 Statistics – TherapyRoute, https://www.therapyroute.com/article/youth-mental-health-2025-statistics-by-therapyroute
WHO – Mental Health Conditions Soar Past One Billion Worldwide, https://news.un.org/en/story/2025/09/1165759

This article is intended for educational purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. For personalized support, please consult a qualified mental health professional.

Photo: courtesy of Pinterest (Alev Neto)