Adolescence is a distinctive and often challenging stage of life. Through my experience working with young people aged 15-19, I have seen the emotional difficulties they face: anxiety, low self-esteem, relationship problems and questions about identity. These are not ‘just teenage years’ to be endured. They are real experiences that deserve care and support. This article discusses adolescence broadly; my current private online service is for young people aged 16 and over.
9 common psychological difficulties in adolescence
- Depression and emotional withdrawal
In teenagers, depression may appear as emotional withdrawal, apathy and pulling away from others, rather than sadness alone. A young person may lose interest in activities they once enjoyed, feel hopeless or be constantly tired. It is important not to dismiss these signs as ‘just being a teenager’: recognising possible depression early can help a young person receive appropriate support. The World Health Organization identifies depression as one of the leading causes of illness and disability in adolescence.
- Anxiety and ongoing stress
Anxiety at school is often connected with academic pressure or worries about how peers see you. When anxiety becomes persistent and affects daily life, sleep or concentration, it is a sign that support may be needed. Teenagers can find it difficult to recognise and name anxiety, and may seem angry or irritable or describe physical symptoms such as headaches or stomach aches. Physical symptoms should also receive appropriate medical attention rather than automatically being attributed to anxiety.
- Maths anxiety
Maths anxiety is a particular form of anxiety linked to fear and stress about mathematics. It can affect pupils with a wide range of mathematical abilities. It is different from simply ‘not being good at maths’: it is an emotional response that can interfere with learning and thinking, even in high-achieving pupils. In sessions, I explain how anxiety works, and we explore ways to change the relationship with learning and reduce the fear around it.
- Eco-anxiety: worries about the environment
Today’s teenagers grow up surrounded by discussions of the climate crisis, environmental problems and their consequences for future generations. For some young people, this creates hopelessness, intense anxiety or deep questions about the meaning of their own lives. It is important to acknowledge that these feelings are understandable, while helping them avoid being overwhelmed. In sessions, we work on coping with anxiety and finding meaningful actions that can strengthen a sense of agency in the world.
- Difficulties with self-esteem
During adolescence, identity is still developing and self-esteem can be particularly sensitive to other people’s opinions. Social media may intensify this pressure through a constant stream of apparently ‘perfect’ lives. Low self-esteem may show up as perfectionism, avoiding new friendships, constantly comparing oneself with peers or being excessively self-critical.
- Bullying in person and online
Bullying can have lasting effects on a teenager’s self-esteem and psychological wellbeing. Young people who experience bullying are at greater risk of depression, anxiety and difficulties at school; bullying can also contribute to suicide risk alongside other factors. What makes cyberbullying different? It can continue around the clock, and harmful material can spread online beyond the young person’s control.
- Bereavement and grief
Losing someone you love is one of life’s most difficult experiences, especially for a teenager whose emotional resources are still developing. Grief can take many forms: sadness, anger, emotional numbness or a return to earlier patterns of behaviour. It is important to understand that grief has no fixed timetable and that each person experiences it differently.
How to support a grieving child or teenager - Identity questions and sexual orientation
During adolescence, the natural question ‘Who am I?’ can sometimes become painful. Questions about sexual orientation or gender identity, differences in values with family or friends, and wanting both to belong and to remain true to yourself can create inner conflict. These aspects of identity are not disorders. A psychologist can offer a safe, non-judgemental space to explore the questions and any distress surrounding them.
- Holding emotions in and struggling with anger
Many teenagers learn to hide their feelings for fear of being misunderstood or judged. Emotions that remain unrecognised, especially anger, can sometimes contribute to harmful ways of coping, including aggression or self-harm. Helping a young person identify and express emotions safely can support their wellbeing and reduce difficulties over time.
What to do if a teenager self-harms
How social media can affect teenage mental health
Today’s teenagers grow up in a world where social media is part of everyday life. This brings particular challenges that earlier generations did not experience in the same way.
Some research links heavy or problematic social media use with greater emotional distress, including symptoms of depression and anxiety. An association does not establish that social media alone causes these difficulties. The way it is used matters, particularly if online feedback becomes a main source of self-worth.
Constantly comparing yourself with other people’s ‘perfect’ pictures can distort how you see yourself. Psychological support can help a teenager recognise these pressures and build a healthier relationship with themselves and with technology.
Warning signs: when to seek support
Not every change in behaviour signals a crisis, but the following signs deserve careful attention:
- Sudden, lasting changes in mood, especially for more than 2 weeks
- Withdrawing from friends, family and favourite activities
- Changes in sleep: difficulty sleeping or sleeping much longer than usual
- Changes in eating: reduced appetite or overeating
- Falling grades or reluctance to go to school
- Talking about death, meaninglessness or wanting to ‘disappear’
- Self-harming behaviour
- Misuse of alcohol, nicotine or other psychoactive substances
- Aggression or sudden outbursts of anger
- Persistent physical complaints, such as headaches or stomach aches, that need assessment even if no medical cause has been found
If you notice any of these signs, seek advice promptly. Early support can help identify what is happening and reduce the risk of difficulties becoming more severe. Immediate danger or suicidal plans require urgent help.
How can you talk to a teenager about seeing a psychologist?
One of the hardest tasks for a parent is suggesting psychological support without making a teenager feel judged or blamed. These practical approaches may help:
- Describe what you notice and feel, without applying labels. Instead of saying ‘you are depressed’, try ‘I can see things have been difficult for you, and I care about how you feel’.
- Offer support as an option rather than an order. Instead of applying pressure, try asking, ‘Do you think talking with a professional might help?’
- Explain what a psychologist does. Explain that a psychologist helps people make sense of everyday emotions, relationships and stressful situations, as well as providing support in a crisis.
- Offer to go along the first time. You could say, ‘If you would like, I can come with you and wait.’ Sometimes simply knowing someone is nearby makes a real difference.
- ‘Everything will be fine’ may not help. A simple, sincere ‘I am here with you, and I will help you find support’ can mean much more.
The role of parents: helping change become possible
Parents play an important part in a teenager’s emotional wellbeing. In sessions, I often find that support involves looking at family dynamics as well as the young person’s individual difficulties.
- I will be open with you: if I notice that aspects of family life may be contributing to your child’s difficulties, we will discuss them respectfully and constructively.
- I will help you understand your teenager. Not every change in behaviour is rebellion; sometimes it communicates a need for support that deserves to be heard.
- We will work towards change together. The whole family, as well as the young person, can learn communication skills that make it easier to listen and understand one another.
Frequently asked questions about psychological support for teenagers
At what age can a child see a psychologist?
Psychological support is available through age-appropriate services from early childhood. It can be helpful during adolescence, while identity and emotional regulation are developing. My current private online service is for young people aged 16 and over; younger children need a suitable child or adolescent service. Consent arrangements depend on age, circumstances and the rules that apply to the service. We discuss these individually before arranging support; this article is not a statement of consent law for every country.
Will parents attend the session?
We discuss this individually with each teenager. Initial sessions often take place with the young person alone, to help create a safe and confidential space. Joint meetings with parents can be arranged later if needed. The teenager’s agreement and trust are central, and we discuss the limits of confidentiality, including safety concerns.
My teenager does not want to see a psychologist. What can I do?
This is very common. Begin with a conversation without pressure or criticism: share what you have noticed and explain that you are concerned, without blaming them. It can help to explain that seeing a psychologist does not mean someone is ‘crazy’; psychologists help people work through everyday difficulties. You could suggest trying a first session to see how it feels.
How can I tell typical teenage changes from a psychological difficulty?
Adolescence often involves changing moods, a growing wish for independence from parents and experimentation. It is worth seeking support when a teenager’s emotional experiences begin to interfere with school, daily life or relationships, or when the young person says they cannot cope with the psychological challenges they are facing.
Does social media really harm teenagers’ mental health?
Research findings are mixed, and social media is not inherently ‘bad’. Difficulties can arise when use becomes compulsive, comparison with others creates anxiety or undermines self-esteem, or bullying takes place online. Pay particular attention when internet use starts interfering with everyday life.
When should I seek help immediately?
Seek help promptly if a teenager talks about suicide or self-harm, starts saying goodbye or giving away possessions, becomes unexpectedly calm after a prolonged period of distress, or describes plans to harm themselves. These changes need to be understood in context, but should not be dismissed. If there is immediate danger, call 112 in Lithuania and stay with the young person while help is arranged. Free emotional support lines in Lithuania: Vaikų linija (Children’s Line) 116 111 Jaunimo linija (Youth Line) 0 800 28888 Vilties linija (Hope Line) 116 123 Pagalbos moterims linija (Women’s Helpline) 0 800 66366 Tėvų linija (Parents’ Line) 0 800 90012 For emergencies in Lithuania: 112. Outside Lithuania, contact your local emergency service or crisis support line; availability and language support on these Lithuanian lines may vary.
Can a parent enquire about an online session on a teenager’s behalf?
Yes. Parents can first use the contact form on my website to explain the situation. We will discuss how best to support your teenager and arrange an initial session. Online sessions can feel more convenient for some young people, as they can join from their own room.
You are welcome to reach out: change begins with a first step
If your teenager is increasingly withdrawing, stressed or anxious, it is time to look for support. Sometimes an initial conversation can help a young person begin to see their difficulties from a different perspective. I work with teenagers and their parents, helping them find common ground and work through challenges.
