In the wake of world events, many typical issues faced by teens have become exacerbated. Their “normal” or routine has been redefined, and their usual coping strategies are not available. This has created additional stress in their lives. Not only are they working to keep up with the changing pace of school and life events, but many have had to do so while adjusting to unexpected changes and transitions. This major shift in the pattern of their lives has contributed to new, or exacerbated existing stressors faced by teens.

The teen years are often typically associated with change or transitions. Transitions in their physical and cognitive growth, as well as transitions in their roles as individuals (from child to young adult) and the role expectations that come along with those changes. Teens are spending more time with peers because of the need to develop self-identity outside of their parents and families, and to seek independence from their parents. They generally prefer to spend more time with friends and in social groups, and social engagement and social trends become important to their experimentation with different roles in the pursuit of their own personal sense of self. With the increasing use of the internet and social media, teens are facing a different type of stress as compared to the teens of previous generations. The influence of peer pressure and social media in addition to the pressures of self-discovery have increased the stress of teens exponentially.

Teens today also have bigger workloads at school, are involved in more extracurricular activities, and many also hold part time jobs. Although most of these stresses are normal and a part of life, it is important to understand that even though teenagers are becoming adults, their brains are still developing. Therefore, often they find it challenging to deal with all the increasing challenges they encounter. Along with this, they are also struggling with hormonal and physical changes in their bodies. The combination of all this can easily cause some teens to struggle to cope and navigate through their lives. Many times, they need help, and many generally prefer help outside of the family or home.

Many parents consider counseling when they notice that their teen is having difficulty in school or acting out behaviorally. It is necessary to understand that bad grades or social misbehavior almost always occur within the context of a bigger precipitating issue. Thus, when parents consider counseling for their teens, they not only give them a chance to work out their present difficulties but also allow them to uncover and work through past struggles that might be continuing to disturb them.

Counseling can help teens cope with school, family, or social stress. Research has shown that 2 out of 3 teenagers greatly benefit from counseling and talk therapy. Specific issues for which teens may seek counseling include anxiety, depression, academic challenges, problems dealing with different relationships (such as with their parents or friends), substance use, traumatic incidents, and depression.

Signs that a teen could benefit from counseling include:

• Frequent sad or depressed mood
• Running away
• Sexual acting out
• Drug use
• Self-harming behaviors
• Inappropriate anger
• Increasing defiance
• Irritability or frequent anger
• Sudden changes in mood or behavior