Each phase of development brings specific challenges for teens. They tend to work through these as a normal part of growing up. Mental health conditions can make these challenges harder. They may come up due to events in a teen’s life. They can also be routine, like moving to a new home.

Every teen responds differently to life changes. Some events that may impact a child or teen’s mental health include:

• The birth of a sibling
• The death of a loved one, such as a family member or a pet
• Physical or sexual abuse
• Poverty or homelessness
• Natural disaster
• Domestic violence
• Moving to a new place or attending a new school
• Being bullied
• Taking on more responsibility than is age-appropriate
• Parental divorce or separation

Mental health issues can cause difficulties at home, school, or with friends. Additionally, when children reach adolescence, relationships of many kinds can cause strife. Relationships between parents and children are crucial to healthy development. But they may become strained by the changes that come with adolescence.

Sexual activity, abuse from partners, Intimacy and dating, self-harm and suicide are all issues that a teen may be dealing with. Also, social pressures and stress can cause eating disorders in teens. It can harm physical health and self-esteem. It can lead to malnutrition, self-harm, heart disease, suicide, or starvation. Be mindful of how you talk about food, nutrition, and weight gain or loss around them. Promote a healthy and positive mind-body relationship.

Substance abuse can start out as a response to trauma or past abuse. It may also reflect a parent or caregiver’s behavior. Teens are known to experiment with substance use to push boundaries. But this can lead to unhealthy patterns with harmful, lifelong impacts. It is important to recognize if a teen is developing an addiction. Once you have done that, you can help address the issue or seek treatment. The sooner substance addiction is addressed, the more effective treatment may be.