Mental Health
We all have mental health, meaning our emotional and psychological well-being, and it is constantly shaped by what is happening inside and around us. That is normal. Feelings of stress and sadness belong right alongside joy and pride. But when harder feelings go unsupported, or when underlying risk factors are present, they can grow into something more serious. The good news is that coping and resilience can be built, and real support is here when you need it.
Influencing Factors
In short, nearly everything influences adolescent mental health at varying degrees. From biology and family history to the pressures of social media and the world at large. Some issues carry a heavier burden than others. Tap or click any card to learn more about each factor and what you can do to help.
Risks
For most young people, the ups and downs of mental health are a normal part of growing up. But for a growing number of adolescents, challenges are becoming more frequent, more intense, and longer-lasting. Understanding these risks isn't about assuming the worst, it's about knowing when to seek support early.
Resilience
Some people may naturally seem to be born with greater resilience, but this is in fact a skill that can be learned. The Seven C’s are a framework developed by the American Academy of Pediatrics, which guides us in understanding the key traits to foster for resilience. Click on any of the 7 Cs to learn more about how to help your kids build them into their lives.
Coping
Coping is our way of managing the tough stuff. We may cope in ways that positively impact our health and wellbeing, or we may cope in ways that ultimately weaken our health and wellbeing. Because mental health issues can be a driver of unhealthy coping through substance use, and because young people are experiencing substantial physical, emotional and social changes during this stage, coping skills are especially important for them to develop and practice.
Keep Exploring
Understanding your child's emotional world is the first step; the next is knowing how to show up for it. Head into What You Can Do: the small, steady, research-backed things that make the biggest difference.