Keep in mind that I am not a licensed counselor or therapist. I am writing from my experience working with teenagers in schools in low-socioeconomic areas and as a parent.
As a parent, you want the best for your child. You want them to be happy, healthy, and successful. But in today’s world, where technology, school pressure, and global issues are constantly changing, it can be hard to know how to support your teen’s mental health.
In 2025, many teens are still feeling the lasting effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, along with new challenges like social media pressure, school violence concerns, climate anxiety, and the rising cost of living that affects families. Recent reports show that teen depression and anxiety remain higher than before 2020, and many young people say they feel stressed, isolated, or overwhelmed. These struggles can put teens at risk for more serious problems if they don’t have the right support.
📊 2025 Teen Mental Health: What the Data Shows
United States (CDC & national surveys)
- In 2023, 40% of high school students experienced persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness
- 20% of students seriously considered attempting suicide, and nearly 9% attempted suicide within the past year
- Over 20% of adolescents (ages 12–17) received mental health therapy, but the same share reported unmet mental health care needs in 2021–2023
- Just 55% of teens always or usually receive the social and emotional support they need
Trends & disparities:
- Female and LGBTQ+ youth report higher rates of emotional distress than their male, cisgender, heterosexual peers
- Among teens (12–17), approximately 19.7% reported symptoms of anxiety and 17.8% reported symptoms of depression during the past two weeks (2021–2023)
Emerging Pressures (Social Media, Loneliness, Climate)
- A April 2025 Pew survey showed 44% of parents cited social media as the most harmful factor to teen mental health; 48% of teens say social media mostly negatively affects their peers; 45% admit spending too much time online, especially girls, who report negative effects on confidence and sleep
- According to a September 2025 survey by Hopelab/Data for Progress, 61% of youth aged 13–24 say loneliness affects their mental health; 35% say it disrupts daily life; and 25% of those in school believe their schools lack adequate mental health support
- The Lancet Commission (May 2025) warns that economic, social, and environmental pressures—including climate anxiety—are creating a “perfect storm” for adolescent mental health decline globally
I put together this post with tips on how to help your teen’s mental health in 2025. Whether they’re dealing with stress, anxiety, depression, or simply the ups and downs of growing up, these steps can make a difference.
Tip #1: Listen without judging
Teens often feel like their parents don’t “get it.” One of the best ways to support them is to listen with patience and without judgment. Try not to interrupt, criticize, or immediately give advice unless they ask for it. Instead, use active listening: nod, ask open-ended questions, and repeat back what you hear. For example, “It sounds like school has been overwhelming lately” or “I can see you’re really frustrated about that.”
When your teen feels truly heard, they are more likely to open up and trust you with their feelings.
Tip #2: Encourage healthy habits
Healthy routines are a powerful tool for mental health. Encourage your teen to:
- Get enough sleep
- Eat balanced meals
- Exercise regularly
- Limit screen time when possible
- Stay hydrated
- Avoid drugs and alcohol
- Hang with the RIGHT people
You can model these habits by doing them as a family—like cooking healthy meals together, going for walks, or setting a “no phones at dinner” rule. Positive habits help teens manage stress, improve mood, and build confidence.
Tip #3: Help them find professional help if needed
Sometimes your teen may need more than family support. If you notice signs of depression, anxiety, self-harm, eating disorders, or talk of suicide, it’s important to connect them with a professional. This could be a therapist, counselor, or doctor who understands teen mental health.
Remind your teen that asking for help is not weakness—it’s courage. Offer to help them research options or go with them to their first appointment. The earlier they get support, the better their chances of recovery and growth.
Final Thoughts
Parenting a teen in 2025 isn’t easy, but it’s one of the most important jobs you’ll ever have. By listening without judgment, encouraging healthy habits, and seeking professional help when necessary, you can show your child that you are always in their corner.
