Teen Mental Health
Growing up is hard. Feeling overwhelmed, lost, or just off — that's real, and it's okay to talk about it. Mental health isn't a luxury. It's the foundation of everything.
Scroll to exploreWhy it matters
You're figuring out who you are, navigating friendships, school pressure, social media, and family — all at once. That's a lot for anyone to carry. Here's why paying attention to it matters.
The habits, coping skills, and self-beliefs formed during adolescence tend to follow us into adulthood. Building healthy foundations now makes a real difference later.
Anxiety, depression, and burnout can look like "just being a teenager." That's exactly why they so often go unnoticed — and untreated — for years.
Getting help sooner rather than later isn't about being weak — it's about catching something before it grows. The earlier the conversation starts, the better the outcome.
"One in five teenagers experiences a serious mental health condition. Most never get help — not because they don't need it, but because no one asked."
What teenagers face
These aren't just "teenage problems." They're human ones, and they deserve to be taken seriously.
Grades, extracurriculars, college plans — teens are expected to have it all figured out before they've even had a chance to breathe.
Constant comparison, fear of missing out, and the strange loneliness of being always online — it takes a quiet toll on self-worth and identity.
The teenage brain is still developing into the mid-20s. Emotions feel bigger, impulses are harder to control — and that's completely normal.
Connection is a core human need. Feeling left out, misunderstood, or different can hit teenagers especially hard during these formative years.
Get help
Whether you're a teen who needs to talk, a parent who's worried, or a friend who wants to help — these resources are a good place to start.
Crisis Support
Call or text 988
Free, confidential support 24/7 for people in distress. Available by call, text, or chat — in English and Spanish.
Text Support
Text HOME to 741741
Text with a trained crisis counselor anytime, anywhere. No phone call needed — just text.
LGBTQ+ Youth
1-866-488-7386
Crisis intervention and suicide prevention for LGBTQ+ young people. Call, text, or chat 24/7.
Mental Health Info
1-800-950-6264
The National Alliance on Mental Illness offers free information, support, and referrals for teens and families.
Teen to Teen
Text TEEN to 839863
Talk to another teenager who gets it. Peer support by teens, for teens — evenings 6–10pm PT.
Online Support
7cups.com
Free online chat with trained listeners anytime. Also offers affordable therapy if you're ready for more support.
If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, please call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room. Reaching out is always the right call.