Understanding The Changes
Teens experience a lot of big changes in their lives all at once. They face many physical changes and social pressures, but most importantly, their brain is still developing. When going through adolescence, the amygdala develops before the prefrontal cortex. The amygdala is an area of the brain located in the temporal lobes that processes emotions. The prefrontal cortex is an area of the brain that supports decision-making and emotional regulation.
As a result of the amygdala developing before the prefrontal cortex does, teens' responses are driven more by their emotions. This brain development can contribute to more “moody” behaviors being present in teens. So how do we know the difference between typical teen behavior and a teenager who may be struggling with mental health?
Teen Moodiness vs. Depression
Looking into the differences can help adults better understand teenagers and if they need more support. No teenager is the same as another; however, some behaviors are common during adolescence, including:
These behaviors can be a normal part of adolescence, but you may still wonder: when should you become concerned?
Depression is one of the leading mental health conditions among teenagers. Understanding the symptoms in teens can help adults support them when needed. Depression symptoms may include:
While it is normal to have changes in behaviors/mood, it is important to notice how persistent and severe they are. Big emotional reactions can be typical, while a consistently negative mood or major changes in daily functioning may signal depression. It is extremely important to acknowledge and understand the differences between typical teen behavior and depression.
How To Help
There are many ways you can help support a teen's mental health. Teens may not always recognize when they need help or feel comfortable asking for it, so support and encouragement from family and friends can make a difference. You can help by being an active listener, creating an open and supportive environment, and connecting them with a mental health professional when appropriate. Therapy can help teens better understand their mental health and develop healthy coping skills.
If you or someone you know is interested in receiving support from any of our qualified clinicians, please visit our website, call or text us at 479-403-2915, or email [email protected] to get matched with a provider and schedule a consultation.
