The Ups and Downs are Real
Teenagers have been stereotyped for years in movies, television shows, and books. The idea of the “moody teen” is nothing new, and so many parents resonate with it because they can see the reality in it.
Hollywood might exaggerate a bit. However, if you’re the parent of a teenager, you know that teens can have issues with their attitude from time to time. One moment, they might be perfectly happy, and the next, they can act as though the world is crumbling around them.
Why is that?
There’s an actual reason why teens have mood swings. Most of the time, they aren’t just “lashing out” for no reason, even if it seems that way.
So, why is your teenager acting moody?
Brain Development
Perhaps the biggest reason why your teen’s emotions might go from one extreme to another is that they can’t always control it. People develop at different rates, but most teenagers’ brains haven’t fully developed yet. That includes the part of the brain that’s responsible for thinking through the consequences of decisions and seeing the long-term outcomes. Instead, teenagers are more likely to focus on the “here and now.” That can be overwhelming and cause them to feel anxious and trapped. If they aren’t able to problem-solve effectively, it can cause their mood to change almost immediately.
Hormonal Changes
Most people understand that teens go through a lot of hormonal changes as they grow and develop. While we see obvious physical signs of those changes, it’s important to understand that these strong hormonal shifts can impact their mental health, too. These chemical changes—especially the ones that occur during puberty—can affect your teenager’s mood. They can cause your teen to become irritable, easily frustrated, and even experience extreme sadness at times. Some adolescents struggle with that sadness for a few minutes, while others can deal with it for days.
The Stress of Social Changes
If you can think back to your own teenage years, consider how important it was to you to fit in. Even if being popular isn’t at the top of your teen’s agenda, there’s still social pressure that almost every young adult feels. No one wants to feel left out or made fun of, especially at an age when you’re easily influenced by nearly everything around you. Needless to say, teenagers face a lot of social pressures. Add that to the stress of maintaining good grades, getting involved in extracurriculars, and possibly holding down a part-time job, and the pressure can become extremely difficult to handle.
What Can You Do?
First, don’t assume the worst just because your teenager’s mood seems to shift back and forth. Much of it is completely normal and something that will even out with time. However, if you want to make life easier for both of you, be a support system for them. Be open to talking about whatever they want, but don’t force conversations. Letting your teenager know you’re in their corner can make a big difference, and it might make them feel more comfortable when it comes to opening up or showing vulnerability.
Some teenagers struggle to adapt to changes more than others. Therapy can help them develop a better understanding of their feelings and learn healthy, effective ways to manage their emotions. If you’re concerned that your teenager is dealing with more than mood swings, including extreme sadness or anxiety, talking to a professional is the best course of action.
Don’t hesitate to contact me to set up an appointment for your teenager. The more they learn to prioritize their mental well-being now, the easier it will be for them to take care of their mental health as adults.
Wellness Matters as a Resource
Carolyn is a therapist who previously worked with teens in the school setting. Her passion is to help teens overcome hardship and discover hope. To learn more about Carolyn, please check out her full Bio at About Us – Wellness Matters.
Feel free to contact Wellness Matters to set up an appointment. You can connect with the Wellness Matters Intake Coordinator by texting or calling 218-616-1276.
At Wellness Matters, the intake process is all on-line and can be done in less than fifteen minutes. On-line appointments make it possible to attend appointments from the comfort from your home or office. In-person services may also be available for people living in northern MN.
