Adolescents’ struggles with Mental Health: A look at the factors that can affect their Emotional Resilience

Adolescence can be an exciting time of growth and discovery, but…

It can also be a period of stress, uncertainty, and emotional challenges. It’s a unique time for many as they struggle with developing a sense of their identity, how they are different than their peers, and their strengths and interests.

At Crosstown Psychology, we understand that adolescence brings unique pressures—from managing social dynamics and school performance to navigating body image and self-identity. Dr. Nadia D’Iuso specializes in supporting teens, helping them build resilience and navigate challenges with actionable strategies that work.

Here are some key areas that commonly affect teen mental health:

• Mood and anxiety struggles – Many teens experience fluctuations in mood, feelings of worry, and difficulty managing stress, often without knowing how to express what they’re going through.
• The pressure to fit in – Friends are a crucial support system, but social pressures can feel overwhelming, leading to feelings of isolation or rejection.
• School performance and motivation – Difficulties with focus, concentration, and academic pressure can often be linked to changes in mood and anxiety.
• Bullying social media – Bullying isn’t just happening in person—it’s increasingly taking place on social media platforms, leading to significant emotional distress.
• Body image and eating concerns – Just like adults, teens struggle with how they feel about their bodies, which can impact their relationship with food and self-esteem.

It can be hard at times to know how best to support your teen, the questions to ask and how to engage in the difficult conversations. As always, we are here to support you and your teen.