Raising Emotionally Healthy Teens

As a psychologist, I’ve been increasingly aware of how many adolescents today face emotional struggles like anxiety and depression. But rather than seeing this as just a problem to fix, I believe it’s a call to action — a need to focus on raising emotionally healthy teens who can navigate their feelings with confidence and resilience.

This isn’t just my experience in practice — data shows a worldwide and Indian rise in adolescent mental health concerns, urging us to reflect on what’s happening around our youth and what we can do differently.

   📊 The Mental Health Landscape

• Globally:

  • The WHO identifies depression as a leading cause of disability among 10–19-year-olds.

  • Anxiety affects roughly 1 in 7 adolescents, often silently.

• In India:

  • Over 9.8 million adolescents (aged 13–17) are living with mental health conditions (Lancet, 2020).

  • Approximately 7.3% of Indian teens struggle with anxiety and depression symptoms (NIMHANS).

   ⚠️ Why Are So Many Teens Struggling?

1. Parenting Challenges

   • Teens need parents who listen empathetically and guide without harsh criticism.

   • Emotional warmth and open communication build trust and security.

2. Underdeveloped Emotional Skills

   • Many adolescents don’t get taught how to understand, express, or manage their emotions.

   • Without these skills, everyday stressors feel overwhelming.

3. Social Media Overload

   • Constant exposure to curated lives creates pressure and comparison.

   • Cyberbullying and online validation-seeking harm self-esteem.

4. Pressure to Perform

   • Academic and social expectations can overwhelm teens.

   • Lack of downtime or authentic connection leads to burnout.

5. Family Dynamics

   • Conflict, neglect, or emotional unavailability at home disrupts healthy development.

  🛠️ How Can We Help Raise Emotionally Healthy Teens?

1. Teach Emotional Awareness Early

   • Help teens name their feelings and understand that all emotions are valid.

   • Encourage healthy expression rather than suppression or outbursts.

2. Practice Supportive Parenting

   • Show empathy, validate feelings, and maintain calm, consistent boundaries.

   • Build a safe space for honest conversations.

3. Promote Healthy Digital Habits

   • Set screen-time boundaries and discuss the realities behind social media.

   • Encourage offline activities that foster connection and creativity.

4. Provide Access to Mental Health Support

   • Normalize therapy and counselling as tools for growth and healing.

   • Advocate for school programs that offer emotional learning and counseling.

5. Encourage Mindfulness and Movement

   • Yoga, meditation, dance, or journaling can help teens regulate stress.

   • These practices nurture self-awareness and emotional balance.

  💬 Final Thoughts

Raising emotionally healthy teens means more than preventing mental illness — it’s about preparing them to face life’s ups and downs with resilience, compassion, and confidence. It starts with us — parents, educators, and mental health professionals — creating environments where young people feel safe, heard, and empowered.

Every small step toward emotional wellness is a big leap for their future.

Written by Kavitha Shyam Sreedhar
Clinical Psychologist & Hypnotherapist
Founder, Iyashi Wellness
Helping individuals find clarity, balance, and emotional strength.

🌸 If this resonated with you or someone you care about, feel free to reach out. I’m here to listen.

Explore more at www.iyashi.space