Teen Mental Health
Recognizing Smiling Depression in Teens
What is smiling depression, and what can you do to help a young person who has this condition? Call Hillcrest Adolescent Treatment Center at (800) 275-1707 today to learn more. What Is Smiling Depression? Smiling depression is an informal term to describe someone who has a depressive disorder, but who doesn’t exhibit obvious or easily…
Read MoreWhat is Teen Angst? Is it Normal?
Parents of teenagers know that at this age, a child can be quite adept at expressing dramatic feelings and springing from one emotional extreme to another. Teenage angst can create a lot of challenging moments in a young person’s life, with the fallout extending to their family and friends. While teens may be full of…
Read MoreAverage Teen Screen Time: What’s Normal in 2026
Kids today do not know a world without screen time options. They are growing up with computers, smartphones, social media, and streaming services for music, television, and film. What might surprise some parents is the average screen time for teens has increased dramatically to the point it makes up a large amount of how they…
Read MoreCoping With a Disrespectful Teenager: 5 Tips
We all remember what it was like to be a teenager who thought we knew it all and found input from adults tiresome, but what happens when we become the parents of teenagers? Being on the other side of this parent/child exchange can be confusing and leave parents wondering what average teenage behavior is and…
Read MoreTeen Mood Swings: Is It Normal?
Every parent worries about how the teenage years will go for their child because of how moodiness can affect adolescents as they try to balance between childhood and adulthood. Teenagers can run hot and cold in their moods and change how they feel quickly. When teenage mood swings become a predominant difficulty, the parents should…
Read MoreWhat Does PTSD Look Like In Teens?
When people hear the term PTSD, they often picture adults who have experienced war, natural disasters, or major accidents. But post-traumatic stress disorder can affect teenagers too—and it doesn’t always look the way parents expect. In teens, PTSD symptoms are often misunderstood or mistaken for typical adolescent behavior. Mood swings, withdrawal, irritability, or risk-taking can…
Read MoreQuestions To Check In On Your Teen’s Mental Health
The teenage years are filled with rapid change—emotionally, socially, and mentally. Teens are navigating academic expectations, friendships, social media, and identity development all at once, often without the tools to fully explain how they’re feeling. For parents, it can be hard to know whether shifts in mood or behavior are typical growing pains or signs…
Read MoreSigns & Symptoms of Anorexia in Teens
Teen years are full of changes—physically, emotionally, and socially. Appetite shifts, body awareness, and mood swings can all be part of normal development. However, when concerns around food, weight, and body image become intense or rigid, they may signal something more serious. Anorexia nervosa is a potentially life-threatening eating disorder that often begins during adolescence,…
Read MoreHow To Discipline Teens: 10 Parent Tips
Disciplining teenagers can feel like one of the most challenging stages of parenting. Teens are striving for independence, testing boundaries, and navigating intense emotional and developmental changes—all while parents are trying to keep them safe, responsible, and supported. It’s no surprise that many families find themselves asking how to discipline teens effectively without damaging trust…
Read MoreGifts for Teens With Anxiety
Finding the right gifts for teens with anxiety can feel challenging—especially when you want to offer something meaningful, supportive, and genuinely helpful rather than another item that collects dust. Anxiety in teens is more common than many parents and caregivers realize, and it often shows up in ways that affect daily life, confidence, relationships, and…
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