Why teens are so stressed, according to an expert

As students return to school this fall, many parents are increasingly concerned about their teens’ mental health — and with reason. Modern teenagers, particularly girls, report far higher levels of persistent sadness, hopelessness and suicidal thoughts compared with youth from a decade ago.

According to the CDC’s Youth Risk Behavior Survey, 40% of high schoolers experienced prolonged feelings of sadness or hopelessness in 2023. While this number has dropped slightly since the pandemic, it remains significantly higher than in previous years.

In his new book, “How We Grow Up: Understanding Adolescence,” New York Times science journalist Matt Richtel explores why teens today are so overwhelmed. After spending four years researching adolescent development, he offers insight into what drives the current mental health crisis.

Why are today’s teens so stressed?

Richtel explains that the adolescent brain is highly sensitive and exposed to an enormous amount of information in a world moving faster than ever. This overstimulation often results in emotional overload, anxiety and intrusive rumination.

He emphasizes that smartphones are not the sole culprit. While limiting screen time can improve sleep, exercise and real-life interaction, the root causes are broader and more deeply connected to the developmental challenges of adolescence.

Another key factor is the declining age of puberty. Because puberty begins earlier, teenagers become emotionally reactive at an age when their cognitive systems are not yet fully developed, leading to a mismatch between what they absorb and what they can process.

Why do teens stop listening to their parents?

Biologically, adolescents shift from relying on parents to seeking independence. Richtel notes that this can make them appear dismissive or rude, but it’s actually a natural part of their evolution toward adulthood.

Why he calls them “Generation Rumination”

In the past, teenagers explored the world through physical risks and outward adventures. Today, exploration is internal — identity, ideas and emotions. This inward focus results in fewer physical injuries, but a higher rate of mental health concerns.

Social media affects teenagers differently

Some teens feel uplifted after using social media; others feel much worse. The impact depends on individual predispositions and usage habits. Excessive screen time displaces key protective behaviors like sleeping, exercising and in-person socializing.

Richtel’s advice for parents

Parents should focus on teaching coping skills. When teens are overwhelmed, they often need emotional release before rational discussion. Activities like cold exposure, physical movement or grounding exercises can help reset their emotional state.

Therapies such as CBT and DBT teach adolescents to recognize and regulate intense emotions. However, parents must avoid adding more information during emotional overload; overwhelmed teens cannot process logical explanations in that moment.