by Christine Lawler LMFT | Sep 24, 2025
When you think about teenagers, you might picture laughter, busy school schedules, or afternoons spent with friends. But behind the scenes, many teens are quietly struggling with their mental health. One of the most pressing issues today is depression among young people.
So, how many teenagers suffer from depression? The numbers are a bit sobering. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, about 17% of U.S. teenagers (ages 12–17) experienced at least one major depressive episode in the past year. That’s about 1 in 5 teens. Even more concerning, studies show that depression rates among teens have been steadily rising over the past decade.
But statistics only tell part of the story. Let’s take a closer look at what these numbers mean, what you can look out for, and how you can help. Keep reading to learn more.
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by Christine Lawler LMFT | Aug 28, 2025
Anger is a perfectly normal emotion. In fact, it can even be useful. It lets us know when something feels unfair, unsafe, or just plain wrong. The issue comes when anger takes the driver’s seat and we’re left reacting in ways that we later regret. Snapping at your partner, yelling at the kids, or sending that email a little too quickly… sound familiar?
The good news: anger doesn’t have to control you. Like any other emotion, it’s something you can learn to notice, understand, and manage in healthier ways. That’s where anger management exercises come in. Think of it as tools for your emotional toolbox- strategies that you can pull out in the moment to keep your cool.
Let’s talk about seven anger management exercises that actually work in everyday life. Keep reading to learn more.
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by Christine Lawler LMFT | Jun 25, 2025
Parenting a teenager can still be challenging on the best of days. But when your teen is struggling with depression, it can feel like you’re navigating a minefield- unsure of what to say, how to help, or how to motivate them. You might notice your once happy teen withdrawing, skipping activities they used to enjoy, or losing interest in school. This can absolutely be heartbreaking and frustrating. But the good news is there is hope in your family’s future, and your support matters more than you think.
Keep reading to learn what you can do to help motivate your depressed teenager.
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by Christine Lawler LMFT | May 9, 2025
As a parent, few things are more difficult than watching your child struggle or suffer. When your teenager is showing signs of depression, it can feel overwhelming, confusing, and even frightening. You may find yourself questioning if it’s “just a phase,” wondering what you did wrong, or simply just feeling helpless. If you’re reading this because you suspect your teen is depressed, or they’ve already been diagnosed, know that you are not alone, and there is hope.
Keep reading to learn more about teenage depression and how you can help.
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by Christine Lawler LMFT | Feb 19, 2025
Being a parent to a teenager can be tricky, and some may have the opinion that a teenage girl is even trickier (but also pretty magical, right?) Self esteem is a fundamental aspect of any persons growth. Self esteem in a teenage girl shapes their mental health, physical health, friendships, and aspirations. According to the CDC, teenage girls are experiencing higher levels of sadness, alcohol use, and violence compared to teenage boys.
Navigating the world of social media, peer expectations, and societal norms can be pretty tough when you don’t even have a fully developed prefrontal lobe yet.
Strengthening self esteem is key to helping teen girls make it through adolescence with confidence, resilience, and a strong sense of self-worth. Keep reading to learn more.
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