youth Archives | The Peaceful Mind Counseling Center

September 24, 2025

How Many Teenagers Suffer From Depression?

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.

parent teenager communication tips | The Peaceful Mind Counseling Center

September 12, 2025

Parent Teenager Communication: Building Bridges Instead of Walls

Raising teenagers is one of the most rewarding, and at times most challenging, parts of parenting. Just when you think you’ve figured things out, your child starts speaking a new language filled with sighs, eye-rolls, and “you just don’t get it.” If you’ve ever felt like your teen is pulling away just when you’re trying to pull closer, you’re not alone.

The truth is, adolescence is a natural season of growth and independence. Teens are figuring out who they are, testing limits, and learning to stand on their own two feet. But during this process, communication can become strained. The good news? With the right tools and mindset, parent teenager communication can improve, and you can foster a relationship built on trust, respect, and mutual understanding.

Keep reading to learn more.

unmotivated depressed teen | The Peaceful Mind Counseling Center

June 25, 2025

How to Motivate a Depressed Teenager

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.

Self confidence | The Peaceful Mind Counseling Center

June 12, 2025

Teenage Self Confidence- Why it Matters and How to Grow it

The teenage years are full of challenges- changing bodies, shifting social circles, academic pressures, and growing independence. In the midst of all this change, self confidence plays a powerful role. It’s the foundation that helps teens make healthy choices, form strong relationships, and bounce back from inevitable setbacks.

But what exactly is self confidence, why does it matter so much, and how can we help teens grow it in a healthy way? While no one parents or guides teenagers perfectly, making an effort to nurture their self confidence can be life changing.

Keep reading to learn more.

depressed teenager | The Peaceful Mind Counseling Center

May 9, 2025

My Teenager is Depressed: What to Know and How to Help

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.

happy teenage girls sitting together | The Peaceful Mind Counseling Center

February 19, 2025

Self Esteem for Teenage Girls- Practical Advice for Parents

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.

anxious teenager sitting with head in hands | The Peaceful Mind Counseling Center

December 4, 2024

How to Deal with Anxiety in Teenagers

The primitive teenage years are often a rollercoaster of emotions and experiences. This sensitive time is filled with academic pressures, social challenges, and personal growth. While some anxiety is a normal part of development, persistent or overwhelming anxiety can interfere with a teen’s ability to thrive. It can be distressing to see your teenager struggling with anxiety- but don’t worry too much! There is hope, and help is available.

Understanding how to identify and effectively address anxiety in teens is essential for parents, teachers, and other caregivers. Keep reading to learn more about how to deal with anxiety in teenagers.

angry teen | The Peaceful Mind Counseling Center

October 16, 2024

Anger Management for Teens: What Can You Do?

During the teenage years, life can feel particularly overwhelming and confusing. Teens are faced with changes in hormones, new social pressures, peer pressure, academic pressures, and the process of figuring out their personal identity.

During these emotional, formative years, it makes sense that anger could often build up and bubble over. The prefrontal cortex is simple not fully developed in teenagers, making it harder to process emotions effectively. However, when it gets serious and is left unmanaged, it can lead to damaged relationships, harmful behaviors, and even long term emotional and physical problems.

In this post, we’ll explore anger management for teens and how you can help.

rebellious teen acting out and screaming | The Peaceful Mind Counseling Center

September 19, 2024

Teenager Acting Out? Here’s How to Manage

Ah, the blissful teenage years. You remember being one, don’t you? It’s time full of identity crisis, emotional rollercoasters, physical and physiological changes.

For some, raising teenagers can be one of the more challenging phases of parenthood. Since adolescents go through so many changes at this time, it’s not uncommon to feel like your child is “acting out” as they navigate their shifting identity and growing independence.

By understanding the root causes of your teen’s behavior and employing thoughtful strategies, you can better support your teen through this turbulent time. Keep reading to learn a few tips.

depressed teenager laying in bed | The Peaceful Mind Counseling Center

September 4, 2024

How to Get Your Depressed Teenager Out of Bed

Getting a depressed teenager out of bed can feel like a monumental task. It can be a challenging and emotional experience for both the teen and their loved ones. Depression often brings with it a profound sense of fatigue, hopelessness, and lack of motivation, making even simple tasks like getting up in the morning feel overwhelming.

However, with patience, understanding, and practical strategies, you can help your teenager take those first steps toward regaining their daily routine and mental health. Keep reading to learn more.