Why is my teenager so moody?
Why is my teenager so moody? Why does my teenager hate me? If you find yourself asking these questions, you are not alone. As a mental health therapist, I have helped numerous parents struggling to understand their teenager’s change in moods and behaviors. Continue reading to learn more about this topic, and know that you are not alone.
Why is my teenager so moody?
While moodiness can be normal for teenagers as they navigate life, friendships, relationships, and identity; there are other reasons that can contribute to a teenagers change in moods. One reason can be puberty, and therefore significant shifts in hormones that can have an adverse effect on mood. These moods may include increased irritability, sadness and frustration. Other reasons for moodiness in teens can include social isolation and emotional changes.
Why does my teenager have no friends?
The teenage years can be tough and oftentimes kids can be mean. We hear time and time again about bullying and teasing that extends far past the typical school day hours, with the use of technology and social media. Bullying and teasing can lead to social isolation at school and therefore moodiness (attitude and lashing out) and emotional changes at home.
Is my teenager depressed?
Bullying and teasing can lead to a teenager experiencing symptoms of depression? Symptoms of depression among teenagers can include changes in mood like increased frustration and isolation. Oftentimes, changes in hormones and puberty can be confusing to a teenager to navigate; this often leads to moodiness and changes in behavior as well. It is important to seek help if you think your teenager may be depressed.
What can parents do?
If you are struggling with a moody teenager, consider approaching them about this behavior. My advice would be to approach them when they, and yourself, are “neutral” (not frustrated or stressed) and engage in a conversation about your concern with their moods. If approaching them does not sound feasible, write them a letter or send them a text opening the door to a conversation about how they are doing overall.
Help is available
Therapy could be another option to help your moody teenager. In therapy, a therapist will develop a healthy rapport with your teen and get to the root of their changes in moods and behaviors. Skills such as effective communication, emotion regulation, interpersonal relationships (friendships), anger management, and stress management can be helpful to your teenager during their development.
Oftentimes teenagers feel comfortable opening up to an unbiased professional who is not in their inner circle. If you are struggling with a moody teenager and would like to discuss this further, feel free to contact me for a free consultation today. I am here to help you as I have helped many others in similar situations.