Can you help your teen cope with pressures during these years, and to spot the signs of something 'going wrong'?
Parenting expert Eileen Hayes wrote this article in February 2004. This article was last reviewed by Heather Welford in September 2008.
Teenagers are more at risk of depression and other forms of mental and emotional difficulties than ever before - research shows that the incidence of mental illness in this age group has risen over the past generation or so, and teens are more at risk of attempted suicide than their parents were at the same age.
Keeping the lines of communication open between you and your child is an important way to ensure you can offer support, and to spot when outside or professional help is needed.
Triggers for stress, leading to anxiety and depression include:
Problems can reveal themselves in eating disorders, suffered by both boys and girls; sleep disturbance; mood swings; lack of communication; a loss of enjoyment in life.
You can suggest to your teen they seek medical advice, but you can't force them to do so. An alternative first step could be to see the school nurse, or even a trusted teacher who might be able to encourage your child to speak to a doctor.
There may be young people's counselling services in your area, or specialist help with specific problems such as an eating disorder. If the heart of the issue lies with bullying or friendship difficulties, or exam pressure, the school should be able to suggest a strategy to help.
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Ruby Wax talks about exam stress and gets some tips from educational psychologist Kairen Cullen.
From Where I Stand, Tabitha Suzuma, 2008. Raven is placed in foster care after witnessing the death of his mum. Through his journey Raven experiences difficult family relationships as well as dealing with issues of self-harm and bullying at school.
How To Deal With Stress, Stephen Palmer & Cary Cooper, 2007. Tips on time management, exercise, nutrition and relaxation techniques.
So Young, So Sad, So Listen, Philip Graham & Carol Hughes, 2005. A book about depression in children and teenagers, aiming to help those involved recognise the signs.
A Perfect Ten, Chris Higgins, 2008. A fictional story about Eva, a teenage girl dealing with her grieving mother, anorexia and bullying. A book that explores pressure and anxiety in young girls.
Mealtimes and Milestones: A Teenager's Diary of Moving on from Anorexia, Constance Barter, 2010. A moving account of a young woman's struggle with anorexia nervosa, and her eventual recovery.
Mind is a mental health charity working in England and Wales. The MindinfoLine offers confidential help on a range of mental health issues.
If you're experiencing depression, The Samaritans provide confidential non-judgmental emotional support. Lines are open 24 hours a day. Calls are charged at the local rate.
YoungMinds is a national charity committed to improving the mental health and emotional wellbeing of children and young people. If you're a worried parent, call the confidential YoungMinds Parents Information Service. All calls from the UK are free.
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