'I'm an adolescent psychiatrist, and these are the 5 things shaping your teen's mental health.'

Thanks to our brand partner, Ramsay Clinic Northside

Raising teens can feel like a daily plot twist.

One minute, everything seems fine. The next? Slammed doors, silence or full-blown meltdowns because you asked them to unpack the dishwasher.

It's an emotional rollercoaster. For them and for you.

When kids hit their teenage years, everything starts to shift — fast. Their moods. Their friendships. Even their sense of self.

And for parents trying to keep up, it's often hard to tell what's considered normal, what needs attention and what on earth is going on inside your teenager's brain.

So, we asked Associate Professor John Kasinathan, child and adolescent psychiatrist and Medical Director at Ramsay Clinic Northside, to explain what influences your teenager's mental health — and how parents can help.

Firstly, why does adolescence feel so chaotic?

The short answer? Your teen's brain is still very much under construction.

"Executive function is how the brain gets us ready for what comes next in life — things like intention, anticipation, preparation, sequencing, prioritising and problem-solving," explained Dr Kasinathan.

"But during adolescence, the frontal part of the brain responsible for these skills is still developing and going through major renovations."

And that development impacts almost everything, including how your teen manages emotions, makes decisions and reacts to stress.

Here's what Dr Kasinathan wanted every parent navigating this stage to know. 

1. Family still matters. A lot.

You might think that your teen just tunes you out. They probably do to some extent. But Dr Kasinathan said parents are still one of the biggest influences on a young person's mental health.

"Parents and caregivers frequently underestimate how important they are," he said. "Even when it feels like you're being ignored, you're still helping shape how your teen copes with life."

The brain's emotional centre — the limbic system — reacts quickly and intensely, while the part that helps regulate it — the prefrontal cortex — is still developing.

"Parents can help by acting as an external frontal lobe," said Dr Kasinathan. "Being calm, supportive and consistent helps an adolescent develop their own frontal capacities."

2. All teens get moody, but when should you worry?

Hormones do play a role, but don't brush off every mood swing.

Feeling flat or irritable most days, pulling away from things they once enjoyed, losing enjoyment, energy or focus — or showing signs of self-harm or risky behaviour — could all point to something more serious.

If that happens, support is available. Ramsay Clinic Northside offers a range of care options, including inpatient treatment, structured day programs and outpatient sessions. They have specialised mental health services for adolescents and young adults, led by dedicated child and adolescent psychiatrists, (rather than adult doctors retrofitted to teen patients). That distinction matters.

Ramsay's model incorporates a multidisciplinary approach, meaning psychiatrists, psychologists, nurses and therapists work together to build personalised plans for each young person and their family.

"We also use a variety of proven therapy skills drawn from Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), mindfulness and art therapy," said Dr Kasinathan. "It's not one-size-fits-all. Young people often respond best to a mix. What works for one teenager may not work for another."

And importantly, families aren't left out of the picture. "We actively involve parents and caregivers in the treatment process because we know support systems improve outcomes," he added.

3. Their identity might shift.

Changing their hair, experimenting with clothes you don't quite get, jumping into a whole new hobby every other month — these are not a red flag. It's just development.

"Adolescents are finding who they are and who they want to be," said Dr Kasinathan. "That can look unstable from the outside, but it's normal."

The most helpful thing parents can do? Stay curious, not controlling. Let them explore and be open to the fact that the version of them you knew at 10 is evolving fast.

4. Independence is coming. Don't take it personally.

According to Dr Kasinathan, one of the biggest shifts for parents during adolescence is changing your own parental role.

"As an adolescent gets older, think of yourself as a highly paid, very wise consultant advising a young CEO," he said. "Offer your advice or a word of caution once, then step back and let them make the call. And be available for consults when they come knocking."

He knows that's easier said than done, especially when you're watching them make mistakes, but it's also how teens build real-life skills and confidence.

"Letting adolescents face natural consequences of their decisions is sometimes the best way they'll learn."

5. What if they just won't talk to you?

It's one of the hardest parts of parenting a teen — when they shut down and stop opening up. And while it's common and heartbreaking, it doesn't mean you've failed.

Sometimes teens need space to process their feelings — either because they're still finding the words or because their emotional lexicon is still developing in the frontal lobe. The most important thing is to stay present, even if they're pushing you away.

"Just say you're there for them. Give them space. Remember you're the consultant now, no longer the CEO," said Dr Kasinathan.

Being quietly available — ready to listen without pushing or judging — shows them that the door is always open, even if they're not ready just yet.

Head to Ramsay Clinic Northside's website to find out more.

This information provided in this article is general in nature and does not replace the advice of a healthcare professional. As with any medical condition, always seek health advice from a qualified healthcare professional.

Feature Image: Getty.

Visit ramsaymentalhealth.com.au to learn more.
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