Watching your teenager struggle can be one of the hardest things a parent goes through. Mood swings, withdrawal, anxiety and changes in behaviour are common in adolescence, but it is not always easy to tell when something has moved beyond normal ups and downs. This guide is for parents in Guildford and across Surrey who want to understand adolescent mental health and know when to seek professional help.
Why adolescence is such a vulnerable time
The teenage years bring huge change. The brain is still developing, hormones are shifting, and young people are working out who they are while managing school pressure, friendships and social media. All of this makes adolescence a period when mental health difficulties often first appear. Anxiety, low mood, self-esteem problems and difficulties with emotional regulation are all common, and early support can make a lasting difference.
Signs that your teenager may need help
Every young person is different, but some signs suggest it may be worth seeking professional support:
– Persistent low mood, irritability or tearfulness lasting more than a couple of weeks
– Withdrawing from friends, family or activities they used to enjoy
– Big changes in sleep, appetite or energy
– Struggling to cope with school or a drop in performance
– Excessive worry, panic or avoidance of everyday situations
– Talk of hopelessness or not wanting to be here
Any mention of self-harm or suicidal thoughts should always be taken seriously and acted on quickly.
How therapy helps young people
Therapy gives adolescents a safe, confidential space to make sense of what they are feeling. Approaches such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy help teenagers understand the link between thoughts, feelings and behaviour, and build practical skills for managing anxiety and low mood. Where difficulties are rooted in earlier experiences, other models such as Cognitive Analytic Therapy can help. You can see how these different approaches work on the [therapy page](https://surreypsychologist.com/therapy).
Working with the family
Supporting a young person is rarely just about the individual. Parents often play an important role, and a good psychologist will think about the wider picture, including home and school, when planning treatment. This does not mean a teenager loses their privacy. It means the support around them is joined up.
What to expect from an assessment
The first step is usually an assessment where the psychologist gets to know your teenager, understands their difficulties and agrees a plan. Some young people also present with attention difficulties that have gone unrecognised, and where that is a possibility a specialist evaluation may be helpful. The practice offers detailed [ADHD assessment and diagnosis](https://surreypsychologist.com/adhd-assessment-diagnosis-and-treatment) for older adolescents, which can be an important step when concentration and impulsivity are part of the picture.
How parents can help at home
While professional support is often needed, there is a lot parents can do alongside it:
– Keep lines of communication open without pushing too hard
– Listen without rushing to fix or judge
– Protect routines around sleep, food and screen time
– Model healthy ways of coping with stress
– Reassure your teenager that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness
Finding the right support in Guildford
Dr Siobhan Blackwell is a clinical psychologist with over 20 years of experience in adult and older adolescent mental health, working from a clinic in Guildford and serving families across Surrey. Her approach is compassionate and evidence based, tailored to each young person rather than following a one-size-fits-all method.
If you are worried about your teenager, you do not have to work it out alone. Reaching out for an initial conversation can be the first step towards helping them feel more like themselves again. Visit the [contact page](https://surreypsychologist.com/contact) to arrange an appointment.