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As a parent, being concerned about your teen’s well-being is normal. This unique stage of life is characterized by several social and biological transformations that can make teens more vulnerable to behavioral health problems. Sometimes, teens struggle to open up about their mental health due to fear or stigma, making it difficult to get them into treatment.
Navigating mental health with your son can be particularly difficult. Teenage boys are often socialized to conceal their emotions. They may have been taught either directly or indirectly that showing an emotion other than anger is “shameful,” “weak,” or simply “unacceptable.”
According to the CDC, 29% of teenage boys reported feeling sad or hopeless, and 14% of those boys have considered suicide in the past year [1]. It’s important to recognize the warning signs of mental health problems in teen boys and foster an environment where they feel comfortable to reach out for support.
Rates of Mental Health Disorders in Teenage Boys
Certain mental health conditions may be more common among teenage boys. Below are some of the most prevalent mental health disorders in male youth [2]:
- Depression: 7% of teen boys report at least one major depressive episode
- Anxiety: 26.1% of teen boys suffer from an anxiety disorder
- Substance Abuse Disorders: 11.5% of teen boys report using drugs or alcohol, compared to only 6.4% of teen girls
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): 1-6% of teen boys who experience trauma will go on to develop PTSD
- Bipolar Disorder: 2.6% of teen boys struggle with bipolar disorder
Does Mental Health Look Different in Teen Boys?
Mental health disorders don’t discriminate by gender, and the diagnostic criteria are the same for teen boys and girls. However, teenage boys may present with slightly different symptoms. Teenage boys are often socialized to hold in their emotions. This can manifest as more destructive behaviors such as aggression, violence, and substance abuse [3].
There is a gender gap between boys and girls in reaching out for mental health support. According to the Pew Research Center, teen girls are 3x more likely to report symptoms of depression and anxiety than their male peers [2].
This is due to mental health stigma around men’s mental health and the socialization of gender, with one-third of boys reporting they feel society expects them to “hide or suppress their feelings when they are sad or scared” [3].
Although mental health conditions are more commonly diagnosed in teen girls, young boys tend to be much worse when evaluated for mental health problems such as suicide and substance abuse. Mental health disorders that include aggressive behavior, such as Conduct Disorder and Oppositional Defiant Disorder, are also more commonly diagnosed among teen boys [4].
According to the Journal of Adolescent Health, teen boys and young men have a distinct “health risk profile” that differs from their female peers. Teenage boys tend to disconnect from healthcare or support services. This follows them into adulthood and is often a barrier to why many men refuse to attend therapy. Results from the National Survey of Mental Health and Wellbeing show that only 13% of young men 16-24 will access mental health services if they are experiencing symptoms of mental illness [5].
Common Warning Signs of Mental Health Problems in Teen Boys:
Teen boys may exhibit different symptoms compared to girls. Sometimes, this can make it tricky to recognize. Common signs include:
- Aggression, anger, or violent outbursts
- Conflict with peers, loved ones, teachers
- Isolation and social withdrawal
- Academic decline
- Reckless behavior (substance abuse, vandalism, unprotected sex, trespassing, reckless driving)
Tips for Talking to Your Son About Mental Health
Starting from a young age, it’s helpful to encourage open conversations about mental health in the home and consistently remind your son that it is okay to be vulnerable.
Here are a few tips for talking to your son about mental health struggles:
- Do more listening than talking. Teen boys don’t verbalize their struggles as easily as girls. They may not say, “I feel sad,” but it will be shown through tone of voice, facial expressions, behavior, and body language. The best way to build trust with your son is by actively listening to his concerns and showing you care.
- Make your home a safe space to be vulnerable. Encourage your son to open up by opening up yourself. Avoid saying things like “toughen up” or “be a man” if they are experiencing visible signs of distress.
- Respect their emotions and personal space. While it’s good to encourage them to speak openly about their struggles, it’s still important to remember that it may not be easy for them to do so. If they tell you that they don’t feel like talking, don’t try to force it.
- Educate them about mental health. More and more athletes, musicians, and celebrities are opening up about their mental health. Connect them with resources about male mental health or show them videos of men speaking openly about their own mental health challenges.
Professional Mental Health Support for Teenage Boys
At Clearfork Academy, our team of compassionate, licensed therapists understands it can be difficult to get teenage boys into mental health treatment. We offer residential treatment designed specifically for teenage boys at our male campus, providing them with compassion, structure, and evidence-based treatments to encourage behaviors that keep them safe, healthy, and successful.
Reach out to our Admissions team to learn more.
Sources
[1] Youth Risk Surveillance System. CDC.
[2] A growing number of American teenagers are facing depression. 2019. Pew Research Center.
[3] The State of Gender Quality for US Adolescents. 2018. Plan International.
[4] Gender Differences in the Association between Conduct Disorder and Risky Sexual Behavior. 2018. National Library of Medicine.
[5] National Survey of Mental Health and Wellbeing: methods and key findings. National Library of Medicine.
Originally from the Saginaw, Eagle Mountain area, Austin Davis earned a Bachelor of Science in Pastoral Ministry from Lee University in Cleveland, TN and a Master of Arts in Counseling from The Church of God Theological Seminary. He then went on to become a Licensed Professional Counselor-Supervisor in the State of Texas.
Austin’s professional history includes both local church ministry and clinical counseling. At a young age, he began serving youth at the local church in various capacities which led to clinical training and education. Austin gained a vast knowledge of mental health disorders while working in state and public mental health hospitals. This is where he was exposed to almost every type of diagnosis and carries this experience into the daily treatment.
Austin’s longtime passion is Clearfork Academy, a christ-centered residential facility focused on mental health and substance abuse. He finds joy and fulfillment working with “difficult” clients that challenge his heart and clinical skill set. It is his hope and desire that each resident that passes through Clearfork Academy will be one step closer to their created design.
Austin’s greatest pleasures in life are being a husband to his wife, and a father to his growing children. He serves at his local church by playing guitar, speaking and helping with tech arts. Austin also enjoys being physically active, reading, woodworking, and music.
