2 in 10 (20%) students seriously considered attempting suicide and nearly 1 in 10 (9%) attempted suicide, highlighting the level of distress many students are experiencing
Teens face real mental health challenges that are often dismissed or misunderstood by adults. Here's what they wish adults truly knew about emotional struggles, support, and being heard.
Teens Are Dealing With a Lot—And Want to Be Heard
Mental health isn't just something adults deal with. It affects teens too. And for a lot of young people, it feels like nobody is really listening. Being a teenager today comes with a lot of pressure—school, social media, expectations from family, figuring out who you are. It can feel overwhelming. But when teens try to talk about how they feel, they're often brushed off or told to stay strong. Here's what many teens wish adults truly understood. Understanding the power of empathetic listening is crucial for supporting young people.
Real Things Teens Wish Adults Knew
“Just because I’m young doesn’t mean this isn’t real.”
Teen emotions are real. Feeling anxious, sad, stressed, or disconnected isn’t just part of a phase. These are real experiences, and they matter. Being young doesn’t mean you don’t need support.
“Sometimes I don’t know how to explain how I feel.”
It’s not always easy to put emotions into words. What looks like moodiness or attitude could actually be fear or sadness. Instead of reacting with frustration, try asking gently, “What’s going on?” Then give some space for them to answer in their own time.
“Saying ‘others have it worse’ makes me shut down.”
Comparing struggles or pushing someone to be grateful doesn’t help. It makes people feel guilty for how they feel. You can care about others and still take your own emotions seriously.
“I want you to listen, not fix everything.”
Sometimes teens just need to be heard. They don’t always want advice or quick solutions. They just want someone to sit with them, listen, and say, “That sounds really hard. I’m here.”
“Mental health doesn’t always look obvious.”
A teen can go to school, laugh with friends, and still be struggling inside. Just because someone seems okay on the outside doesn’t mean they are. Check in anyway. It means more than you think.
“I wish you’d share your feelings too.”
Teens learn how to handle emotions by watching the adults around them. When you open up, even a little, you show them it’s okay to be real. You don’t have to be perfect. You just have to be honest.
Start the Conversation—Even If It Feels Hard
Mental health isn't just about what's going on inside. It's also about the people we feel safe with. When teens feel heard and understood, life gets a little easier to carry. Learning what not to say when someone opens up is especially important when supporting teens. If you're a teen who wants to talk, or an adult who knows one who might, LissnUp offers a private space where anyone can speak freely and be listened to with care. Book a session at lissnup.com.
Frequentl Asked Questions
Fear of being dismissed, judged, or misunderstood keeps many teens from opening up. They may also lack the language or emotional safety to express what’s going on inside.
Listen without judgment, avoid minimizing, and check in consistently. Create a space where teens know it’s okay to talk—even when they don’t have the words yet.
Respect their space, but stay present. Let them know you're available without pressure. Sometimes just knowing someone is there helps more than you think.
