Understanding Mental Health: What Affects Your Well-Being?
Peer reviewed by Dr. Peter Rawlek, MD & Scott Rollo, PhD.
Imagine you’ve had a week full of tests, early mornings, and little sleep. Maybe a friendship feels tense, or you’re trying to figure out who you are. You might notice your mood shifting - sometimes feeling on edge, tired, or overwhelmed. These ups and downs are a normal part of mental health, especially during your teen years.
Mental health is just as important as physical health. It includes how you think, feel, approach and manage everyday challenges. Learning about what affects your mental well-being can help you build strength and handle tough times better.
Why Does Mental Health Change in Adolescence?
Your teen years bring lots of changes—physically, emotionally, and mentally. Here are some things that can impact how you feel:
Brain development: The parts of your brain that help with decision-making and controlling emotions are still growing. This can make managing feelings harder sometimes.
Puberty: Hormonal shifts can change your mood and energy levels unexpectedly.
Peer influence: Wanting to fit in can bring pressure and stress.
Decision making: Gaining more independence means more choices—and more responsibility.
Sleep habits: Staying up late or losing sleep can make you feel irritable or stressed.
Think back: Have you felt more emotional after a late night or a tough week at school? That’s your mental health reacting to these changes.
How Stress Affects You
Stress is your body’s natural response to challenges. When stressed, you might feel like:
Fighting: Feeling angry or frustrated.
Fleeing: Wanting to avoid or escape the problem.
Freezing: Feeling stuck and unsure what to do.
Fawning: Trying to please others to keep peace.
Some stress can help you focus, but too much—especially over time—can lead to anxiety, low motivation, or trouble sleeping.
What Are Risk Factors You Should Know About for Mental Health Challenges?
Certain things can increase the chance of struggling with mental health:
Biological: Hormonal changes during puberty affect mood.
Social: Peer pressure or friendship conflicts cause stress.
Psychological: Negative thinking patterns lower self-esteem.
Historical: Family experiences or trauma can impact well-being.
Knowing these factors doesn’t mean something is wrong—it helps you understand yourself and find healthy ways to cope.
Signs You Might Be Struggling
Everyone’s experience is different, but common signs include:
Trouble sleeping or feeling constantly tired.
Feeling anxious, angry, or sad often.
Losing interest in school or activities you usually enjoy.
Spending less time with friends or family.
If you notice these signs in yourself or someone else, reach out to a trusted adult like a teacher, counsellor, or parent.
Building Resilience
Resilience is your ability to bounce back from challenges. You can grow it by:
Getting enough sleep.
Staying physically active.
Talking about your feelings.
Asking for help when you need it.
Reflect
How do I usually react to stress? Do I fight, flee, freeze, or fawn?
What signs tell me I might need a break or some support?
Who can I talk to when I’m feeling overwhelmed?
Remember, mental health doesn’t mean never feeling stressed or sad. It’s about learning to manage those feelings and knowing you don’t have to face them alone.