Title: Adolescence | Psychology Today
Headings: 
Contents
What Is Adolescence?
What are the stages of adolescence?
What is the purpose of adolescence?
Why is puberty so challenging?
Why do teens make bad decisions and take risks?
How does sleep change during adolescence?
How Do I Talk to My Teen?
How can I maintain a close relationship with a teen?
How do I talk to a teen about healthy sex?
How do I talk to a teen about drugs and alcohol?
How can I support a teen when they’re upset?
How Does Mental Health Change During Adolescence?
Why are teenagers today so stressed and anxious?
How can I help an anxious teenager?
How common are mental health disorders in college?
How can I help a college student access mental health care?
What’s the relationship between social media use and mental health?

Content: Adolescence can be a time of both disorientation and discovery. The transitional period can raise questions of independence and identity; as adolescents cultivate their sense of self, they may face difficult choices about academics, friendship, sexuality, gender identity, drugs, and alcohol. Most teens have a relatively egocentric perspective on life; a state of mind that usually abates with age. They often focus on themselves and believe that everyone else—from a best friend to a distant crush—is focused on them too. They may grapple with insecurities and feelings of being judged. Relationships with family members often take a backseat to peer groups, romantic interests, and appearance, which teens perceive as increasingly important during this time. The transition can naturally lead to anxiety about physical development, evolving relationships with others, and one's place in the larger world. Mild anxiety and other challenges are typical, but serious mental health conditions also emerge during adolescence.