Mental Health Issues in Teen Boys: What to Look Out For

Disclaimer: The information below is not intended as medical advice and is only intended to offer points you may wish to consider in 'non-emergency situations', together with signposting for more support. You should consult an appropriate medical professional if you have concerns about your or a loved one's health. Dial 999 in an emergency if someone is in a life-threatening condition.

Mental health issues can affect anyone, regardless of age or gender. However, teens can often be particularly vulnerable, with one in six (between the ages of five and sixteen) identifying as having a probable mental health problem*. And despite progress, there is still a stigma surrounding mental health, especially among males, including teenage boys. However, there are some warning signs to watch for to identify if a teenage boy in your life might be struggling with his mental health.

Barriers for Teenage Boys Seeking Help

There are a number of causes of mental health issues. This is not an exhaustive list, but some potential reasons as to why teen boys may struggle to seek support include:

Societal Expectations

Societal expectations can influence boys and men to conform to traditional notions of masculinity, where they’re discouraged from showing vulnerability and are expected to be the “tough” or “strong” ones.

Societal expectations, often perpetuated by media such as films, social media, and within sporting or social groups, encourage the suppression of emotions in boys and men. This messaging can result in significant pressure, hinder emotional expression, and prevent teens from seeking help when needed.

Family Pressures

Expectations and pressures for boys and men to behave in a certain way may even originate from within the family. Family members may hold traditional views on masculinity, influenced by how they were raised. These views can lead boys to believe that expressing emotions is inappropriate or a sign of weakness. When these expectations come from those closest to them, boys may internalise the belief that they should not show vulnerability.

It’s important to note that this is not about blaming parents or family members. Instead, it’s about recognising that these patterns can be changed. If you find yourself reinforcing these stereotypes, it’s never too late to adopt a more supportive approach. Encouraging open emotional expression can significantly impact a boy’s mental health and wellbeing.

Exclusion

The teenage years can be a time of significant social change, where experiences like starting a new school, navigating friendships, or going through a first breakup can lead to feelings of exclusion.

For teen boys, these changes can be particularly challenging as they may already be dealing with the societal expectations as listed above. The pressure to conform to these norms can exacerbate feelings of isolation, making it difficult for them to express their emotions or seek support.

Social Media

While social media has numerous benefits, such as staying connected with friends, it can also be a significant source of cyberbullying and unrealistic expectations, for teenage boys. For instance, boys may suffer from ‘muscle dysmorphia’, partially as a result of being bombarded with (often unobtainable) physiques of men online. The constant exposure to idealised images and lifestyles can lead to feelings of inadequacy and low self-esteem. Cyberbullying can further intensify these issues, resulting in isolation.

Spotting the Signs

As a busy parent, carer, or loved one of a teenager, it’s impossible to always know what’s happening in their life. If you discover they are struggling, remember not to blame yourself. Boys, in particular, can be good at hiding their mental health issues. However, here are some signs that might indicate they need help:

• Changes in Mood: Look for signs of persistent sadness, irritability, or mood swings.
• Withdrawal: Notice if they are isolating themselves from friends and family or losing interest in activities they previously enjoyed.
• Academic Performance: A sudden drop in grades or lack of interest in schoolwork can be indicative of a mental health issue.
• Changes in Sleep Patterns: Look out for insomnia, excessive sleeping, or frequent nightmares.
• Appetite Changes: Significant weight loss or gain, or changes in eating habits, can be another sign.
• Physical Complaints: Frequent headaches, stomach aches, or other unexplained physical issues can be linked to mental health.
• Risky Behaviours: Engaging in risky or self-destructive behaviours, such as substance abuse or reckless actions that are out of character.
• Expressions of Hopelessness: Be mindful of any talk of feeling hopeless, worthless, or expressing a desire to harm themselves.

If you notice any of these signs, it might be time to seek professional help for your teenager.

We signpost you to the following resources for support:

• NHS Every Mind Matters mental health support
• The Samaritans provide a free 24-hours a day, 7 days a week support service on 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.org
• Mind - the mental health charity
• Young Minds mental health support for young people
• The Ollie Foundation - suicide awareness and support
• Papyrus - A service for young people who are thinking about suicide, or those with concerns about others. Support line (10:00-22:00 weekdays/14:00-22:00 weekends): 0800 068 41 41

* Facts and figures about young people and mental health - Mind