Teenage Moodiness

Karen Southwick, MSW, LCSW

We all know that teens and moodiness go hand in hand. Their moodiness creeps up at times 

when we least expect it. Why are teens experiencing such shifts in their mood? When is a teenager's moodiness a cause for concern? What are the warning signs that a teen is experiencing more than just a bad day, or an off week? At what point might a consultation with a mental health professional be appropriate? These are common questions from any parent of a teenager.

Why is my teenager moody?

Many teens experience anxiety, depressive symptoms, anger, hopelessness and a short fuse. Teenage moodiness has many different origins. Teenagers have an influx of hormones (testosterone for boys and estrogen and progesterone for girls), which makes emotional regulation particularly difficult at this time. The teen brain is also changing. The prefrontal cortex is growing during adolescence. The parts of the brain responsible for impulse control, decision making, reasoning, and judgment are developing during this time. It is believed the frontal lobe isn't fully developed until the early 20's. Most teens are figuring out their identity and trying on new roles. A teenager's physical appearance is drastically changing, and they are trying to adjust to changes that may not be welcome. Teen’s bodies start to look more like adults; however, teens do not yet have the autonomy and independence of adults. This can be very frustrating for teens. Additionally, teens are navigating social situations and learning how to manage more things on their own, all of which adds to their stress levels. Teenagers sometimes are left out by their friends or are faced with finding a new peer group. At times, there can even be a lot of drama within a close group of friends.

What are the warning signs that we should seek professional help?

What are the signs that a teenager's moodiness is more than what is expected? If a teen begins skipping school, quitting extracurricular activities, or goes from being with friends to isolating him/herself, a consultation with a mental health professional is appropriate. You can speak with your teen's medical doctor, school social worker, or a therapist. Other signs that professional help is warranted are a shift in weight (weight gain or weight loss) or a drop in grades. If your teenager stops turning in homework or their grades take a nosedive, the changes in their mood might be more than they can manage. If you become aware your teenager is doing drugs or talking about self-harm or suicide, seek help immediately.

What can be done proactively?

What can be done preventatively to help your teen maintain a healthy lifestyle and avoid the dips in their mood? Teens need a healthy diet, exercise, and sleep to maintain good emotional and physical health. Exercise or working out releases the endorphins-a natural way to increase your mood. Is your teen eating healthy? Are they eating a well-balanced diet? If not, they may be missing out on necessary vitamins and energy that their body needs. Who doesn't get moody when they are hungry? The amount of sleep a teen needs will vary from person to person, but because of their developing body and influx of hormones, they need extra sleep to maintain good health. Try to keep your teen on a regular sleep cycle. "Catching up" on sleep on the weekend or changing sleep hours contributes to poor sleep hygiene. Try to keep sleep hours as consistent as possible. Encourage your teen to talk to people they trust. Having someone they can express their feelings to can sometimes improve their mood. Encourage your teen to journal their feelings. Being able to write their feelings down allows teens to get their feelings out. Talk to your teen. Find opportunities to check in regularly to gain a better understanding of the causes of your teen's moodiness and the circumstances that create fluctuation in their mood. Lastly, let your teen know it's okay to cry. By letting your feelings out with a good cry, people often report feeling better.