In today’s fast-paced and connected world, adolescence can be a challenging time—especially for teenage girls. The pressures of social expectations, academic demands, and the constant influence of social media can deeply impact their mental and emotional well-being. As awareness of girls’ mental health grows, recent research highlights the troubling reality many young women face.
In 2021, 57% of high school girls reported feeling sad or hopeless often, a sharp increase from 36% in 2011. Nearly one in three girls seriously considered suicide, a figure that has surged by 60% in the past decade. Additionally, more than one in ten girls reported being sexually assaulted, a statistic that has risen by 27% since 2019. These numbers are more than just data—they represent real young women facing significant emotional struggles.
Understanding how girls cope with these challenges is essential to providing the right support. By exploring their coping mechanisms and finding effective ways to help, we can better assist girls in navigating these difficult years. Blume Behavioral Health offers residential treatment for girls in California.
How Do Girls Deal with Mental Health?
Teenage girls face mental health challenges in many different ways. How they cope often depends on their personality, environment, and cultural background. Still, some common patterns have been observed through both research and real-life experiences:
1. Talking About It
Many girls turn to friends, family, or a therapist to talk about their feelings. This helps them process emotions and feel less alone in their struggles.
2. Social Support
They often rely on supportive relationships with friends and family for comfort and reassurance. Having people who truly listen can help them feel understood and validated.
3. Creative and Physical Outlets
Activities like journaling, dancing, or exercising help girls manage stress and improve mood. These outlets give them a positive way to channel their emotions and boost their mental well-being.
4. Coping Mechanisms
5. Seeking Professional Help
6. Internalizing Emotions
Girls may sometimes bottle up their feelings, feeling the pressure to “be strong” for others, which can affect their mental health. Encouraging them to express their emotions in healthy ways can help prevent emotional overload.
7. Self-Care Practices
Many girls engage in self-care routines, such as skincare, taking baths, or having quiet time, to relax and de-stress. These practices are an important part of maintaining emotional balance and well-being.
8. Mindfulness and Meditation
Some girls use mindfulness exercises or meditation to calm their minds and manage anxiety. These practices allow them to stay grounded in the present and reduce overwhelming feelings.
9. Reaching Out for Help Online
With the rise of digital communities, some girls seek support or advice from online forums or social media groups. While these spaces can provide comfort, it’s important they also find mental health resources for teens to ensure accurate and helpful guidance.
10. Distraction Techniques
Girls sometimes use distractions like watching movies, playing video games, or spending time with pets to escape from overwhelming thoughts temporarily. While these can offer brief relief, balancing them with healthier strategies is important.
11. Seeking Validation and Self-Esteem
Girls may look for validation from others, especially during adolescence, as they navigate body image, social pressures, and self-worth. Encouraging self-love and acceptance can help them build a healthier sense of confidence and identity.
These strategies highlight how girls commonly deal with mental health, but it’s important to offer them guidance and support in developing healthier coping mechanisms.
What Can Parents Do to Support Teen Girls' Mental Health?
Parents play a vital role in fostering their teenage daughters’ mental well-being. Their support can make a significant difference in how girls navigate the challenges of adolescence. Here are some key ways parents can provide support:
Foster Open and Honest Communication
Create a safe and non-judgmental space where your daughter feels comfortable talking about her feelings, thoughts, and experiences. This space should feel welcoming and free of judgment, allowing her to express herself without fear of punishment or ridicule. Actively listen without interrupting or dismissing her concerns, even if they seem trivial to you. It can be easy to dismiss things as “not a big deal,” but to her, they may be important. Regular check-ins and open-ended questions like, “How was your day?” or “What’s on your mind?” can encourage her to share what’s on her heart. Small moments, such as while driving together or at the dinner table, can often provide the best opportunities for these conversations.
Be Aware of Warning Signs
Educate yourself on the common signs and symptoms of mental health challenges in teenagers. Changes like persistent sadness, loss of interest in activities, withdrawal from family or friends, or drastic shifts in sleep or appetite can be red flags. Keep an eye out for increased irritability, talk of self-harm, or other concerning behaviors. If you notice any of these, take them seriously, and don’t hesitate to talk to a professional. A girl’s mental health may not always be obvious, and early intervention can help prevent further struggles. It can feel overwhelming at times, but being proactive in identifying changes early can make all the difference.
Encourage Healthy Habits
Promote healthy lifestyle choices that can positively impact her mental health. A balanced routine of sleep, nutritious meals, and regular physical activity form a strong foundation for emotional well-being. Encourage her to participate in physical activities she enjoys, whether it’s a sport, dance, or even a regular walk. These habits can significantly improve mood, energy levels, and overall well-being. Additionally, a reduction in screen time, especially before bed, can greatly improve her sleep and mental clarity the next day. Help her understand that physical and mental health go hand in hand and that nurturing both can make her feel her best.
Help Her Develop Coping Skills
Teach your daughter healthy coping mechanisms for dealing with stress and difficult emotions. This could involve techniques like mindfulness, deep breathing exercises, journaling, or simply spending time in nature. Encouraging her to engage in hobbies or creative outlets she loves can also be a great way for her to manage stress. Help her identify what works best for her and encourage her to use these strategies when she’s feeling overwhelmed. Remind her that it’s okay to take breaks and focus on self-care, especially when life gets tough.
Model Healthy Behavior
Be a positive role model by demonstrating healthy ways of managing your own stress and emotions. Share with her the ways you cope with your struggles—whether it’s through exercise, speaking to a friend, or taking time to relax. Show your daughter that it’s okay to seek help when needed and that it’s important to prioritize your own mental well-being. Leading by example teaches her that self-care and emotional resilience are valuable life skills that everyone needs to practice, no matter their age.
Facilitate Social Connections
Encourage healthy social interactions and help your daughter maintain positive relationships with friends who are supportive and kind. It’s natural for teens to experience the ups and downs of friendships, but helping her navigate these dynamics can guide her toward lasting, meaningful relationships. Be mindful of potential negative influences or toxic friendships and offer guidance on how to handle them. Healthy friendships are important for her emotional growth, as they provide a sense of community, support, and belonging, especially during challenging times.
Seek Professional Help When Needed
Blume BH Offers Residential Treatment for Teen Girls in CA
Blume Behavioral Health in Redondo Beach, California offers compassionate and effective residential treatment for teen girls, providing a safe and supportive environment for those struggling with mental health challenges. If your daughter is facing emotional distress, we are here to help her on the path to recovery. Reach out today to learn more about our specialized programs designed to support her mental and emotional well-being.
Daniel Duel MD is a board-certified psychiatrist specializing in General Adult Psychiatry with a focus on Addiction/Substance Use Disorders. As the Medical Director of an outpatient addiction clinic, he oversees a multidisciplinary team providing comprehensive care. He has extensive experience treating complex mood, psychosis, OCD, anxiety, and geriatric disorders. Dr. Duel is a UCLA graduate, trained in TMS and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.
