How Can I Help My Teenage Son with His Mental Health?
Parenting a teenage boy can be a challenging and rewarding experience. Adolescence is a time of big changes—physically, emotionally, and mentally. Many parents notice their sons becoming quieter, more withdrawn, or showing signs of stress they didn’t see before. It can leave you wondering: “How do I help my teenage son with his mental health?”
Working with men and boys in counselling, I often hear parents say, “I want to be there for him, but I don’t know how.” The good news is, you don’t need to have all the answers. What matters most is showing up and creating a space where your son feels seen and supported.
1. Listen Without Fixing
Teenage boys often struggle to open up about how they’re feeling. When they do, our natural instinct as parents is to jump in with solutions. In my counselling work, I’ve seen how powerful it can be when a young man is simply listened to without judgement. Instead of rushing to “fix” things, try saying: “That sounds tough” or “I’m really glad you told me that.” It shows your son his feelings are valid and that you’re someone safe to talk to.
2. Keep Communication Open
Your son might not want to have deep conversations every day, and that’s okay. What matters is keeping the door open. Even small check-ins like “How was today?” or spending time together doing something he enjoys—whether that’s gaming, working out, or going for a walk—can make it easier for him to share when something’s wrong.
3. Normalise Talking About Mental Health
A lot of the men I work with as adults say they wish someone had told them when they were younger that it’s okay to talk about emotions. Let your son know that struggling sometimes is normal, and asking for help isn’t weakness—it’s courage.
4. Watch for Changes in Behaviour
If you notice your son withdrawing from friends, losing interest in things he used to enjoy, struggling with sleep, or showing sudden mood swings, these can be signs he’s finding things hard emotionally. In counselling, early support often makes a huge difference for teenage boys, helping them learn healthy coping strategies before problems build.
5. Encourage Healthy Outlets
Exercise, being outside, and hobbies can have a huge impact on mental health. I see this with my clients and in my own life—movement helps clear the mind and lift mood. You don’t have to push him into sports if that’s not his thing; it could be anything from skateboarding to weight training to hiking. Doing something active together can create an environment where talking feels easier.
6. Know When to Seek Professional Support
Sometimes, despite our best efforts as parents, our sons need to talk to someone outside the family. If he’s struggling to cope or you’re worried about his safety, reaching out for professional help can be life-changing. Counselling offers a neutral, supportive space where boys can explore their emotions and build tools to manage life’s challenges.
Final Thoughts
Supporting your teenage son’s mental health isn’t about getting it perfect—it’s about being consistent, showing up, and letting him know you care. Those small, everyday moments of connection are what help him feel secure and understood.
At Strong Minds Counselling, I work with men and boys to build emotional strength, resilience, and confidence. If you’re worried about your son or want to give him a space to talk, getting support can be the first step to helping him thrive.