Teenage Boys & Mental Health: Breaking the Silence
When we think about teenage years, we often picture exams, football matches, friendship groups, and the ups and downs of growing up. But for many teenage boys, there’s a hidden side to this stage of life: struggles with mental health that don’t always get spoken about.
Why Teenage Boys Find It Hard to Open Up
Teenage boys are still growing up with the old message: “Be tough. Don’t cry. Man up.” These unspoken rules can make them believe that showing emotions—or admitting they’re struggling—is a weakness.
Instead of sharing what’s going on, boys might cover it up with anger, hours of gaming, shutting themselves in their room, or risky behaviour. On the surface, it looks like “teenage attitude.” Underneath, it’s often pain they don’t know how to put into words.
A Personal Example
I was working with a teenage lad recently who told me something that really stuck:
“I don’t want to tell Mum and Dad how bad I feel, because I don’t want to worry them.”
This is something I hear often. Boys feel like they’re protecting their parents by keeping quiet. But here’s the thing—if parents knew, they would want to help. They’d want to listen. And they’d want to know what their son was going through so he didn’t have to carry it alone.
So what can parents do?
Be open with your child. Let them know it’s okay to talk about feelings, and that nothing they share will make you love them any less.
Spend one-to-one time. Even simple things—going for a walk, grabbing food together, kicking a ball about—can create the space where conversations flow naturally.
Get off your own devices. Teens notice when they don’t have your full attention. Putting your phone down tells them, “You matter to me.”
Give your child attention. Not in a way that pressures them, but in a way that makes them feel seen and valued.
These small acts make a big difference. They show your son that he’s not a burden, he’s a priority.
Spotting the Signs
It’s not always obvious when a teenage boy is struggling. Some things to look out for:
Sudden changes in mood or behaviour
Isolating from family or friends
A drop in school performance or motivation
Trouble sleeping, eating less (or more), or neglecting self-care
Irritability or frequent bursts of anger
These aren’t just “teenage moods.” Sometimes, they’re red flags that deserve attention.
How Parents Can Support Their Sons
Keep conversations open. Even if your son brushes you off, keep letting him know you’re there.
Listen without rushing to fix. Sometimes boys just need to get it out without being judged or given quick solutions.
Move with them. Exercise can massively boost mental health—but teenagers often won’t do it if it feels like a chore. Instead of telling them to get active, do it alongside them. Go for a run, hit the gym together, or suggest a family bike ride. Be the role model who shows that looking after your body is part of looking after your mind.
Promote positive outlets. Young people today are spending more and more time alone and on their phones. While screens have their place, too much of it can leave them feeling disconnected. Encourage them to try new things—whether that’s music, art, a new sport, or a local club. Most teenagers don’t love school, so finding something outside of it that sparks interest can make a huge difference. And why not join them? Trying something new together not only supports their mental health, it also strengthens your relationship.
Normalise support. Show that talking to a counsellor or mentor is not a last resort—it’s a sign of strength.
The Takeaway
Teenage boys don’t keep quiet because they don’t trust you—they keep quiet because they don’t want to add to your worries. As parents, the best gift you can give is reminding them that their feelings are safe with you.
A strong mind is not a silent mind.