The Emotional Lives of Teenagers: Raising Connected, Capable, and Compassionate Adolescents

Increased concern about the direction of the United States, school shootings, and climate change have added fodder to the already overwhelmed teenage brain. Damour (Under Pressure: Confronting the Epidemic of Stress and Anxiety in Girls) is a well-known speaker in the mental health arena and the co-host of Ask Lisa, a parenting podcast. In this book, she dispels myths about adolescent mental health and provides a manual to help teens manage their emotions in the most beneficial way possible. She argues that “safe” medications may have decreased the tolerance for emotional discomfort, which can be a strength when channeled to promote growth. She gives guidelines for parents to help their children and also how to know when professional support is needed. She also addresses the unique challenges presented by both COVID and discrimination. A section on protecting the mental health of gender-questioning teens is also included.