The Emotional Lives of Teenagers

The Emotional Lives of Teenagers

Lisa's latest New York Times best seller is an urgently needed guide to help parents understand their teenagers’ intense and often fraught emotional lives—and how to support them through this critical developmental stage.

Under Pressure

Under Pressure

Lisa’s second New York Times best seller is a celebrated guide to addressing the alarming increase in anxiety and stress in girls from elementary school through college.

Untangled

Untangled

Lisa’s award-winning New York Times best seller–now available in nineteen languages–is a sane, informed, and engaging guide for parents of teenage girls.

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Untangling 10 to 20 is a dynamic library of premium content designed to support anyone who is raising, working with, or caring for tweens and teens.

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February 1, 2024

Dear Teenagers

What Mental Health Is and What it Is Not

Being mentally healthy is not about feeling good, calm, relaxed, or happy (though those are all wonderful emotions!). Instead, mental health is about two things: having feelings that fit the situation and managing those emotions well.

In this three-minute video, Dr. Lisa Damour teaches 10to20s how psychologists think about painful emotions and how to protect and maintain their own mental health. You can show this Dear Teenagers video to your teen, watch it together, or use it for guidance on how to talk with your teen about managing difficult emotions.

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The advice provided here by Dr. Damour and the resources shared by her AI-powered librarian, Rosalie, will not and do not constitute - or serve as a substitute for - professional psychological treatment, therapy, or other types of professional advice or intervention. If you have concerns about your child’s well-being, consult a physician or mental health professional.