Key Summary
What Parents Should Know
- The holiday season can intensify emotional stress in adolescents due to developmental, social, and environmental factors
- Teen depression often looks different than adult depression and may show up through behavior rather than words
- Difficulty explaining emotions is common for teens and does not mean they are unwilling to communicate
- Therapy offers supportive, developmentally appropriate help—especially during emotionally intense periods
If Your Teen Seems Different During the Holidays, You’re Not Alone
For many families, the holiday season brings noticeable changes in their teenager’s mood or behavior. A teen who once seemed engaged may appear withdrawn. A normally calm child may seem irritable, overwhelmed, or emotionally distant. When this happens during a time associated with celebration and connection, parents are often left wondering what’s normal, and what may need support.
If you’re feeling unsure about what you’re seeing, you’re not alone. The holidays can be emotionally complex for adolescents, and understanding why this season can be difficult is an important first step in supporting your child.
Why the Holidays Can Be Emotionally Challenging for Teens
Adolescence is a time of ongoing emotional, neurological, and social development. During the holidays, several factors often converge in ways that can feel overwhelming for teens.
This season commonly includes:
- Disrupted routines that affect sleep and emotional regulation
- Heightened social comparison, both in person and online
- Increased family time that may surface unspoken expectations or tension
- Academic pressure related to finals or future planning
- Seasonal changes, such as reduced daylight and physical activity
While adults may have established coping strategies, teens are still developing the skills needed to manage emotional stress, making this time of year particularly challenging.
How Depression Can Show Up Differently in Adolescents
Depression in teens doesn’t always look the way parents expect. Rather than openly expressing sadness, adolescents often communicate distress through behavior.
Parents may notice:
- Withdrawal from family or activities
- Increased irritability or emotional reactivity
- Changes in sleep, appetite, or energy
- Declining motivation or school engagement
- A general sense that their teen feels disconnected
These changes don’t automatically mean a teen is depressed, but they can signal emotional strain that deserves attention.
Why Teens Often Struggle to Explain What They’re Feeling
Many parents wonder why their teen can’t or won’t articulate what’s going on emotionally. In most cases, this isn’t resistance. Teens are still developing an emotional vocabulary, confidence in vulnerability, and a sense of identity.
They may feel unsure how to describe their internal experience, worry about burdening their family, or feel embarrassed by emotions they don’t yet understand. This can make it difficult for parents to know how serious a situation is, even when their instincts tell them something feels off.
When Seasonal Changes May Signal Something More
While mood shifts during the holidays can be temporary, certain patterns may suggest additional support could be helpful.
Parents often look for:
- Persistence: changes that continue beyond a few weeks
- Intensity: emotions that feel overwhelming or disproportionate
- Interference: difficulty functioning at school, socially, or at home
Recognizing patterns isn’t about diagnosing, it’s about understanding when a teen may benefit from extra support.
Joint Commission Accreditation, DHCS License,
& Clinical Partnership with CPCMG
Joint Commission Accreditation, DHCS License, & Clinical Partnership with CPCMG
In Clinical Partnership With
PRI Treatment Center is proud to clinically partner with Children’s Primary Care Medical Group San Diego to expand access to high-quality mental health services. Together, we’re bridging the gap between primary care and mental health to better support the well-being of children and families in our shared community.
How Therapy Can Support Teens During Emotionally Intense Seasons
Therapy for adolescents isn’t about fixing behavior or forcing change. It provides a neutral, developmentally appropriate space where teens can explore emotions they may not yet have words for.
Therapy can help teens:
- Build emotional awareness and regulation
- Navigate stress, identity development, and internal pressure
- Feel supported without judgment
- Develop coping skills that extend beyond the holiday season
Supporting Your Teen Without Pressure or Panic
For parents, supporting a struggling teen often means balancing concern with calm presence. Remaining emotionally available, observing patterns, and staying open to support can make a meaningful difference.
Seeking help early doesn’t mean something has gone wrong. In many cases, it’s a proactive step that helps teens develop resilience and emotional skills that last well beyond the holidays.
How Protected Roots Integrative Treatment Center Supports Teens and Families
At PRI, we take an integrative, developmentally informed approach to adolescent mental health. We work collaboratively with teens and families to provide support that feels thoughtful, steady, and appropriate, especially during emotionally challenging seasons.
To learn more, you can explore:
Parent-Focused FAQs
Is it normal for teens to feel depressed during the holidays?
It’s common for teens to experience mood changes during the holidays due to stress, routine disruptions, and social pressures. Persistent or intense changes may signal the need for additional support.
How can I tell if my teen’s behavior is more than just a phase?
Patterns that last several weeks, interfere with daily functioning, or feel significantly different from your teen’s baseline may be worth discussing with a mental health professional.
Should my teen go to therapy if they won’t talk about their feelings?
Yes. Many teens benefit from therapy even when they struggle to articulate emotions. Therapy provides a neutral space to develop emotional awareness and coping skills.
Can therapy help even if symptoms seem mild?
Therapy can be helpful at many levels. Early support often helps prevent stress from escalating and gives teens tools they can use long-term.
Dr. Warter received his doctorate in Clinical Psychology from The Wright Institute in Berkely, California, completed his Predoctoral Internship at USC’s Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, and was a Postdoctoral Researcher at USC’s Institute for Integrative Health and Wellness. Dr. Warter has also been trained at UCSF School of Medicine, Kaiser Permanente, and in community clinics in rural, underserved communities in Argentina and Paraguay. Dr. Warter has received training in providing parents with guidelines to help prevent behavior problems and enhance communication skills and strategies to promote children’s social, emotional, and academic competence. Dr. Warter has also published and presented at the University of Naples and the University of Buenos Aires on subjects related to Third Culture Kids and the impacts of Social Media on Personality and Self Esteem.
Dr. Charles Warter, PsyD
