Review of The Teenage Brain: Understanding Anxiety and Depression in Teenagers

[Jaituni Sanghavi]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "The Teenage Brain: Understanding Anxiety and Depression in Teenagers" by Kasey P. Crist.]

---

5 out of 5 stars

---

Share This Review

---

Have you ever felt anxious or depressed? I think adults can often notice these feelings, but it's harder to spot them in teenagers. That's where Kasey P. Crist's book, "The Teenage Brain: Understanding Anxiety and Depression in Teenagers," comes in handy. This book is a helpful and understanding guide that explores the complex mental health of teenagers, as the author, a licensed therapist with over 20 years of experience, especially with teenagers in schools, shares practical knowledge and empathy on this important topic.

The book opens with a powerful introduction, highlighting the dual nature of adolescence as a period filled with both exhilarating and scarring experiences. Crist acknowledges the enigmatic nature of the teenage brain and moves forward to a detailed exploration of anxiety and depression among teenagers.

Crist organizes the book thoughtfully, beginning with foundational definitions of anxiety and depression. She provides a comprehensive overview of these mental health conditions, stressing the importance of recognizing their impact on teenagers and effectively dispelling myths and misconceptions, reinforcing that anxiety and depression are serious conditions that require attention and intervention.

I liked the way Kasey humanized these conditions through real-life examples. For instance, she shares the story of a fifteen-year-old patient whose declining grades and social withdrawal were initially misunderstood by her parents. She was isolating herself from friends and withdrawing to her room all the time, away from the family. She had also quit cheerleading and soccer, which were her main hobbies outside of school. This example clearly shows how depression is complex and affects not just the person but also their family and friends.

Another example that stood out to me was about a 13-year-old boy who started at a new school because of behavioral challenges. It happened so that he compared himself with his twin brother, who did well academically, socially, and even in sports. The boy got into fights, including one where he urinated in the principal's office. He saw counselors, therapists, and took tests. They found he had anxiety, depression, dyslexia, and ADHD. This example clearly reflects how a teen’s mind works and how taxing it must have been for him to cause such a high level of mental disturbance. However, his parents helped him through and were integral to his support system, which highlights the importance of collaboration between home and school.

The author then talks about the manifestations and causes of anxiety and depression. The author explains that these conditions do not always present as they do in adults, making it challenging for parents and guardians to identify the signs. She explains how environmental, social, and personal factors all affect mental health, showing how everything is connected.

Additionally, the book discusses different ways to treat mental health issues, such as medicines and therapies like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and other alternatives. I liked how the author fairly presented these choices, explaining the pros and cons of each. This helps people make smart decisions about their teenager's mental health care.

Furthermore, the book also discusses practical self-care tools, from nutrition and sleep to exercise and breathing techniques. There is also a discussion about teen identity, body image, and self-esteem, which I found to be a good addition.

Finally, the book probes into how social media and cyberbullying affect teens today. The author explains how excessive social media use can lead teens to feel inadequate and depressed. She thus advises parents to manage their child's screen time and promote offline activities. These seemingly small solutions, like setting limits on social media and engaging in hobbies and sports, can be helpful.

I listened to the audiobook and found it engaging, insightful, and informative. Beforehand, I didn't know much about teenage mental health, but the book used real-life examples to explain things clearly. It helped me understand the teenage brain much better. I too have passed through the teenage phase, yet due to not experiencing the majority of the mental health issues mentioned in this book, I was not truly aware of the intensity it carries. Thus, this book gave me an altogether new perspective on this subject. Also, the narrator of the audiobook was quite good and clear in her pronunciation. I had a fairly good experience listening to it.

Thus, considering my overall liking for the book, as reflected above, I rate it 5 out of 5 stars. I can't comment on the editing because I listened to the audiobook version. I recommend this book as an essential read for parents, counselors, and teenagers themselves.

******
The Teenage Brain: Understanding Anxiety and Depression in Teenagers
View: on Bookshelves

[Gerry Steen]

I think everyone has had at least one scarring experience during their adolescent years. No-one escapes without at least one. We can all empathize with someone who is suffering more than we did. This audiobook addresses the issue of teen-age anxiety and depresssion, and leaves no stone unturned. If we need to help a teenager who is suffering, this audiobook will be a good resource to turn to for guidance and clarity. Thank you for this informative review.

[David Awunor]

I Really liked this detailed review! Thinking of grabbing the book to maybe get some insights into teens. Thanks!