«Adolescence»: Navigating the Complexities of Teen Years Without a Guide

Inspired by the highly-discussed mini-series Adolescence, CAMHI's child and adolescent psychiatrist, Theano Touma, delves into the core issues surrounding adolescence.

With its powerful impact, Adolescence has shed light on topics that are rarely discussed openly, sparking an essential conversation about the complexities of this phase. It emphasizes the uncertainty inherent to adolescence, the challenges of building trust, and the difficulties of effective communication. The series serves as a timely invitation to speak more openly about a period filled with contradictions, emotional upheavals, and unresolved questions.

The show acts as a social commentary on the challenges of growing up in modern times, highlighting the psychological and social struggles that today’s youth face. With both realism and empathy, Adolescence explores the internal battles of teenagers, addressing themes such as identity, self-esteem, and the need for social acceptance. It confronts the crucial questions of “Who am I?” and “How do others see me?” Viewers are drawn into the teenagers’ internal struggles and the intensity with which they grapple with external expectations while attempting to find their true selves.

Adolescence is a time of contrasts. There’s the desire for independence, but also the fear of rejection. The wish to stand out, but the dread of isolation. Adolescence doesn’t shy away from the chaotic reality of this stage, offering a narrative that doesn’t simply talk about teenagers but speaks with them. The characters are not just cliched “teenagers in crisis”; they are complex, full of contradictions, and trapped in a world that demands they know who they are—without offering the time or space to figure it out. Through their stories, the series sensitively tackles mental health, loneliness in the digital age, the need for meaningful communication, and, importantly, family dynamics.

Despite its changing forms, the family remains central to shaping adolescent identity. The quality of family relationships—both between parents and children, and within partnerships—profoundly influences emotional development. Dysfunctional family structures and the lack of healthy models for conflict resolution affect how adolescents manage peer disputes and school challenges. Communication struggles between parents and their children often lead to feelings of isolation, prompting teens to seek validation and support elsewhere.

A child’s behavior is deeply influenced by the experiences and values passed down from parents. The ways they handle emotions and interact with others are often unconsciously learned from their family environment, shaping their worldview and self-perception.

The importance of safe, supportive relationships cannot be overstated in helping teens build self-esteem and emotional stability. Positive role models, especially within the family, play a pivotal role in this development, shaping the values and behaviors adolescents internalize.

In today’s hyper-connected digital world, young people still face profound isolation. They interact mainly through social media, using new technologies and digital codes, while developing a new form of social engagement. Their social standing is often determined by likes, comments, and reactions on their posts, creating a new metric of social approval based on superficiality and appearance. However, despite the digital connectivity, true, personal communication remains invaluable. Even though they are constantly online, many teens experience loneliness and alienation because digital platforms can’t replace real emotional connection.

Early intervention and support are crucial in preventing mental health issues in young people. The Youth Engagement Scheme (YES) program of the Child & Adolescent Mental Health Initiative (CAMHI) promotes mental well-being by providing a platform for teens to express their emotions and concerns. It fosters meaningful connections and encourages teens to participate in activities that enhance self-esteem and social integration. Through these initiatives, teens are empowered to manage their emotions and develop resilience, while their voices are heard by mental health professionals who integrate their experiences into training and outreach efforts.

Adolescence is not a phase that follows a prescribed manual. It’s emotionally intense and resists simplification. In a time when young people’s mental health is increasingly under strain, the goal is not just to recognize these challenges, but to create spaces for open dialogue, understanding, and support.

Find here materials from the YES Program for Adolescent Dialogue Actions that can be used by educators in schools across the country.

The Child & Adolescent Mental Health Initiative (CAMHI) in Greece is implemented in partnership with the Child Mind Institute and is exclusively supported by Stavros Niarchos Foundation (SNF) as part of the Global Health Initiative (GHI) of SNF.