Turbulent Teens & Holistic Care

With two teenage sons and an almost teenage daughter, teen health is on my mind every day!

I have one son who is obsessed with fitness, Brazilian Ju-Jitsu training, protein intake, weighing himself far too much and finds it very hard to let himself rest.

Meanwhile, my other son is loving junk food with his mates, vaping, experimenting with substances and pushing boundaries on all levels.

I worry about both of them, not to mention my daughter watching it all who is close to entering the hormonal rite of passage into womanhood.

There is no quick solution (I wish!) and of course it can keep me up at night, as it does for so many parents and guardians.

Supporting my (experimenting, vaping) son with detoxification supplements whilst he is determined to continue vaping, along with education on the (sometimes irreversible) effects is one approach that I use.

Role modelling rest, self care, having a healthy relationship (not just transactional) with food and the importance of caring for our nervous system is an ongoing conversation with my other son.

Both of them take on board what they are ready to digest and I trust the rest has seeded somewhere deep in their psyche.

Teens are entering a time of (exciting and increasing) autonomy, agency and self discovery. Many of their lessons will be first hand... and need to be!

Teen health is not a checklist of doctor visits or a diet plan. It’s about nurturing the whole unfolding person - mind, body, and spirit - especially during those transformative and necessarily turbulent years.

Teens are navigating a whirlwind of changes, emotions, and unprecedented modern pressures. To aim for predictability is counter intuitive to the very nature of change itself and adolescence is the embodiment of constant change!

So, why not approach their health with fluidity, empathy and holistic depth?

Why Holistic Care for Teens Matters

Teen Health in Australia — 2025

Australian teens in 2025 faced rising mental health challenges, high rates of chronic conditions, and increasing lifestyle‑related risks. The data below summarises the most authoritative national findings.

Mental Health (16-24)	38.8% experienced a mental disorder in the past 12 months
High school mental health	Almost 1 in 4 students report mental health problems by Year 10
Chronic disease and developmental conditions	45.6% of teens live with a chronic disease or developmental condition (e.g., ADHD, ASD)
Wellbeing and Life Satisfaction	Teens report declining life satisfaction and concerns about their future; <1/3 feel excited about the next 5 years
Vaping	1 in 6 teens now vape everyday (16-19)!

Bandaid approaches to symptoms can lead to long term pharmaceutical dependencies and side effects, while masking the root causes. Many medications do not bring the results people hope for and can lead to a detached state of numbness (not anxious and also not feeling much at all).

Anxiety and depression are not 'fixed real estate', nor the sole responsibility is on the individual to 'fix.'? These fluctuating states of emotional pain require an ecosystem to be cultivated and that needs to be explored, nourished and acknowledged.

A teen experiencing anxiety might benefit from more than just medication. They might need discussion about the individual and societal pressures they feel, mindfulness practices, better sleep habits, balanced nutrition, mineral and supplement therapy and supportive relationships.

Here’s what holistic care for teens often includes:

• Physical health: Balanced nutrition (junk food education), regular exercise, and adequate rest.

• Acne + Hormone Support: Strongly connected to food, exercise and sleep

• Screen Time Education: Healthy boundaries, better lighting, content discretion

• Vaping: is it really 'less harmful' than cigarettes? 'Popcorn lungs' education

• Addiction + Detox: Education and compassion around the many forms of addiction as well as detox support along the way

• Emotional well-being: Stress management, emotional expression, and mental health support.

• Social connections: Healthy relationships (in person!) with family, friends, community.

• Spiritual health: Finding meaning, purpose, or connection beyond oneself.

  
  

By weaving these elements together, teens can build resilience and thrive.

What is Youth Holistic Wellness?

Youth holistic wellness is a comprehensive approach that honours the complexity of adolescent development. It recognises that teens are not just mini adults but individuals with evolving needs and sensitivities. This approach encourages teens to become active participants in their own health journey.

Practical Steps to Support Teen Health Holistically

If you’re wondering how to put this into practice, here are some actionable ideas that can make a real difference:

1. Create a nurturing environment at home.

   Encourage open conversations about feelings and challenges. Make space for teens to express themselves without judgment. A highly scheduled and overly committed household can make it challenging to feel spaciousness to have these conversations. Less is more!

   
   

2. Promote balanced nutrition.

   Instead of strict diets, focus on whole foods that fuel energy and brain function. Think colourful fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. This often starts with role modelling as junk food temptations are high with their mates! Positive feedback when good choices are made.

   
   

3. Encourage regular physical activity.

   It doesn’t have to be intense gym sessions. Dancing, walking the dog, or playing a sport with friends can be just as beneficial. Can be part of screen time/device negotiations.

   
   

4. Support mental health.

   Normalize seeking help when needed. Introduce mindfulness, meditation, or yoga as tools to manage anxiety and build resilience. Device use boundaries.

   
   

5. Limit screen time and encourage real-world connections.

   Help teens find joy in face-to-face interactions and outdoor activities. Dark mode and soft lighting for healthier hormones.

   
   

6. Foster good sleep hygiene.

   Set consistent bedtimes and create a calming pre-sleep routine.

   
   

7. Explore creative and spiritual outlets.

   Whether it’s art, music, nature walks, or meditation, these activities can nurture the soul.

   
   

By integrating these steps, you’re not just addressing isolated issues but supporting a teen’s entire ecosystem of health.

Embracing a Teen Health Holistic Approach

It is my passion and purpose to empower individuals to reclaim their Whole Body Health by addressing root causes, moving beyond temporary solutions.

Let’s nurture our teens with the care they truly deserve.

Notes on the Data

• The mental health figures come from the Australian Bureau of Statistics and a 2025 national study of high‑school students.

• Chronic disease data is from a 2025 research publication linking health conditions with lifestyle factors.

• Wellbeing indicators come from the State of Australia’s Children 2025 report (UNICEF Australia, ARACY, Minderoo Foundation).