Being Questioned

Has anyone ever told you, “Why are you overreacting?” Have you ever been consumed by doubt, feeling overwhelmed by your choices and later regretting the actions you took, wondering, “Why did I do that?”

Well, you’re not alone—your brain is still under development as a teenager. These behaviours are grounded in scientific principles that explain why we feel things so deeply, why our sleep schedules are disrupted, and why focusing can be difficult.

Teenagers are often labelled lazy, distracted, or irresponsible. People question why we sleep late, spend so much time on our phones, or struggle to concentrate. However, there is a scientific explanation behind all of this.

This article aims to break down what is truly happening inside the teenage brain—how it functions, how it develops, and how it sometimes pushes us to act in ways we don’t fully understand.

The Reason Behind It All: Adolescence

The sleep issues, lack of motivation, and difficulty with focus experienced by teenagers are part of a crucial developmental stage known as adolescence. This is one of the most critical phases of human life—a true make-or-break stage.

British neuroscientist Sarah Jayne Blakemore explains:

“Adolescence is the period of life in which we develop our sense of self, our sense of identity, and particularly our sense of social self.”

Adolescence is the foundation upon which adulthood is built. While the World Health Organization defines adolescence as occurring between the ages of 13 and 19, brain development continues until around the age of 25.

This distinction exists because social and physical changes occur earlier, while cognitive and emotional development continues well into the twenties—explaining why many young adults still display teenage behaviors.

What’s Going on in a Teen’s Brain?

Parents may notice mood swings, impulsivity, and irritability in teenagers, but the neurological changes behind these behaviors are often invisible.

During adolescence, the brain enters the Formal Operational Stage, a major developmental phase. At the same time, neuroplasticity—the brain’s ability to change and adapt—peaks, allowing learning through experience.

For example, changing your sleep routine may feel difficult at first, but over time your brain adapts. This flexibility is a key feature of adolescent brain development.

The prefrontal cortex, responsible for decision-making and impulse control, continues developing until the mid-twenties. Meanwhile, the amygdala, which governs emotions and “fight or flight” responses, develops earlier.

Because the emotional center matures faster than the logical one, teens are more likely to act impulsively and take risks. This should not be viewed as failure—teenagers learn through experience, which shapes their future selves.

A Real-Life Example

Imagine sneaking your phone into class where phones are not allowed. When the teacher grows suspicious, panic sets in and your instinct tells you to hide the phone immediately.

This is your amygdala reacting emotionally. A fully developed prefrontal cortex would advise staying calm and acting naturally. Since the emotional brain often dominates during adolescence, teens are more likely to act suspiciously and get caught.

Increased release of dopamine, the pleasure-seeking hormone, further fuels risk-taking behavior and contributes to delayed brain maturation.

Pressure and Teens

Pressure can motivate teens positively, but it also carries serious risks. Peer pressure, academic stress, family expectations, and societal demands all affect teenage mental health.

While some pressure encourages ambition, excessive stress can lead to harmful behaviors such as addiction, self-harm, or in extreme cases, suicide.

Chronic stress increases levels of cortisol, a hormone released by the adrenal glands. Prolonged elevation can lead to serious health issues such as cardiovascular disease, sleep disorders, and Cushing’s Syndrome.

Seeking help—talking to someone trustworthy or attending therapy—is essential. Therapy is not a sign of weakness, and learning to set boundaries can protect mental well-being.

The fear of being left out often drives teens to make choices they do not truly want to make.

Pakistan and Adolescence

In Pakistani society, adolescents—especially girls—face immense pressure regarding career choices and early marriage. Many are forced into life-altering decisions before their brains are fully developed.

Such pressures can lead to depression, anxiety, and stress, which are major contributors to rising suicide rates. Mental health remains a taboo topic in many households, forcing teens to suffer in silence.

Adolescence, instead of being a nurturing phase, often becomes a period of judgment and unrealistic expectations, harming long-term mental health.

Conclusion

Teenagers are not overreacting, dramatic, or lazy. Delayed release of melatonin explains late sleep patterns, and emotional intensity reflects a developing brain.

Every adult has passed through this phase. It is a time of growth, learning, and identity formation. Instead of changing yourself to please others, focus on becoming the best version of yourself.

Greater awareness of adolescent brain development can reduce mental health struggles and increase support. Trust the process—this phase will pass, shaping you into a stronger adult.

MAKE YOURSELF AND OTHERS AWARE.

References

• Blakemore, S. J. (2018). Inventing Ourselves: The Secret Life of the Teenage Brain. PublicAffairs.
• World Health Organization. (2023). Adolescent Health. https://www.who.int/health-topics/adolescent-health
• Cleveland Clinic. (2023). Cushing’s Syndrome: Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis & Treatment. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/5497-cushings-syndrome