In recent years, adolescent boys’ emotional health has gained more attention, particularly around the topic of unresolved anger. Netflix’s latest series Adolescence brings this subject to the forefront by portraying the emotional and behavioral struggles teenage boys often face. According to research, boys are less likely than girls to express emotions through sadness and more likely to externalize them as aggression or anger. This behavior, when not addressed, may impact academic performance, relationships, and self-esteem.
Let’s take a closer look at what Adolescence reveals and what steps can be taken toward healing and balance.
Anger as a Mask for Pain in Boys
The show presents characters who act out in school, isolate themselves from family, or lash out during conflict. These portrayals are consistent with research showing that adolescent boys frequently express deeper feelings, such as fear, shame, or rejection, through anger.
When left unaddressed, these emotional patterns can intensify and interfere with emotional development. The National Institute of Health has reported that boys aged 13–17 are less likely to seek help for emotional challenges, contributing to a cycle of suppression and aggression.
How Therapy Supports Emotional Regulation
Rather than labeling boys as “troubled,” Adolescence highlights how external behaviors often reflect internal struggles. Access to professional care, such as counselling or therapy for anxiety and depression, can help teens and young adults build healthier coping strategies.
Online therapy allows individuals to talk openly about experiences without the pressure of face-to-face sessions. Virtual cognitive behavioral therapy and mental health counseling offer structured tools to reframe unproductive thoughts and reduce reactive behaviors. With support from a licensed therapist, emotional expression can become a strength rather than a source of conflict.
Strengthening Support Systems
While the show’s characters often feel isolated, boys in real life benefit from open communication and steady support. Parents and caregivers can take action when they notice emotional shifts. Helpful resources include:
- Telehealth therapist for anxietyto address stress and emotional overwhelm
- Therapy for depressionrelated to identity struggles or peer rejection
- Ongoing therapy services for regular emotional check-ins
- Family therapy telehealth to improve communication and connection at home
Telehealth therapy services make it easier to access care, especially when traveling to a clinic feels overwhelming. From family counseling to working with a therapist in Corona, CA, teens can find the guidance they need.
Creating Safer Emotional Spaces for Boys
Netflix’s Adolescence offers more than entertainment—it’s a mirror of what many boys face daily. Anger in boys is often a shield for emotional pain, and without support, that pain can take over. At MindShift Psychological Services, we offer online counseling services that meet clients where they are—whether that’s through outpatient occupational therapy, online therapy for anxiety, or depression.
If your son, student, or loved one is struggling, help is only a click away. Contact us to speak with a mental health therapist or learn more about our therapy sessions and family therapy telehealth.
