Inside the Teenage Mind - by Andrew Leech (Paperback)

About the Book

"After recognising the difficulty of accessing acute support, Dr Leech started to provide 'on the day support' for his teenage patients who are acutely suicidal or at risk of self harm at his clinic. He later gained advanced certification in youth suicide prevention with the Black Dog Institute. His experience includes working and training with Headspace Australia, where he supported young people aged 12 to 25 with mental health concerns. Additionally, Andrew has been a key advisor for ADHD WA and the RACGP Child and Adolescent Special Interests Group, contributing to national conversations about youth mental health. Andrew is also"-- Provided by publisher.

Book Synopsis

A must-have guide for parents and professionals navigating the complexities of today's youth.

Teenagers are navigating one of the most complex and transformative stages of life--full of rapid change, emotional highs and lows, and evolving identities. Thriving Through Teenage Years: An Expert's Guide to Adolescent Health blends cutting-edge research with real-world case studies and expert insights to provide a comprehensive roadmap for supporting teens.

This must-have guide tackles the most pressing challenges facing today's teens:

• Tackles the big issues facing teens--offering practical strategies to support them through challenges like anxiety, body image, identity struggles, substance use, and social pressures.

• Takes a holistic approach--exploring the interactions between physical and mental health in teens.

• Guides you through supporting a teen engaging in risky behaviors--including self-harm and suicidal thoughts, with practical advice on how to approach difficult conversations and a safety plan template to help create a structured, supportive response.

• Explores the influence of digital media and artificial intelligence--examining the important links between technology, teenage behavior, brain development, and mental health.

• Provides practical tools and strategies--featuring easy-to-use checklists, questions to ask your doctor or psychologist, signs that indicate when to seek help, a comprehensive resource list and communication tips tailored to different stages of adolescence.

• Features real-life case studies--with powerful insights from teens and their families, sharing their struggles, successes, and the strategies that helped them get through.

• Takes a neuroaffirming approach--offering guidance on understanding teenage challenges through a neurodiverse lens, supporting the unique needs of all adolescents.

• Written for--parents, educators, and professionals in psychology, education, social work, and healthcare professionals who support adolescents.

Thriving Through Teenage Years takes a compassionate and practical approach to understanding teenage behavior and fostering resilience. Drawing on over a decade of experience as a General Practitioner working with teens, Dr. Andrew Leech shares expert advice on maintaining open communication, supporting mental health, navigating screen use, and empowering young people with the tools they need to thrive. More than just a guide, this book is about helping teens find their purpose, embrace their identity, and recognize the value they bring to the world.

From the Back Cover

"A vital, timely book for Australian families navigating adolescence. Practical, relatable, and full of heart."
--The West Australian

"A must read for anyone seeking to navigate the complexities of teenage behaviour with empathy and common sense."
--Professor Desiree Silva - leading developmental paediatrician, author, and co-lead of the ORIGINS Project at the Telethon Kids Institute

A must-have guide for parents and professionals navigating the complexities of today's youth.

Thriving Through the Teenage Years is your trusted companion for navigating adolescence, written by highly regarded family doctor and GP, Dr Andrew Leech, who has spent many years supporting young people and their families. Blending the latest research with real stories from everyday families, this book offers a practical and compassionate approach to help teens feel understood, supported, and ready to thrive. Whether you're a parent, teacher, or health professional, it will give you the clarity and confidence to walk alongside your teen with whatever they're facing, and help you find meaning and hope in the journey ahead.

Packed with real advice and practical tools, this book includes:

• Strategies for supporting teens through anxiety, body image concerns, identity, and social pressures.
• Guidance on how to navigate risk-taking behaviours, including self-harm and suicidal thoughts.
• Tips for managing screen time, social media, and the impact of tech on the teenage brain.
• Tools like checklists, conversation starters, and signs it's time to seek extra help.
• A neuroaffirming approach to supporting all teen brains.

About the Author

Dr Andrew Leech is a Perth-based GP and family doctor with extensive experience in child and adolescent mental health. Founder of the award-winning Garden Family Medical Clinic, Andrew has spent over a decade helping young people and their families navigate life's toughest moments. He's known for his practical, compassionate approach and is a trusted voice in both local and international conversations about youth mental health. Andrew is also the author of Calm Kids, Happy Hearts, a popular guide for parents supporting children with anxiety.