When Big Feelings Take Over: Understanding Teen Emotional Overload

In this episode of Where Parents Talk, host Lianne Castelino speaks to licensed professional counsellor, teen therapist, author and mom Katie K. May about teen mental health.

Drawing from her own experience as a former “teen on fire” and her clinical work with adolescents and families, May unpacks emotional dysregulation, self-harm, and the powerful role validation plays in strengthening parent-teen relationships. She discusses helping parents better understand big emotions, identifying when typical teen behaviour signals deeper concern, and responding in ways that de-escalate conflict rather than intensify it.

May also explains why self-harm is often used as a coping strategy, how parents can regulate their own emotional responses during difficult moments, and practical steps to rebuild trust and connection with a disengaged teen.

Takeaways:

• Navigating the complexities of hormonal changes during adolescence requires open communication and understanding.
• The importance of validation in a teen's emotional health cannot be overstated; it's essential for fostering independence.
• Social media can amplify feelings of bullying and anxiety in teens, making emotional support crucial.
• Parents need to recognize the signs of self-destructive behavior early to provide timely intervention and support.
• Establishing a functional emotional system in the family is key to managing discipline and emotional health effectively.
• Building a foundation of consent and mutual respect in relationships can help combat the pressures of social media.

Companies mentioned in this episode:

• Creative Healing Teen Support Centers

This podcast is for parents, guardians, teachers and caregivers to learn proven strategies and trusted tips on raising kids, teens and young adults based on science, evidenced and lived experience.

You’ll learn the latest on topics like managing bullying, consent, fostering healthy relationships, and the interconnectedness of mental, emotional and physical health.

Links referenced in this episode:

• whereparentstalk.com