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Indian Express

Netflix's Adolescence shows us the teenage meltdowns we're failing to understand

Episode 3 of Adolescence on Netflix stands out for its raw portrayal of teenage vulnerability, especially through the character Jamie, whose erratic outbursts, sudden withdrawal, and emotional spiral leave psychologist Briony Ariston as well as the viewers concerned and unsettled. We watch as Briony tries to understand Jamie's perception of masculinity and his attitudes towards women. His behaviour shifts rapidly — from bursts of rage to friendliness to hatred — painting a picture that feels all too familiar in today's high-pressure, hyper-connected environment. Jamie's unraveling isn't just a dramatic plot point — it reflects a growing pattern among many young people navigating emotional overload, identity confusion, and a constant need for validation. His reactions raise important questions about the unseen struggles behind impulsive behaviour, sudden mood changes, and emotional volatility in youth. What could cause a teenager like Jamie to shift between extreme emotional states so quickly, and is this becoming more common today? Dr Arohi Vardhan, child and adolescent psychiatrist at Cadabams Hospitals, tells 'Emotional volatility in adolescence isn't uncommon, but when it becomes extreme, as in Jamie's case, it often signals underlying emotional dysregulation. This can be linked to a teenager's developing identity, their desire for autonomy, and their struggle to find meaning in situations they don't yet have the tools to process.' What we're noticing more today is how overstimulating the environment around teenagers has become, Dr Vardhan notes. 'Whether it's the speed at which they receive information or the constant demand to present a curated version of themselves, the intensity of daily life can leave them feeling emotionally overloaded. In some cases, this builds up and spills over in unpredictable ways — what we see as 'erratic' may actually be a response to unacknowledged or misunderstood internal conflict.' View this post on Instagram A post shared by Netflix UK & Ireland (@netflixuk) Factors that contribute to the kind of mental distress shown in Jamie's behaviour Factors such as social media, academics and family carry their own weight, Dr Vardhan states, but together they can create an emotional environment that's hard to navigate for a young person like Jamie. Social media often becomes a mirror through which teenagers assess their worth, not just based on likes or comments, but on constant exposure to idealised lifestyles. She continues, 'Add to this, the fear of academic failure and the expectation to constantly perform, and it becomes difficult for adolescents to simply be themselves. If family life is inconsistent or emotionally distant, it removes the sense of safety and grounding that every teen needs. Jamie's behaviour reflects what happens when a young person lacks consistent emotional anchors, the inner chaos begins to show outwardly.' Signs to look out for when trying to understand whether a young person's erratic behaviour is a call for help Dr Vardhan explains, 'One of the most overlooked signs is inconsistency.' When a teenager's energy, interests, or temperament change rapidly without a clear reason, it may be an indication that something is going on beneath the surface. 'Other signs include withdrawal from peer groups, sudden changes in self-image, increased conflict at home or school, or a growing sense of apathy or detachment from everyday life,' she says. Teachers often notice subtle academic shifts, reduced participation, irregular attendance, or decreased motivation. Parents might observe increased irritability or emotional shutdowns. Friends may see a shift in how open or expressive someone is. 'These aren't always cries for help, but they're opportunities to pause and check in. A supportive conversation at the right moment can make a world of difference in how that young person chooses to move forward,'c concludes Dr Vardhan.