As a parent, watching your teenager struggle is one of the hardest things you’ll ever face. And for the teens of today, the path to self-medicating is often quicker than the path to real support. Vaping and mental health have become deeply intertwined in ways many families don’t fully understand. If your child is vaping and showing signs of emotional distress, you are not alone—and there is help. This guide is for parents trying to make sense of the link between teen vaping and depression, and who want to know how to support their child with care, empathy, and effective treatment options such as TMS therapy.
What began as a purportedly “safer” alternative to smoking has grown into a widespread health crisis. Teen vaping has surged over the last decade, with more young people picking up e-cigarettes at earlier ages. In 2011, only 1.5% of high schoolers reported using a vape, but by 2018, that number had increased to 20.8% of US high school students.
According to one survey, more than 80% of young adults reported that they began using a vape to manage their stress, anxiety, and depression. While many teens believe vaping helps them manage anxiety or stress, research reveals that the exact opposite may be true. In fact, there’s growing evidence that vaping can contribute to depression, especially when substances like nicotine or THC are involved.
Clinical studies have found that vaping and depression can feed into each other, creating a reinforcing cycle—which is particularly concerning for teenagers whose brains are still developing. That’s why understanding the connection between teen vaping and depression is more urgent than ever.
Several factors contribute to the rise in teen vaping:
But the adolescent brain is still developing, especially the parts responsible for decision-making, mood regulation, and impulse control. That means teens are biologically more prone to engage in risky behaviors, including substance use. And because vaping often delivers highly concentrated doses of nicotine or THC, it can quickly lead to dependence, worsening underlying emotional health issues.
Teen vaping and depression often go hand-in-hand. If your teen is vaping and you’ve noticed changes in their mood, energy, or behavior, it’s important to pay attention. Here are some symptoms that may signal they’re struggling with depression:
If your teen is showing any of these signs, it’s not just “a phase.” Their mental health may be at risk, and the sooner you intervene, the better.
One study by the American Heart Association found that over 50% of teen vapers reported experiencing symptoms of depression within just one week of being surveyed. In contrast, only 25% of non-vapers reported similar symptoms. Suicidal thoughts were also significantly more common among vapers.
When a teen vapes, they may feel a short-term sense of relief, but that is just the brain responding to the nicotine. Over time, vaping can disrupt key areas of the brain responsible for regulating mood, cravings, and impulse control. Studies have shown that early exposure to nicotine and THC can:
In other words, the same substances your teen turns to for comfort may be making their mental health worse. That’s why addressing both the behavior and the underlying emotional needs is crucial.
When parents discover their teen is vaping, it’s easy to react with fear or anger. But judgment and punishment rarely lead to meaningful change. Instead, start with empathy. Let your teen know you’re concerned about their health and well-being—not just their behavior.
Try saying:
“I’ve noticed you’ve been feeling down lately, and I want to understand what’s going on.”
“I know a lot of people vape to manage stress, but I’ve been reading about how it can actually make things harder emotionally. I want to support you through this. Let’s explore some other options to help you feel less stressed.”
Opening the door to a non-judgmental conversation gives your teen a safe space to talk. They may not be ready to stop vaping immediately, but knowing they have your support is the first step toward healing.
Teen vaping and depression is a serious combination that often requires professional intervention. If your teen’s mood or behavior hasn’t improved after several weeks—or if they’ve expressed thoughts of hopelessness or self-harm—it’s time to reach out for help.
Traditional therapy can be an effective starting point. But if your teen isn’t responding to talk therapy or medications, TMS therapy may be a promising alternative.
Advantage TMS offers a non-invasive, FDA-cleared treatment for depression called Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS). Unlike medication, TMS doesn’t flood the entire body with chemicals. Instead, it uses magnetic pulses—similar to those in an MRI—to stimulate specific areas of the brain involved in mood regulation.
TMS therapy is:
For teens who have struggled to find relief through traditional treatments—or who are dealing with mental health symptoms made worse by vaping—TMS may be a powerful next step. The success rate for TMS is high: clinical research shows that about 75% of patients experience at least a 50% reduction in depressive symptoms after TMS therapy. And the benefits often last well beyond the treatment period.
Teen vaping and depression isn’t something to ignore. Vaping may seem harmless now, but over time it can seriously impact your teen’s health. The good news? The adolescent brain is incredibly resilient. With the right support, your teen can overcome harmful habits, develop healthier coping skills, and begin to heal from the emotional toll of vaping.
Teen vaping and depression are more closely linked than many parents realize. But by recognizing the signs, starting honest conversations, and exploring innovative treatments like TMS, you can help your teen move toward a healthier, more hopeful future. Let today be the day you take the first step.
At Advantage TMS, we’re here to walk with your family every step of the way. If you’re worried about your teen’s mental health, reach out. Schedule a free consultation today to learn whether TMS therapy could be the right fit for your child’s needs.
Truth Initiative. (2023). How tobacco industry markets vaping nicotine as stress relief. https://truthinitiative.org/research-resources/emerging-tobacco-products/how-tobacco-industry-markets-vaping-nicotine-stress
Lechner, W. V., Janssen, T., Kahler, C. W., Audrain-McGovern, J., & Leventhal, A. M. (2021). Bi-directional associations of electronic and combustible cigarette use onset patterns with depressive symptoms in adolescents: A longitudinal analysis. BMC Psychiatry, 21, 124. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28024859/
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Office on Smoking and Health. (2016). Patterns of e‑cigarette use among U.S. youth and young adults: A report of the Surgeon General (Chapter 2, Figure 2.7). In E‑cigarette use among youth and young adults [Internet]. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK538687/
Carrie K. Barker, Princy Ghera, Benson Hsu; The Evolution of a Pediatric Public Health Crisis: E-cigarette or Vaping-Associated Lung Injury. Pediatrics May 2024; 153 (5): e2023063484. 10.1542/peds.2023-063484 https://publications.aap.org/pediatrics/article/153/5/e2023063484/197109/The-Evolution-of-a-Pediatric-Public-Health-Crisis
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