Mumbai-based author and podcaster Aaria Varma, 17, has published The Teenage Brain Under Pressure, a research-based book examining adolescence in a digital and high-pressure environment.

The book covers academic stress, social media, anxiety, loneliness, identity, comparison and neurodiversity. Drawing on neuroscience, psychology and discussions with mental health professionals, it explains adolescent brain development for teenagers, parents and educators.

It also examines how teenagers experience emotions and stress, the impact of social media on attention and self-esteem, and the neuroscience of anxiety and depression. ADHD and dyscalculia are among the topics covered, alongside ways to manage examination stress and academic pressure.

“Growing up today comes with pressures that can often feel overwhelming, yet many teenagers struggle to understand why they feel the way they do,” Varma said. “My hope is that the book helps teenagers understand themselves better and encourages adults to listen to young people with greater empathy and understanding.”

Varma began working on adolescent mental health issues at 15 and later launched ZenZ, a podcast featuring psychiatrists, educators and mental health professionals. It addresses subjects including examination stress, peer pressure, cyberbullying, social media and self-worth.

She has also participated in stress-management programmes for teenagers across India.

The book has reached the No. 1 position in an Amazon bestseller category and is available online.

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