The teenage years are difficult for both teens and their parents. As your child enters these confusing years it is important that you know what they are dealing with, but it is also important that you carefully watch for signs of emotional or mental problems. Is your teen struggling? There are signs you should be aware of, including:
Suicide Jokes or Comments- In the past few months has your teen commented or joked about committing suicide? Now is the time to consider outside help for the young adult in your life. Would you be surprised to learn suicide is a leading cause of teen death? This is one reason it is so important for parents to be aware of a teenager's thought process. Moreover, teens do not tend to joke about suicide and if they are mentioning it they are probably contemplating.
Experimenting with Drugs and Alcohol- Many teenager's see drug and alcohol experimentation as a rite of passage, and while it is a very common occurrence it is not something parents should overlook. Unfortunately, most parents do not know. Would you be shocked to learn most girls try alcohol by age 13? Boys try it even younger, statistically by age 11. There are some signs you can watch for when it comes to drugs and alcohol. Start with their behavior, have they had a sudden change in personality, friends, grades in school or begun to have problems with law enforcement? Couple behavioral changes with reddened eyes and nausea or vomiting and there is a good chance your child is at least dabbling in either alcohol or drugs.
Depression -- Depression is often accompanied by feelings of guilt or worthlessness, and many teenagers experience depression ranging from mild to severe. Your teenager may once have been a happy child, but now they're sullen, angry, and they are always putting themselves down. Your child may feel alone and helpless, and it's due to their depression.
Abuse -- Most teenagers won't be abusive to their siblings, but many of them will act out in the form of bullying or picking on the other kids in their class. Some kids will actually abuse, torture, or kill animals, such as pets like cats and dogs. The SPCA has found that children that abuse animals are much more likely to become violent with humans, and those that have this problem are often diagnosed with behavioral disorders.
Highs and Lows -- Depression is a common thing among even healthy teenager, but depression that is followed by periods of mania could be a symptom of bipolar disorders. Mania means being very active, with an elevated mood, unable to sit still or focus, and being too full of energy. It will be very noticeable when your child becomes manic, as they'll often do active tasks late into the night, sleep less, and their judgment will be impaired. They will often take dangerous or foolish risks.
As a parent it is your responsibility to be there for your kids, and when there is a possibility of emotional or mental health problems this is even more important. Correcting the problems is much easier when you catch them early on, so pay attention for signs. If you notice any of the above with your teenager, reach out for help sooner rather than later.
Suicide Jokes or Comments- In the past few months has your teen commented or joked about committing suicide? Now is the time to consider outside help for the young adult in your life. Would you be surprised to learn suicide is a leading cause of teen death? This is one reason it is so important for parents to be aware of a teenager's thought process. Moreover, teens do not tend to joke about suicide and if they are mentioning it they are probably contemplating.
Experimenting with Drugs and Alcohol- Many teenager's see drug and alcohol experimentation as a rite of passage, and while it is a very common occurrence it is not something parents should overlook. Unfortunately, most parents do not know. Would you be shocked to learn most girls try alcohol by age 13? Boys try it even younger, statistically by age 11. There are some signs you can watch for when it comes to drugs and alcohol. Start with their behavior, have they had a sudden change in personality, friends, grades in school or begun to have problems with law enforcement? Couple behavioral changes with reddened eyes and nausea or vomiting and there is a good chance your child is at least dabbling in either alcohol or drugs.
Depression -- Depression is often accompanied by feelings of guilt or worthlessness, and many teenagers experience depression ranging from mild to severe. Your teenager may once have been a happy child, but now they're sullen, angry, and they are always putting themselves down. Your child may feel alone and helpless, and it's due to their depression.
Abuse -- Most teenagers won't be abusive to their siblings, but many of them will act out in the form of bullying or picking on the other kids in their class. Some kids will actually abuse, torture, or kill animals, such as pets like cats and dogs. The SPCA has found that children that abuse animals are much more likely to become violent with humans, and those that have this problem are often diagnosed with behavioral disorders.
Highs and Lows -- Depression is a common thing among even healthy teenager, but depression that is followed by periods of mania could be a symptom of bipolar disorders. Mania means being very active, with an elevated mood, unable to sit still or focus, and being too full of energy. It will be very noticeable when your child becomes manic, as they'll often do active tasks late into the night, sleep less, and their judgment will be impaired. They will often take dangerous or foolish risks.
As a parent it is your responsibility to be there for your kids, and when there is a possibility of emotional or mental health problems this is even more important. Correcting the problems is much easier when you catch them early on, so pay attention for signs. If you notice any of the above with your teenager, reach out for help sooner rather than later.
About the Author:
Thank you to Innovative Medical Services and The Pinnacle Schools-Innovative reviews mental health information from the Pinnacle Schools -troubled teen issues and common complaints.
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