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:
Jokes or Comments about Suicide -- Has your teenager joked about committing suicide at any point in the last few months? If so, it's important that you consider getting help for the teenager. With suicide being the #3 leading cause of teenaged death, it's important that you're aware of what's going on inside your teenager's head. They will rarely joke about it if they aren't seriously considering it.
Alcohol and Drugs- It is not uncommon for teenager's to experiment with drugs and alcohol, at least once or twice, and parents usually do not know. Statistics say boys will try alcohol around age 11 and girls by age 13. Have you noticed a drastic change in your child's personality or judgement? Bloodshot eyes, frequent vomiting or stomach illness are all signs they may be drinking or doing drugs. Of course, legal issues and falling grades are also prime indicators that your teen is testing their wings by experimenting with drugs, alcohol or both.
Depressed- Depression can strike at any age, but teens are especially susceptible to feelings of worthlessness or guilt. These feelings can range from mild to severe and occur in children who were once happy go lucky. If your child has suddenly become angry, self-deprecating or sullen, depression is the likely culprit. Teenager's experiencing bouts of depression may feel helpless and alone so it is important that parents take action.
Bully- Just because your teenager is not a bully at home, does not mean the same is true at school. Many parents are shocked to learn their teen is taunting and tormenting classmates. There are times when this type of cruelty can boil over to the family pets, some kids will torture, abuse or kill small animals. Research has proven that this type of behavior is likely to escalate as children get older, leading to violent behavior with other people. A personality or behavior disorder is often diagnosed in these cases.
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.
Jokes or Comments about Suicide -- Has your teenager joked about committing suicide at any point in the last few months? If so, it's important that you consider getting help for the teenager. With suicide being the #3 leading cause of teenaged death, it's important that you're aware of what's going on inside your teenager's head. They will rarely joke about it if they aren't seriously considering it.
Alcohol and Drugs- It is not uncommon for teenager's to experiment with drugs and alcohol, at least once or twice, and parents usually do not know. Statistics say boys will try alcohol around age 11 and girls by age 13. Have you noticed a drastic change in your child's personality or judgement? Bloodshot eyes, frequent vomiting or stomach illness are all signs they may be drinking or doing drugs. Of course, legal issues and falling grades are also prime indicators that your teen is testing their wings by experimenting with drugs, alcohol or both.
Depressed- Depression can strike at any age, but teens are especially susceptible to feelings of worthlessness or guilt. These feelings can range from mild to severe and occur in children who were once happy go lucky. If your child has suddenly become angry, self-deprecating or sullen, depression is the likely culprit. Teenager's experiencing bouts of depression may feel helpless and alone so it is important that parents take action.
Bully- Just because your teenager is not a bully at home, does not mean the same is true at school. Many parents are shocked to learn their teen is taunting and tormenting classmates. There are times when this type of cruelty can boil over to the family pets, some kids will torture, abuse or kill small animals. Research has proven that this type of behavior is likely to escalate as children get older, leading to violent behavior with other people. A personality or behavior disorder is often diagnosed in these cases.
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.
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Thank you to Innovative Medical for posting more on The Pinnacle Schools reviews of mental health problems in teens.
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