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Troubled Teens

By Tammy McKillip April 15, 2014
Teens are notoriously moody and behaviorally unpredictable. As new hormones surge through their brains and rapidly expanding bodies during puberty, they can suffer from sleep disturbances, irritability, oversensitivity, and even physical aches and pains on a daily basis. 

When something tragic happens involving an incident of dramatic teen violence, and the news reports the perpetrator was "a quiet kid... a loner... moody... depressed...quick to anger," or other common teen traits, parents may worry about their own teen's relative mental and psychological stability.

Don't worry. Incidents of unprovoked extreme teen violence are rare, in spite of the impression you may have gotten from the 24-hour national/world news. Still, many teens do have more trouble coping with their extreme feelings, so you should take an active interest in your child's mental health and be on the lookout for warning signs that they might benefit from help.

Troubling Signs in your Teen

  • Sudden drop in academic performance
  • Lack of interest in school, sports, or social activities
  • Frequent complaints of stomach pains, headaches, or back aches
  • Reduction in energy level that lasts for more than a few days
  • Difficulty remembering things or focusing on tasks
  • Social isolation from friends and/or family
  • Physical or verbal aggression on a regular basis
  • Paranoia
  • Eating disorders or dramatic change in appetite
  • Change in sleep patterns that lasts for more than a few days
  • Resistance to school or social activities, or refusal to participate
  • Signs of drug or alcohol abuse
  • Sudden neglect of appearance and hygiene
  • Complains of voices or intrusive thoughts
  • An unusual pattern of sadness, anger, hopelessness, or frequent crying or screaming
  • Physically destructive behaviors
  • Becomes hostile or abusive with pets or other animals

Any teen is likely to experience one or more of these symptoms on occasion. But if you notice a pattern of disturbance, talk to your teen to see what's going on. If you're still worried after speaking with your child, seek the advice of a counselor or physician. Sometimes it's easier for your teen to speak with someone outside the family. Even if your child is resistant to discussing her problems with you, let her know she is not alone and that you are willing to give her the support she needs to work through her difficulties.

No matter how much he tries your patience, stay calm. Remember what it was like when YOU were a teen, and use your maturity to rise above the sarcasm, anger, blame, and personal attacks. Think of your teen as a ship sailing rough seas in a storm. Be his anchor.

If at any time you fear for your own safety, or for the safety of your family or teen, call 911 (in an emergency), or contact your family doctor, a crisis hotline or social services agency for help. Many organizations provide in-home crisis intervention or can refer you to out-patient psychiatric services where you and your teen can get help. There is no shame in doing anything you can to pull your troubled teen back from the brink of an abyss. Just don't let him fall.

Resources:

Mental Health and Teens: Healthy Children
Mayo Clinic: Teenage Depression
Suicide Hotline: 800-784-2433
Immediate Medical Assistance: 911
Crisis Call Center: 800-273-8255 or text ANSWER to 839863