Signs Your Teen Is In Trouble

Recurrent depression, lamenting Adolescents might illustrate their invasive grief by dressing up in black outfits, scripting poems with gloomy messages and themes, or having an obsession with tunes that have sad themes. They possibly will cry for no obvious cause, spend too much time in bed or sleeping. Complaining about body aches and pains may be a sign of inner feelings of despair and sadness.

Less attention in favorite past times and hobbies
Adolescents may turn out to be indifferent and lose interest in partying, clubs, games, and additional past times they once happened to enjoy. Nothing seems to interest a troubled teenager.

Constant dullness
Lack of inspiration, enthusiasm and less energy is noticed by irregular attendance in school. The
child becomes very dull and depressed.

Isolation, separation, introversion
Teenagers may shun family and friends. Teens who loved spending time with friends will stay in isolation when struggling emotionally. Teenagers may not share their feelings with anyone thinking that no one cares about them and they are all alone in the world. This will further add to their worries leading to depression.

Low self-worth
Teens may feel like they are failures in life and this will have a negative impact on their self-esteem and self worth.

Intense fear of failure
Thinking that they are not worth anything in life and they are failures will lead to further depression.

Amplified bad temper, annoyance, or aggression
Unhappy adolescents are often bad-tempered, leading to misbehavior and resistance to family.

Complexity with relations
Teenagers may suddenly stop calling friends and relatives. Stay in isolation.

Recurrent complaints of body pain and nervousness
Teenagers may complain of body pain, menstrual problems and bouts of nervousness leading to
depression.

Less ability to concentrate
Teenagers may have a problem in concentrating in studies, following a television program or
following a conversation.

Efforts of running away from home
Running away is a major sign of depression and it is a cry for assistance.

Consuming alcohol and drugs
Depressed teens will consume drugs and alcohol to feel better. Watch for signs of missing
money, personal possessions, or spending great amounts of time away from home with
questionable friends.

Self-Destruction
Adolescents who struggle to talk about heir inner feelings may resort to self-destructive
behaviors, such as cutting or purging. Wearing clothing that covers their body when the weather
does not warrant it, spending too much time alone or in the bathroom may be signs of trouble.

Be there when your child needs you
Once you have confirmed that your child is a troubled teen, what is the next step you should
take? It is important to accept the fact that you might not be able to help your child without
professional help.

Consider the following measures:
1. Consult your teen's doctor –The first measure is to get a physical check up done in order
to detect if there are any physical problems connected to health. Get an appointment with the
doctor immediately, without delay. Hormonal changes in the body may be the main reason for all
problems, so consulting the doctor is an important first step.

2. Consult the guidance counselor at school – Though he/she might not be in a position to
provide the child a one-on-one counseling service, he/she can be of great help by telling you
about the attitude and the troubling behavior of the child that the teachers and the other staff
members might have taken note of. This can be of great help in finding out the child's moods
and behavior when away from home.

3. Consult a professional counselor and look for proper counseling-If you don't know whom to

approach and whom to contact, consult your pediatrician or your school's counselor to help in
contacting and providing names of recommended counselors and psychiatrists.

4. Treatment centers – The counselor, therapist or psychiatrist that you may consult may feel
that your teenager is too troubled and his/her behavior is too troubling to treat as an outpatient.
In such a situation you will have to admit your teen in a treatment center for a time period
suggested by the doctors and consultants in the center.

5. Communicate – Communicating with your child may be very difficult at this phase of their
life, you need to make an intensive and determined effort to keep the lines of communication
open as much as possible. This will help them to converse without hesitation. You should
encourage more time to be spent with the family. Go out with them. Give them your time. Show
that you care. Show them that you are there beside them to love and support them. Encourage
them to invite their friends for lunch or dinner. Search for new hobbies that you and your child
can enjoy together. Professional help and good communication can help your teen in this phase of life. Being a
parent, you need to understand your child and give them all the love, care and support.

For more information on how to influence your teen go to http://www.arbinger.com/events/articles/
and register to download articles. "The Pyramid of Influence" and "What We Are" particularly pertinent
articles for parents.