There are reasons a teen’s mental health is not prioritized. Some parents are unknowing of what their teenager is going through, or some might simply be in denial. It is a heavy burden on a parent’s shoulder, indeed. Parents must take a closer look at their teenagers’ daily life.
If there are changes in behavior, if the child is withdrawn or seems socially uncomfortable, it may be time to talk to their pediatrician or a therapist. These specialists can tell you if the teenager manifests typical behavior or needs urgent support.
Reasons for Therapy
Mental health counseling services are not just about life-altering events or serious mental problems. A teenager might be going through an extremely tough time, and as both body and mind are still developing, they may require support to go through it. Here are some common factors a teen may require help.
Social Issues
Unbeknownst to the parents, a teenager might have dilemmas with bullies, friends, or perhaps the authority in school. The child may not know who to turn to for help if confronted with these.
Depression and Anxiety
Such can come from nowhere or may leave the child wondering where the feelings are coming from. Fighting depression and anxiety can make the teenager feel defeated. Early intervention is essential to prevent these from lasting till adulthood.
Trauma
Physical and psychological trauma can leave a long-lasting impact. Recovery from such instances requires a guiding hand and sound advice, according to the experts at a Georgia counseling center.
Grief
A teen’s sense of loss may be more profound than a grownup’s. There are times when the whole family needs to be involved when a teenager processes grief.
Struggling for Identity
A very delicate topic for teenagers would be sexual orientation or gender identity. Accepting one’s self might be more difficult for some. Clinics like The Summit Counseling Center can give them clarity.
Low Self-Esteem
Some might experience low self-esteem and can find it hard to function daily. If this is ignored, a teen might find it challenging to participate in social activities.
Sexual Inappropriateness
Issues of sexual misbehavior may root in something– exposure to TV, social media, inappropriate remarks from peers, or sexual abuse. Intervention must be provided if sexualized misbehavior is noticed.
Self-Harm
Dangerous behavior or causing self-injury is a call for help. The teenager might have issues processing emotions or the absence of them.
The Dangers of Ignoring Problems
If minor concerns are disregarded, it may lead to major issues. If any of these starts, the problem may be bigger and deeper in the teenager’s mind. These are things a parent can prevent before the teenager shifts into adulthood.
- Substance abuse – Alcohol and drugs may be a way for teenagers to self-medicate.
- Suicidal inclinations – There is no single cause for suicide. Nevertheless, the possibility of attempts may occur if signals are ignored.
- Severe behavioral problems – These may be anger issues, aggressiveness and violent acts, and more. If a teenager suppresses emotions, such problems may last into adulthood.
- Eating disorders – Such problems can be caused by extreme pressure in sports, body shaming, etc. These can result in serious health concerns.
- Legal Issues – If not treated with therapy, a teen may ultimately get legal problems.
The Bottomline
Get your teenager to talk. Let them know that therapy is a safe place for them. They can discover new things to help them deal with their problems and discover their strengths. If they are not comfortable with therapy, you can go to discover new ideas and skills to help your teen. Do not permit any challenges to professional counseling to get your teen back on track.
