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Mental Health Danger Signs in Teens

December 6, 2016 by Jan Hamilton

Doorways Arizona Blog: Mental Health Danger Signs in TeensAs teens are developing, they go through a series of changes physically, emotionally, socially and intellectually. For a lot of teens, these changes can be overwhelming. According to Healthy Children, this is a critical time and these pressures can lead to mental health issues presenting themselves. As a parent, it is important for you to know what to look for so that you can determine if your teen is just experiencing “normal” teenage behavior or is beginning to suffer from mental health issues.

During this time, observe your teen’s behavior and determine what is normal and what is not. Here are some “red flags” to look for:

  • Personality changes that are out of character.
  • Loss of self-esteem.
  • Loss of interest in favorite activities.
  • Excessive sleeping or not sleeping.
  • Not wanting to go to school.
  • Sudden decline in grades.
  • Loss or gain of appetite and sudden weight loss or weight gain.
  • Secretive behavior
  • Not hanging out with old friends, dropping old friends and getting new friends very suddenly.
  • Anxiety, anger, or sadness.

If your teen is exhibiting some of these symptoms, here are a few suggestions to help them:

  1. Take your teen shopping or to the movies or out to eat, whatever they like, and just spend time with them, being open to conversation.  Believe it or not, our teens need us just as much in their teen years as they did when they were little.
  2. You could tell your teen that you’ve noticed they aren’t acting like themselves lately and try to get them to talk to you. Sometimes they will, sometimes they won’t. Don’t let their rejection get you down.
  3. Listen without judging. This can be the hardest thing for a parent to do. But we all need a safe place to vent our feelings and frustrations.
  4. Seek professional help. If you’re not able to break through to your teen, seek the help of an experienced therapist who specializes in working with teens.  At Doorways, we always offer a free consultation to parents who are looking for help for their troubled teen.

Being the parent of a teen with normal teen challenges is not easy. But if you’re experiencing extreme challenges with your teen it can be heart breaking.  It doesn’t mean you’re a failure as a parent. The fact that you are researching how to help your teen shows that you are a caring and loving parent.

At Doorways, our compassionate counselors treat teens with respect and caring. We listen without judging and we provide confidential help for teens and families going through crisis.

If something is going on, take that first step and give us a call today.  We have helped hundreds of families get their hope back and we would be honored to help you!

 

Filed Under: About, Parenting, Resources Tagged With: mental health danger signs in teens, parenting teens, teen mental health

What’s New

Substance Use Disorder IOP For Teens in Phoenix

The Substance Use Disorder IOP (Intensive Outpatient Program) at Doorways is a group therapy program for teens ages 13-17 who are struggling with drug or alcohol abuse.  The program will take place at our teen counseling clinic in Phoenix, Arizona. IOP may be recommended for those who do not … Read More

Upcoming Events

Free Parent Workshop! December 8th, 2020 @ 6pm

Available virtually or in-person at Doorways (limit of 10 in-person to ensure social distancing, please RSVP). Presentation led by Aviya Bensky, LAC. Aviya is the Clinical Lead forone of our DBT Skills IOPs and has experience with family issues, trauma, and adolescents who deal with life through … Read More

DBT 101 Skills Group for Teens 13-18 resumes in person starting Sept 23rd!

This program is designed specifically for adolescents who are struggling with: -Depression/Anxiety-Self-Harm/Suicidal Idealization-Poor emotion regulation-Difficulty establishing/maintaining healthy relationships-Substance use *This Group will be in person only* … Read More

Free Group! Real Talk About Vaping & Drugs

Need a place to talk about drug use? Are you looking for support and ways to have fun without using drugs? We welcome every teen to join us weekly for conversation, education and support regarding drugs of abuse. This is a "no judgment  zone" and a safe environment geared towards real talk with real … Read More

Doorways Calendar of Events

Check out our calendar of events to see what group programs or special events are going on at Doorways.   … Read More

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