Introduction
The problem that most parents seeking treatment for their teenager’s mental health problems is telling the difference between normal teen behavior and conducts that point to a more serious problem. While it is normal for teenagers to have some ups and downs, you need to watch out for declining grades, high levels of irritability or anxiety, and social withdrawal. However, since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in late 2019, all of these symptoms have become ordinary in teens around the world. Amid the pandemic, it is even more difficult today to spot the tipping point. Check trt telemedicine here.
But this does not mean that you should sound the alarm each time your teenage child experiences a mood swing. Instead, you should pay maximum attention to what happens in their life. So, how do you tell when your child’s behavior needs a visit to one of the many psychiatrists in Louisville KY? In this article, we take you through the signs that your child’s actions are out of the ordinary and need help from a licensed therapist Louisville KY. Read on to learn more. Are you struggling to live a normal life due to unresolved trauma? Intensive Trauma Therapy may be what you need. This type of therapy is powerful and can provide an immediate shift.
Your teen child stops reaching out
One sign of a depressed child is when they don’t spend time with their parents as they used to do. It is at this time that adolescents start drifting away from their parents as the main source of connection. While it tends to feel like a major loss for parents, this kind of differentiation is vital for teenagers to go through. But if your son or daughter isn’t reaching out to peers, choosing to stay inside their rooms, and not seeking the support of their parents despite seeming to be struggling, you should take these as warning signs of clinical depression. We may be isolating to some extent, but if your child appears to isolate from everyone including family and close friends, that is a serious cause for worry.
Your child abuses alcohol or drugs, or engage in risky behaviors
There is nothing unusual in being curious about your adolescent child’s alcohol and drugs use. Even when they experiment with alcohol and drugs mildly, it can still be said to be within an acceptable range. But when the drinking or use of substances starts affecting their decisions and behaviors, take that as a sure sign that they need intervention by a therapist Louisville KY. Watch out for binge drinking, drug paraphernalia in a teen’s room, significant change in appearance, lying about drug use, or going out with new friends.
Another significant risk factor is a family history of abusing alcohol and substances. Similarly, while it is typical for adolescents to try out new interests and sexuality, if you notice that your teen child is engaging in risky sexual activities, it should start worrying.
Childhood trauma is resurfacing.
The way the human brain is wired is that it is hypervigilant for trauma or distress signs, especially for people with a history of trauma. The pandemic has made us experience some sort of collective trauma, which has triggered traumatic experiences for people who suffered from it in the past. If your child has survived traumatic events or abuse, you should be wary when they start expressing concerns over flashbacks, dissociative symptoms, and nightmares. However, you also need to note that your child’s past trauma may be linked in some way to family dynamics. If your child is not comfortable opening up to you, try approaching some of the top psychiatrists in Louisville KY to discuss the issue.
They harm themselves or talk about suicide
Theoretical curiosity about suicide is normal for teens, and you don’t need to avoid the conversations. But you should be concerned if your teenage child is constantly talking about attempting suicide. Also, watch out for phrases like “I’m a burden”, “this world is better off without me”, and “no one will miss me”. This calls for immediate action.
Although self-harm doesn’t qualify to be a suicidal behavior, it indicates an urgent requirement for assessment and support from a therapist Louisville KY.
Drastic Decline in Academic Performance
The pandemic has caused even students that used to enjoy school and performed well to be less motivated. They may not be excited about engaging in hybrid or remote learning. But a total loss of interest or a steep drop in grades requires further investigation.
Family history of mental health condition or trauma
A sizeable chunk of mental health conditions have a genetic component, and the consequences of significant trauma tend to be passed down to generations, making teenagers with this history to be especially vulnerable. If you have this family history, you may do with additional support to get a stable foundation that enables you to help your teenage child. Like we have said before, if your child is not comfortable talking o you, provide them with resources and mental health experts to counsel them.
A significant change in your teen’s personality
All teenagers show moodiness, an urge to challenge authority, and occasional grumpiness and it is completely normal. Teens have to balance an ever-growing need for independence and complex hormonal shifts. They also have to deal with the effects of a global pandemic. But if your previously outgoing and communicative teen suddenly becomes withdrawn and sullen, it should worry you. And if your child has a history of challenging authority, watch out for a rise in aggressive or violent behaviors. That’s a sure sign that you need to seek professional help for them. If your child exhibits intense irritability or sadness, or feelings of worthiness, the best thing is to reach out for support.
Conclusion
Teenage children are rebellious or generally difficult, and this is within their normal behavior. However, some actions should have you worried. If your child’s academic performance drops significantly, or they lose interest in their school, become intensely irritable or sad, or experience a significant change in their personality, they may be dealing with a bigger problem and not just typical teen behaviors. Contact a therapist Louisville KY for help if your child does not feel comfortable opening up to you. Seeking help early is critical to stemming a more serious problem.