When Your Teen Needs Emotional Help

It’s not easy being a teenager. If your child is overwhelmed by physical and emotional changes, specialists can help.

The teen years are rarely easy. This is a time of tremendous physical and emotional changes. But for some young people, life becomes overwhelming. It may be because of an underlying emotional illness such as depression, or it just may be the teen’s individual reaction to stress.

How can you tell if a teen is in emotional trouble? The symptoms vary depending on the young person. He or she may withdraw from friends and family, become violent, escape through alcohol or drugs, or talk about suicide.

However the problem shows itself, the young person needs expert help right away.

Symptoms of Emotional Trouble

• Frequent vague physical complaints such as headaches, muscle aches, stomachaches or tiredness
• Frequent absences from school or poor performance
• Talk of or efforts to run away from home
• Outbursts or shouting, complaining or crying; increased irritability or anger
• Boredom, lack of energy
• Lack of interest in activities and friendships; social isolation
• Persistent sadness or hopelessness
• Loss of self-esteem, feelings of worthlessness
• Significant change in eating or sleeping patterns
• Reckless behavior
• Self-destructive statements or talk of death

A teen’s mental health crisis may stem from...

• Depression
• Anxiety disorder
• Bipolar disorder (manic depressive illness)
• Attention deficit disorder (ADD)
• Family conflicts
• School difficulties
• Loss and grieving
• Effects of trauma or abuse
• Eating disorders
• Drug or alcohol use
• Sexual or gender identity problems
• Emotional problems related to physical illness

Questions?
If you have questions about what you should do for a troubled teen, please call 610-402-CARE. Our staff of specially educated nurses can answer your questions, help you decide what level of treatment is needed, and refer you to one of our programs or to a psychiatrist or other mental health professional in our network.

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