What are the signs of a Troubled Teenager?
* Teenage Isolation
For a teenager, friends mean the world. So if you notice that your kid likes the company of himself more than anyone else, check out why.
* Peer Groups
New friends you’ve never met - On the other hand, if your adolescent’s hanging out with a whole new group of friends, but not even giving you a clue as to who they might be, then you may be concerned. This change of friends may also lead to a change in “look” as well.
* Concealment
When it seems your child is hiding things from you, not just her diary but significant events that concern her well-being, then you may be worried. She may be habitually late or not at the right place at the designated time.
* School Problems
If your child’s grades are plummeting or he/she may not even want to attend school to begin with, then this may be a signal of things going amiss. Getting into fights at school or disputes with teachers is another obvious sign.
* Eccentricity
When your child experiences difficulty fitting in with his peers, strange behavior may be something to look into. It may even be early signs of a mental disorder.
* Drugs and Alcohol
Trying out drugs or alcohol may be a part of many teenagers’ lives but when this becomes habitual or goes together with school troubles, then be warned. This may also be accompanied by missing money from the house or your wallet at times.
* Anxiety and Depression
Deep-seated emotional issues may be detected through the expression of negative feelings. If you notice “suicide” as a popular term in your desktop’s search engine, then be wary. Unless your child is doing his Senior Research Paper on the topic, then his depression may be urging him on to commit the ultimate act of self-destruction.
* Violence
Violence (to one’s self or others) - Self-harm is an obvious cry for help. Any kind of violence inflicted onto others is also a sign of trouble for your teen.
* Body Image
A distorted body image and weight loss/gain not only makes an emotional issue that must be addressed apparent, but it is a vital health issue as well. One must take note of shifting sleep or eating patterns.
* Nervous Breakdown
If your child shows how he/she cannot deal with the day-to-day issues of adolescence, then be on your guard and ready to show your support.
* Moody Teenagers
Changes in temperament- Smiling one moment and shrieking the next can be a signal of disorder. Anger which is uncalled for, should not be dismissed as a simple temper.
