Tiffany Reves, MA, LPC

SIGNS YOUR TEEN MAY NEED HELP

Often, in my practice, I hear parents say “I never saw this coming,” or “we had no idea this was going on.” It is fair to say that we often get busy in our day to day lives and miss what is going on around us. Fortunately, for parents, by knowing the warning signs of destructive or depressed behavior, you can address concerns early on before they turn in to something more serious. Below I have listed a few warning signs to look for:

• Acting Out – changes in grades, changes in friends, quitting extracurricular activities, significant behavioral changes

• Withdrawn/Isolated – spending more time in room or away from friends and family

• Irritable – easily agitated or upset

• Fighting – increase in arguing with parents/siblings

• Depressed – changes in sleeping and eating patterns, sullen, lethargic, loss of interest in friends and activities

• Helpless – feelings and statements of hopelessness

• Anxious – statements or behavior reflecting fear, anxiety, nervousness

• Physical Symptoms – chronic pain not otherwise explained, constant aches or pains

• Lack of ability to function – difficulty in school, relationships, work

If you feel that your child suffers from any of these, don’t be afraid to find someone to talk to and someone for your child to talk to. It is a difficult world for young people today with the pressures of school, home, work, and peers coupled with the developmental changes they are going through in their mind, body, and emotions. Taking the step to talk with someone is not only a preventative measure but it also allows your child a safe place to deal with these factors before their behavior becomes harmful. For more information, do not hesitate to contact me by phone 972-841-8454 or email at tiffanyreves@gmail.com.