Parents that
are raising a teenager will confirm that this age can be the most challenging
developmental stage for children. When adolescents transition into puberty they
will test boundaries with their parents while they experiment with their
expanding independence. Teenagers experiencing familial duress, struggling at
school with academics or social skills are a higher risk in developing mental
health concerns during this developmental stage. The most notable symptoms displayed
are anger, aggression, and irritability. Teens may also seem emotionally
detached or display a fear or inability to connect with others. There is usually
a decline in their academic performance and a disinterest in school activities.
Mental Health
Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) report that suicide is the 3rd
leading cause of death for adolescents 15 years old to young adults 24 years
old. A teen may experience depression if they are struggling with unresolved
grief due to the death of a loved one, loss of a relationship, their hopes or
dreams, abandonment or experienced a traumatic event. There are also biological
factors to consider as genetics, chemical imbalances, or a head injury can
create depression. Research reports that 3% to 8 % of children have some form of
mental health concerns.
Parents that
are concerned with the severity of symptoms they are observing in their child
should seek help from a mental health professional. Contact your insurance
company or primary care physician for a mental health referral. They will
discuss the options available to provide the support necessary for your child
and family. Options that are available are individual, group and family
therapy, medication management or a combination of them can be utilized.
Create a Support System
To help
protect the physical safety and the mental well being of your child, parents
must create a united dyad for their teen. Establish rules that are clearly
defined and sensible so that they are enforced consistently. Monitor their
computer usage, text messages and other popular websites like Facebook or
Twitter. Create time to listen and talk to your teen so that you can be aware
of the daily stressors that are encountered each day.
Research
states that the pressure to use tobacco, alcohol, and illegal drugs come from
wanting to be accepted, belong or noticed. If your child has difficulty making
friends invite their peers over to study or play video games. Offer to give
their friends a ride home so that you can get to know them. Try not to judge
their choice of friends until you’ve had the opportunity to spend time with
them. Join social clubs or programs that are available to your teen. Adolescents
that participate in school, community and faith based activities are less likely
to become involved in using cigarettes, alcohol, or illegal drugs.
Children who
have both parents involved with their care will perform better at school, have
higher self-esteem and fewer delinquent behaviors. They will also be successful
when pursuing higher levels of education to create economic stability for
themselves as an adult. Children learn their social skills and how to deal with
the stress in their lives by listening and watching their role models. As
adults we should all work to set a good example for children to follow.
No comments:
Post a Comment