A mental health counselor is an excellent resource for teens looking to work through anything troubling them. The problem, however, is knowing if a teen’s behavior is normal or if they need therapy.
Teens go through a series of changes that may make it difficult to tell whether they are behaving normally or need help. If you’re unsure whether your teen needs therapy, check out the warning signs to watch out for that tell you your child needs teen therapy.
1. Constant Mood Changes
Mood swings are common among teenagers. However, if your teen’s moods keep swinging up and down, and it’s distressing not only to the teen but even to family and friends, that may be cause for concern.
2. Withdrawing From People and Activities
If your teen suddenly stops spending time with people and stops engaging in activities like they used to, they may be isolating themselves to cope with problems. This can mean they’re having a difficult time and need help.
3. Dropping Grades
Was your teen a strong student before, but you noticed his grades suddenly dropped? If so, the sudden change in their academic performance may be a sign that they’re struggling with something and may need help.
4. Self-Harm
A definite red flag to watch out for is self-harm. When teens are unable to cope with their emotions, some turn to self-harm. This is a sign that they are in need of urgent help. Self-harm can turn into a serious injury at any point. Also, it may or may not exist alongside suicidal thoughts.
5. Illegal Activities
If your teen begins engaging in illegal activities such as the consumption of illegal drugs, theft, and so on, it’s a sign of delinquent or deviant behavior and is an indication that something bigger is going on and help is needed.
6. Running Away
Coping with situations may be too overwhelming for some teens, and some find themselves running away from home. If your teen leaves home, it can be a sign of more serious issues that need to be resolved.
7. Eating Problems
Eating too little, too much, or erratically can all be signs of something bigger. When teens can’t handle their emotions, eating can be disturbed and manifest in various eating behaviors that may cause serious harm to their health.
8. Trauma
Has your teen recently experienced a traumatic event? Trauma can cause significant emotional distress without proper processing and recovery. If your teen recently experienced something that caused them to have strong feelings, counseling can be a huge help with processing their thoughts and emotions.
9. Excessive Worrying
We all worry from time to time, but if your teen is constantly worried that it’s preventing them from engaging in activities such as going to school, observing proper hygiene, eating well, or getting enough sleep, they may need help.
10. Talk of Death
Has your teen been talking about death or has he or she expressed thoughts about ending his or her life? These may be a cry for help and may be symptoms of depression or related problems.
Book Teen Therapy in Newport
What may seem like unusual behavior may actually be a serious cry for help or a symptom of something bigger. If you spot any of the behaviors listed, try teen therapy with Keil Psych Group!
We’re a team of active, involved therapists who provide insight, growth, and healing for those who seek our help. Reach out to Keil Psych Group today to learn more about teen therapy!
