Adolescents

Being an adolescent is very difficult; in 2021, leading medical groups in the US declared a national emergency in child and adolescent mental health. According to the World Health Organization one in seven 10-19 year olds globally experience a mental health disorder, yet these largely go unrecognized and untreated. In Canada, 20% of young people will develop a mental illness by the age of 25. Additionally, 70% of mental health problems have their onset during childhood or adolescence  (Youth Mental Health Canada). 

 

Signs your teen may be having mental health difficulties:

In addition to more overt symptoms like mood swings, irritability, anger and tearfulness, you may see:

• Notable changes in sleep, weight, eating habits or other everyday patterns

• Spending too much time video gaming or on social media

• Loss of interest in the things they usually love or quitting activities that they enjoy

• Withdrawing more than usual from friends, family and community

• Canceling plans with their closest friends with little or no explanation

• Academic struggles that seem different or more intense: for example, failing quizzes in their favorite subject or refusing to do homework that once would have seemed easy

• Running thoughts or worries that won't leave them alone

• A whole new set of friends you've never met before

• Refusing to talk about what's bothering them, even after you've made it as safe as possible to discuss hard issues openly

• Obsession with a certain goal, possibly with the belief that if they don't achieve it, their life will never be the same

• Signs of drug, alcohol or other substance use

• Signs of self-harm such as cuts, burns, bruises, etc. that your teen tries to hide or can't explain fully and credible

• Sexual activity or interest that seems new or more intense than before

 

Keep in mind that having just one symptom on this list doesn't mean your teen is experiencing a full-blown crisis. Biological changes, including the hormone shifts all tweens and teens go through, can affect your child's mood, school performance and more. But if you consistently see one or more of these signs, it may be time to open a conversation about mental health with your teen and seek professional support.

 

Therapy can help adolescents struggling with:

• substance use

• gaming addiction

• acting out/defiance

• grief/loss

• anger

• difficulties at school

• regulating emotions

• self-harm, suicidal thoughts

• anxiety, depression or other mental health concerns

• ADHD

• challenges with motivation

• academic related struggles (time management, procrastination)

• social problems

• conflict at home

• eating disorders

• self esteem

• perfectionism

• dealing with difficult changes, life stressors

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We can also provide comprehensive assessment services to help you to better understand your child.

 

Reach out and contact us if you have conversations for your child's wellbeing. We can provide a 15 minute free consultation call.