Signs & Symptoms of Troubled Teens
Being the parent, relative, teacher or friend of a troubled teenager can be very stressful and frustrating. The teen years are sensitive, formative times in which people undergo an array of changes, both physical and emotional, many of which mold who we become in the future. At times, it can be difficult to distinguish between typical teenage rebellion and a serious problem.
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Home Problems
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Home problems are one of the main starting points with troubled teens. Some classic warning signs that a teen is troubled include disobeying household rules (such as curfew times), complete apathy and lack of interest toward family gatherings and activities, breaking away from duties (such as chores), abusive behavior (either physically or verbally), frequent lying, obsession with control and things suddenly or gradually becoming missing from the home.
Academic Difficulties
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Another red flag that a teen's life is becoming out of control is problems at school. If a teenager is routinely tardy to class or misses it altogether, it is a major sign that he is troubled. Another key sign is a dramatic slip in a teenager's grades. If a teenager rapidly goes from getting straight As to Cs, Ds and even Fs, a significant change is taking place.
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Peer Group
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If you notice that all of a sudden a teenager is hanging out with an entirely different peer group, she might be experiencing some personal problems. This is especially important if the new peer group seems to be a negative influence on her, particularly regarding school, drinking or substance abuse.
Depression
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Teenagers becoming emotionally withdrawn and sullen are also often experiencing serious troubles. If you notice that a teenager is experiencing random and severe mood swings, they most likely are in trouble. Some signs of these dramatic mood swings include sudden episodes of crying and refusal to talk to anyone else, sometimes for days on end.
Drugs, Alcohol and Sexual Activity
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If you are noticing signs of drug, alcohol use or hidden sexual activity, or even if you simply suspect that it could be taking place, the teenager could be heading down a troubled path. Even if a teen hides drug, alcohol abuse and sexual activity from family, friends and teachers, she could just be concealing the evidence or merely engaging in the behaviors away from home. Look for signs of use such as excessive spending of money or asking for more money than usual. One warning sign that a teenager is engaged in sexual activity is if she routinely spends the night away from home, or if you sometimes cannot track her whereabouts for days on end.
Negative Body Image
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Body image issues can also indicate trouble in teenage lives. This includes drastic weight gain or loss or dressing in a way to either play up or tone down sexuality. A twisted body image can not only lead to severe eating disorders (such as bulimia and anorexia nervosa) but also to emotional problems, such as depression and anxiety.
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References
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