How to Tell If Your Teen Might Need Counseling

As a parent, it can be challenging at times to know when your teen might need extra support. Adolescence is a time full of intense change. Teens are faced with physical , emotional and social changes. It can be difficult to decipher whether or not your teen is having a difficult time adjusting to adolescence or if they require professional help.

Below we're going to explore different warning signs to look out for if you begin noticing your teen acting differently.

Warning signs to consider:

• Sleep pattern changes - Have you noticed your teen sleeping more or less than usual?

• Feelings of sadness, hopelessness or depression - Have you noticed your teen crying for no reason? This could also look like physical changes such as having low energy or not having much of an appetite.

• Excessive worrying - Anxiety can manifest itself physically as well as mentally. This could look like stomaches, headaches or even panic attacks.

• Mood swings - Have you notice that there are things making them upset that wouldn't usually bother them?

• Increased irritability, agitation or anger - This can look like aggression or power struggles. This can also manifest itself as your teen struggling to express emotions in a healthy way.

• Cognitive symptoms - This can look like your teen having difficulty with focus, concentration or memory.

• Self harm - Self harm is usually defined by harming oneself without the intention of ending ones life. This could include cutting, biting, or punching oneself. You might notice unexplainable scars, bruises or marks on your child's skin. Your teen might wear high coverage clothing even in warm weather. This could also manifest itself as your teen having a high defensiveness for privacy.

• Abandoning activities once enjoyed - Have you noticed your teen no longer engaging in activities they usually enjoy? This could look like your teen no longer seeming like themselves or withdrawing from sports or other extracurricular activities.

• Social withdrawal or avoidance - Have you noticed your teen withdrawing from people or activities they usually enjoy?

• Performance changes in school, athletics or other extracurriculars

• Substance use - Is your teen engaging in harmful substances such as drugs or are they drinking under age?

What if my teen is having thoughts of suicide?

Suicidal thoughts should NEVER be dismissed or ignored. If your teen is in crisis right now, call 988. This will connect you with Lifeline, the suicide hotline.

If you are concerned about whether or not your child could be exhibiting warning signs of suicide, here is an article that talks about how to spot the warning signs of suicide.

How to speak with your adolescent about counseling

• Create a safe space for your child to be heard - lead with listening and empathy.

• Strive to listen more than you speak - seek to understand first.

• Be comfortable with stretches of silence - give your teen the space to formulate their thoughts and feelings even if that takes a few uncomfortable moments of silence.

• Consider your own biases and stigmas surrounding mental health - if your teen needs additional support, this does not mean you have not been a good parent to them.

How to support your teen in connecting with a therapist

• Find a therapist who specializes in adolescent, teen or young adult therapy

• Inform yourself on what your child can expect when they attend therapy for the first time. Some therapists will meet with both the parent and teen initially, while others might choose to meet with both parties separately.

• Consult with your teen on what factors might be important to them when finding a therapist. What do they want in a provider? Some things to consider are gender, age, specializations and therapeutic approaches.

Other reasons a teen might be interested in seeing a therapist

• It's common for teens to feel anxiety and stress due to the overwhelming pressure of trying to figure out their future. College, jobs, and the possibility of moving away from home are all big decisions your teen is likely thinking about as they get older.

• Bullying or cyberbullying

• Family struggles

• Chronic health conditions

• Childhood trauma

• ADHD diagnosis

• Difficulty navigating academics

• Parents are divorcing

• Peer pressure

Ways therapy can be helpful for your teen

• Therapy can help your teen explore and improve their sense of self-esteem

• Build social skills

• Cope with transitional changes

• Process grief and loss

• Improve impulse control

• Identify and grow in strengths

Whether your teen has asked for counseling directly, or you feel like your child could use the extra support, we hope that this post has equipped you with more information and tools as you begin coordinating care for your adolescent.

If you feel like your teen could use additional support, our incredible team of therapists would love to help! Our staff can also answer any further questions you have about teen counseling. Reach out to set up a free 15 minute phone consultation and see who on our team would be a good fit for your family.