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10 Warning Signs Your Teen May Need Professional Help – What Every Parent Should Know

By Stephen C. Schultz


How is a parent to know if the concerns they have about their teenage son or daughter need to be addressed at a professional level? When is it time to seek the help of a therapist? How do you measure progress in behavior as well as maturity? Are they simply going through the turbulent teen years, or is there something more serious going on?

Teens today face an unrelenting barrage of messages coming at them from many different sources. The media influences how they behave, speak, dress, and interact with others. Technology provides communication opportunities never before seen, yet there are few standards regarding the social implications of its use. Additionally, parental expectations regarding education and external pressure to excel in all aspects of life can create stress and anxiety.




Listed below are some areas that parents should be aware of so they can intervene early and help their child navigate these challenges before they escalate.

10 Warning Signs Parents Should Be Aware Of:

  1. Sudden Changes in Behavior – Extreme mood swings, withdrawal from family, or uncharacteristic aggression.

  2. Declining Academic Performance – A noticeable drop in grades, skipping classes, or loss of interest in schoolwork.

  3. Isolation from Family and Friends – Avoiding social interactions, spending excessive time alone, or cutting off communication.

  4. Drastic Changes in Sleep Patterns – Insomnia, excessive sleeping, or irregular sleep schedules.

  5. Loss of Interest in Hobbies – Abandoning activities they once enjoyed without replacing them with new interests.

  6. Experimentation with Drugs or Alcohol – Any indication of substance use, even if occasional.

  7. Defiance or Rule-Breaking – Increased dishonesty, sneaking out, or breaking curfews and household rules.

  8. Signs of Anxiety or Depression – Persistent sadness, feelings of hopelessness, or excessive worry.

  9. Unexplained Physical Symptoms – Frequent headaches, stomachaches, or complaints of feeling unwell with no medical explanation.

  10. Self-Harm or Suicidal Thoughts – Any mention of self-harm, cutting, or thoughts of suicide should be taken seriously and addressed immediately.

Recognizing these warning signs early can help parents seek the appropriate support and intervention for their teen. If you notice several of these behaviors in your child, consulting a professional therapist may be beneficial.



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Comments

Bar Clarke said…
Really great I(nformation, Steve. Thanks, as always for posting.
August 11, 2011 at 10:46 AM
Stephen C. Schultz said…
Thanks for the comment Bar! Always good to hear from you!
August 11, 2011 at 9:57 PM
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