Caring for your teens: How to know when they need counseling
The teenage experience has been forever changed by the constant presence of social media and smart phones. Teenagers in particular struggle to manage these resources and set appropriate boundaries. They are more prone than adults to addiction and as smart phones have risen in prominence, statistically, teenage mental health has declined. The past few years have been particularly difficult on teenagers with recent data indicating an increase in depression, anxiety and suicidal ideation since the pandemic. If you are raising a teenager, you may be wondering when to pursue professional counseling. Our professional Christian counseling staff in Tampa is ready to help you navigate these difficult times. Here is some info to help you decide if your teenager could benefit from professional counseling.
According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) here are some signs that your teenager may be struggling with mental illness. If your teen is experiencing any of the below symptoms, we urge you to get them professional counseling as soon as possible::
They lose interest in activities that they used to enjoy
They have low energy
They have difficulty sleeping or eating
They spend more time alone and avoid social activities
They excessively exercise, diet, and/or binge eat
They harm themselves (e.g., burning or cutting their skin)
They use alcohol, tobacco, or other drugs
They engage in risky or destructive behavior
They have thoughts of suicide
They think their mind is being controlled or is out of control or hear things other people cannot hear
Not every teenager who would benefit from counseling is showing the above signs. Many times, teenage struggles are much more subtle than this. Teenagers go through an incredible amount of changes in a short period of time. It can be disorienting for parents to try and understand why the person who used to voluntarily hold their hand in the mall now hardly makes eye contact with them. It is also confusing for teenagers to understand the enormous emotional and psychological shifts that are happening in these years. Even if your child is not dealing with a major mental health episode, there are other, more subtle signs that your teenager may be struggling and could benefit from professional counseling in Tampa, FL:
They no longer hang out with the friends they used to enjoy. Changes in a group of friends is not necessarily negative, but can be very hard for a teenager to process. Understanding the reasons for these kinds of shifts can be confusing and they may need some objective help navigating a change like this.
They spend more time than ever on their phones. Do they struggle to set and keep limits on screen time? If you try to set limits on screen time and they cannot keep them, they may be dealing with a phone addiction and need help from a professional counselor to break out of this. Phones are designed to make us addicted to them and the teenage brain is far more susceptible to addiction than the fully formed adult brain.
You have noticed a shift in their demeanor. Some things are only noticeable to those who know us the best. If you notice that your teen has become more edgy or withdrawn, and they are struggling to articulate or understand a reason for this change, maybe talking with a trained and objective professional can help them.
They seem overwhelmed with a sense of constant pressure. Today’s teenagers face extraordinary and unprecedented pressure to succeed. Some of this is because of the influence of social media, but also, teenagers are expected to take more advanced courses than any generation before them in order to get into college. It has never been more competitive for a high school student to earn acceptance into a state university that it is today. If your teen is feeling overwhelmed by the expectations placed on them, they are not alone and counseling can help them to build positive coping skills for managing the stress they carry.
What if you (the parent) are the one struggling while raising a teenager? We are here to help! Raising a teenager is today’s world is incredibly challenging and can be painful and frightening. If you are feeling overwhelmed by the weight of it, you are not alone, and we are here to help you navigate the hard decisions and sometimes exhausting experience of raising a modern teen. Our therapists can help you learn to manage your own stress more effectively so that you can be a more present and effective parent to your teen.
Our Christian counselors are ready to see you at our office in South Tampa or virtually. They are trained to offer help to both the parent and Book an appointment with Jess O’Neil, MSW or Nichole Venegas, MA, JD today!
