We understand that the teenage years can be a challenging and transformative phase of life. It’s a time when hormones, emotions, and moods can seem like a roller coaster ride, starting as early as nine years old and continuing throughout high school. During this period, the teenage brain is still rapidly developing, which significantly influences behavior and decision-making.
As a parent, you may be wondering how to best support your teenager during this intense period of change.
In addition to the natural challenges of adolescence, some teenagers also grapple with anxiety or stress. It’s not uncommon for them to feel like they’re drowning, overwhelmed and frustrated with no immediate outlet for their emotions. This is where therapy can make a world of difference.
At Erena DiGonis Psychotherapy, we inspire positive change in young and growing teenagers, no matter where they are in life.
As a parent, it’s essential to be conscious of any behavioral changes in your teenager. The symptoms of depression and emotional trauma can manifest differently in teens than in adults. They might be dealing with peer pressure at school, facing bullying in sports, or navigating a stressful family situation where they don’t feel safe or understood.
Be on the lookout for signs such as:
- Persistent sadness, irritability, or tearfulness.
- Changes in appetite or unexplained weight changes.
- Decreased interest in activities they once enjoyed.
- Fatigue and low energy levels.
- Difficulty concentrating on tasks.
- Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, or helplessness.
- Altered sleep patterns.
- Frequent complaints of boredom.
- Discussions of suicide.
- Withdrawal from friends or after-school activities.
- Excessive screen time.
- Declining school performance.