One of the more alarming societal trends in recent years is the escalation in the rates of suicide among teens. In fact, teen suicide has increased by over 30% in individuals ages 15-19 since 2007, according to the Centers for Disease Control. In this environment, parents are right to express concern when their own child […]
“Troubled teen,” what a disparaging term that is. This widely used label only serves to minimize what could be a serious mental health crisis, or stigmatize a teen who is simply struggling with typical teenage angst. Without a doubt, passing through the tumultuous phase of adolescence can cause emotional strife and behavioral upheaval. If, however, […]
Parents of teens who engage in self-harming behaviors usually had no clue that it was going on. Teens who do self-harm are usually discreet about these practices, hiding the signs of self-injury under long sleeve shirts and pants. But many parents first become curious that something might be going on when their adolescent refuses to […]
There are abundant reasons why a teenager might seem to be in the throes of emotional distress. These tumultuous years are, at the least, marked by moodiness and drama, and by depression and social anxiety at the more serious end. Hormonal fluctuations, school-related stressors, social issues, and difficult family events such as a divorce or […]
5150 for Minors also Known as a 5585 Involuntary Hold teen years can be exceptionally emotionally volatile for some. Many teens are under immense burdens of stress related to academic expectations, which has been one of the factors cited in recent years for increased anxiety and depression levels among teens. Other factors that may induce […]
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a complex mental health disorder than often emerges in childhood or early teen years. The disorder can manifest itself in thoughts and behaviors that are disruptive to the teen’s daily activities and concerning to parents. When the OCD disorder becomes unmanageable, even under the care of a psychiatrist, then residential […]
Teen depression is a serious and often misunderstood mental health condition that should never be ignored. Understandably, many parents chalk up their teen’s persistent low mood as just a typical teenage trait, right up there with hormone fluctuations and social angst. In most cases, moodiness in teens is indeed a feature of that stage of […]
No one likes to witness their adolescent struggling emotionally. The teen may be exhibiting behavioral symptoms, such as anger, violent actions, impulsivity, or compulsive behaviors that are deeply concerning. Maybe the symptoms are psychological, such as those associated with anxiety, depression, mood swings, or a personality disorder, which can be even more worrisome. A parent knows their […]
Ahh, the perennial allure of the dare. Kids and teens have always been known to lay down the gauntlet with a dare, or even a double-dog dare, as part and parcel of the childhood experience. This silly practice of taunting another to go through with some daring exploit has seldom led to a serious health […]
Among a group of disruptive behavior disorders is one called oppositional defiant disorder (ODD), a common mental health disorder in children and teens. ODD behavior patterns are often seen in early childhood first, with kids as young as preschool age being diagnosed with the disorder. Kids that do not outgrow the symptoms of ODD can […]
