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Early intervention is very important in helping teens look forward to a better adulthood. Because of the developmental changes that go on when children go through the adolescent phase, it sometimes make it harder for parents to determine whether the changes they notice in their children should make them concerned or not.
Unfortunately, some parents fail to see the signs that their teens are at risk and only realize it when their teens are already in trouble. If you're asking how to indentify youth at risk, here are some symptoms of a troubled teen:
- Radical changes - Troubled teens exhibit a radical change in different aspects of their life. They may suddenly show a change in appearance and look more haggard and tired than before. They may suddenly start dressing extremely differently from how they used to dress, which may indicate that they're hanging out with a different group of friends, or are acting out in some way. They may suddenly have an extreme change in eating habits, which may indicate an eating disorder. Being sensitive to these changes is important in determining whether your teen is a troubled youth at risk.
- Hanging out with older teens or adults - This is especially problematic if your teen starts drinking or smoking while in the company of people older than him/her. Teens tend to be taken to the wrong direction this way, and are easily taken advantage of.
- Depression - Sometimes, at-risk youth don't make a big show of it, and they can suffer quietly, unnoticed. Many young people who are suffering from depression don't get the treatment that they need because parents don't notice them going through it, or they dismiss it as just part of being a moody teenager.
- Substance Abuse - It may start out as simple experimentation, like smoking a joint in the garage, or drinking a bottle or two with friends. However, this kind of problem is the kind that can put one's life to a tailspin really fast. Some parents deal with substance experimentation with nothing more than a casual slap on the wrist when they should be taking a more aggressive stance against it. Experimentation can lead to addiction, and addiction can become a lifelong struggle.
- Showing Suicidal tendencies - Teens who have suicidal tendencies often talk about death and dying. They may sometimes joke about it and some people dismiss it as teens looking for attention or just playing around. Suicidal teens may also withdraw from some people, or lose interest about their usual hobbies and activities. They may give away something that used to be very important to them. Ignoring these symptoms may lead to irreversible results.
- Changes in school performance and attendance - The issues that troubled teens battle with will inevitably show in their grades. A marked slip from your teen's school performance or attendance is usually a red flag that he/she is going through something concerning.
There are many other symptoms that your child is a troubled teen. Some are obvious and some are not. What's important is that parents continue to be vigilant about their teens and sensitive of the changes that are going on in their behavioral patterns. Parents, while they may have the best intentions at heart, aren't always equipped to deal with some problems that troubled teens may be facing. It's important to know when to go to professionals for help.
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