“Does my child need a therapist, or is she just being a regular teenager?”
That’s a question a lot of parents ask themselves on a regular basis, and for valid reasons.
If the teenage years could be described in a few words, these would be:
- Irritability.
- Disobedience.
- Heightened sexual interest.
- Impulsivity.
All thanks to — you guessed it — raging hormones.
The late teens and early adulthood are particularly harsh on the ages ranging from 17 to 19. It’s the time when they’re simultaneously treated as children and adults, and life-changing decisions about college or moving out can take a toll on their mental health.
For this reason, it can be hard to tell natural hormonal fluctuations apart from serious underlying problems, such as anxiety or depression. But it’s not impossible. All it takes is observation, patience, and of course, a good therapist.
As for the million-dollar question, we’ve got answers to it.
Does Your Teenager Need Therapy? Here’s How to Tell.
Perhaps the most important step toward both understanding and helping your child is to listen without judgment.
Parents have a natural tendency to be judgmental, especially when their kids’ grades are dropping and they show signs of disinterest or anger. What a lot of parents don’t do is try to uncover where that behavior is coming from.
Truth is, not all teenagers will be comfortable opening up, especially if they’ve been judged for their attitude in the past. As an adult, showing them you’re willing to offer help instead of criticizing their actions can go a long way. You should become not only an understanding parent, but a confidant.
Anxiety and depression can manifest in a variety of ways, some of which aren’t immediately graspable. Here are some of the telltale signs that your teen would benefit from therapy:
- They’re acting overly angry and tense. If you notice they’re becoming more irritated than usual over trivial matters or notice it could escalate to violent behavior, it’s important to be observant and calmly address that behavior.
- They’ve been struggling with irrational worries. It’s natural to feel worried from time to time, particularly when it comes to relationships or grades. However, when worries about friendship, dates, or school get out of hand and prevent teens from functioning, something’s not right.
- They’ve been crying excessively. This is an important one when it comes to girls. If they don’t feel like talking about their problems, they may blame their sadness on their menstrual cycle. While that’s true a lot of the time, try to notice if their crying persists.
- They’re sleeping too much or too little. Have you noticed your teen takes several naps throughout the day, or stays up all night often? You may feel tempted to yell at them or call them lazy and irresponsible, but refrain from doing that. Instead, ask them what could be causing that behavior.
- They don’t have any friends, or are no longer in touch with friends they used to have. Aside from school life, your teen should have a healthy social life. Have you noticed they’ve been isolating themselves from their peers? Have they been avoiding social interactions? If yes, there could be something going on, and you should ask them about it.
Lastly, it’s important not to be demanding. Instead of saying “I’ll take you to therapy”, ask them whether they think talking to someone would be helpful. If they don’t want to talk to you, they may feel comfortable talking to another trusted adult.
In more serious cases, a therapist’s intervention is required. Pay attention to signs of:
- Drug use
- Alcohol abuse
- Self-harm
How Do I Pick the Right Therapist for My Child?
While it may sound like a no-brainer, you should help your teen find a therapist who specializes in the problem he or she is suffering from. If you’re still unsure, a psychologist for teenagers will establish a correct diagnosis.
It’s important that the professional working with your child helps them feel comfortable and at ease. The more relaxed and laid-back their approach is, the stronger the bond will be between them, and the more they’ll be willing to share.
If one therapist doesn’t work out, don’t fret. Looking for the right professional is about trial and error, until your teen finally finds someone they “click” with.
Don’t leave your child’s mental health on the back burner. If there’s something putting their mind in distress, therapy can help them get their life back. Contact Dr. Alyse DiBenedetto and her team of therapists in Red Bank, NJ by calling 347-815-0699, or get in touch via contact form.