How Can I Tell if My Teen Has a Behavioral Health Condition?
How Can I Tell if My Teen Has a Behavioral Health Condition?
Every parent knows teens go through a lot of changes.
With puberty, new boundaries, increased peer pressure, and all of the other changes that teens go through, though, it can sometimes be tough as a parent to differentiate between normal teenage changes and indicators of behavioral health conditions.
Below is some helpful information about common behavioral health conditions that teens often suffer from, some symptoms to look out for, and what treatment is available for your teen when they are in need…
Common Behavioral Health Conditions Teens Suffer From
Just like adults, teens can suffer from a variety of different behavioral and mental health conditions. Below are some common behavioral health conditions teens suffer from:
Substance Use Disorders
The teenage years are a common time for children to experiment. While you can do your best as a parent to keep them safe and away from drugs and alcohol, it’s likely they will be exposed to them at some point. Should they choose to try them, they may dislike them, be willing to use them casually, or become addicted. Should this be the case, they will likely need professional support to address their addiction.
Eating Disorders
These days, there is so much pressure to look like the men and women on TV and in magazines. This sometimes leads teens to engage in dangerous behaviors and develop eating disorders. Eating disorders may include anorexia, bulimia, and other forms of restrictive eating.
Teens can also suffer from binge eating disorder, and other overeating disorders that can lead to weight gain and the severe health issues that come with obesity.
Sex Addiction
While You may discourage your teen from being sexually active, it often occurs during their teenage years. This is perfectly normal. With that said, it can become a problem if they begin to show signs of sex addiction. This can lead to a variety of risks and, as uncomfortable as it may be, it needs to be addressed. This is best done with the help of a mental health specialist.
Dual Diagnosis
Often disorders are co-occurring. So, your teen may struggle with depression and a substance use disorder, anxiety and an eating disorder, and so on. It’s important to work with a team of professionals that understand both mental health and behavioral health disorders to ensure your teen gets the comprehensive treatment they deserve.
Some Signs to Look For
· Mood swings
· Falling grades
· Hanging out with a different crowd
· Lack of eating/turning down meals
· Withdrawing from relationships and activities
· Poor hygiene
· Weight loss
· Staying out late and sneaking out
· Lethargy
· Lying
Should you notice these symptoms, you may start by speaking with your teen and seeing what is going on. They may simply be going through growing pains and a straightforward talk can get them back on track. On the other hand, there may be a much more serious issue. If you speak with your teen and these behaviors continue or worsen, consider contacting a treatment provider like Front Door Health.
How Do I Speak with My Teen About Their Struggles?
It can be difficult to speak with your teen about their (potential) behavioral health disorder. Often, teens will become defensive, angry, and even resentful. Consider a friendly and helpful approach. You don’t want it to seem like you are chastising them or punishing them. Be on their side and listen.
If your teen still doesn’t want to open up, you may want to consider hiring a mental health specialist to meet with your teen and better determine if they are suffering from a mental health, behavioral health, or dual diagnosis issue. Once it’s been determined by a professional that your teen is suffering from a disorder and needs support, you can consider treatment options.
If you are looking for a comprehensive, evidence-based treatment that provides your teen with a higher level of care and offers them the individual attention that they need from the comfort of your own home, you’ll want to consider Front Door Health.
Reach Out to Front Door Health for Support
Front Door Health provides concierge, judgment-free in-home treatment for patients when they need it. We take an evidence-based approach to treatment, and we create custom treatment plans for our patients to increase their chances of success. Our treatment process is client-focused and individualized. This means no group sessions with strangers and no “treatment as usual” approach. Your teen is unique, and the treatment plan we create for them is designed to meet them where they are along their journey.
We understand that it can be difficult to put your child’s life on hold and pull them out of school. Our in-home treatment allows your child to continue to meet their school, family, and other obligations while receiving the treatment they deserve. Your teen will be able to engage with positive forces in their life while they receive care and 24/7 access to a multidisciplinary treatment team. You will also be supported as we know that behavioral health conditions affect more than just the one struggling.
If you would like to learn more about in-home treatment, contact Front Door Health today. We’re happy to answer any questions and provide your teen with the help they need.
info@frontdoorhealthcenter.com
