FIVE SIGNS THAT YOUR TEEN NEEDS COUNSELLING – One common questions I have been asked as a counsellor by parents and caregivers is when do I know that my teen is asking for help or when is the right time to seek therapy or start counselling for teen, and what signs do I need to look out for. Parents will second guess themselves, torn between wanting to help and support and wanting to give their teen room to grow and manage life on their own.
These are all great questions. However, when it comes to teens related questions, you will agree with me is always complicated. Teens face daily struggles with mood swings, stress, sadness, shame, bullying, guilt, relationships drama, self-esteem, self-image, identity issues, feeling overwhelmed about their future, and etc. It can be challenging to know if your teen is dealing with some these issues in a healthy way or when they need expert help.
Remember, parents you are the expert of your teen! Even though some days may appear as if you are not doing well enough as a parent, this is your child and you know them best. Trust your instincts.
Here are five signs that can suggest that it may be time to seek therapy for your teen:
1). Difficulty managing their emotions may mean your teen needs counselling
Change in teen emotions could be seen as normal as teen grow up but if your in teen is extremely anxious, low mood, crying all the time, emotion preventing them from functioning, under more stress than usual, emotions impacting their relationships, your teen more irritable and quicker to anger than they used to be, or behaving and engaging in ways they will normally not do because they are not able to manage their emotions.
2). Change in teen behaviour may mean your they need counselling
Change in your teen behaviour may not mean anything but if your teen behaviours has changed drastically, school performance has been, skipping school, teen no longer hanging out with friends or have they changed friend groups completely, no friends, angry at all of their friends, and they avoiding all social functions recently.
3). Change in teen Sleep Habit may mean your they need counselling
Change in your teen sleeping habit can suggest they need counselling such as, is your teen always tired, sleeping too much or too less, choosing to sleep in the middle of the day or continuously needing a nap, or sleeping instead of doing things that were usually more fun and important to them. Parent keep in mind that sleep deprivation has been linked to mood swings; drop in school performance, poor eating habits, reduced cognitive function, and difficulties concentrating.
4). Self-Harm or destructive behaviours may mean your teen needs counselling
If your teen self-harm or engage in self-destructive behaviors such as hair-pulling or skin-picking, cutting, drugs, drinking, do not seem to feel pain, talks about or engages in any kind of self-harm or risk taking is a sign that they need counselling and you need to reach out.
5). Suicidal Ideation/thinking of death may mean your teen needs counselling
If your teen is making comments like “I wish I weren’t here,” or “Nobody would care if I ran away,” If your teen talks obsessively about suicide. Is he/she talking about or thinking about hurting himself or someone else? If so, call for help immediately.
If you see all or some of these signs are in your teen then talk to your teen about speaking to someone. Your child may know it is time to speak to someone or may not know they it is an option. Likewise, by asking your teen if they will see a counsellor, you are showing your teen that there is no stigma or shame in seeking counselling.
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