Signs when a teenager might be troubled

Most teenagers go through some of the symptoms mentioned below, which may or may not be a sign of trouble in your child’s life at that moment.  It is perfectly normal for your teen to experiment and test parental limits.  However, parents need to be sensitive to the degree and frequency of these possible signs of an emerging or existing condition that may require professional help.

Some signs to look out for include the following:

• Withdrawal from family and friends
• Loss of interest in previously enjoyable activities, hobbies, athletics
• Change in primary network of friends
• Change in clothing choices, sloppy appearance in a previously neatly attired child
• Trouble concentrating
• Excessive mood swings, anger outbursts, combativeness, or personality changes
• Extensive sadness or irritability
• Increased forgetfulness
• Weight loss or gain resulting from changes in eating habits
• Little or no sharing of personal issues
• Negative changes in quality of school work and/or significant drop in grades
• Isolating behaviors, daily and at nighttime; excessive use of the internet
• Changes in sleep patterns; going to bed earlier or later than usual or sleeping in later and more often
• Overly tired or hyperactive
• The following (in addition to several of the signs above) may indicate drug usage:
  • Use of incense or room deodorant
  • Increase in borrowing money, or disappearance of valuable items or money
  • Evidence of drug paraphernalia (rolling papers, pipes, roach clips, etc.)
  • Excessive usage of eye drops, mouthwash or breath mints
  • Missing prescription drugs
  • Excessive disappearance and disregard for curfew
  • Little respect for family rules and boundaries

 

 

Camille M. Bertram, Certified Educational Planner

President, Camille M. Bertram Educational Consultants

Fairfield, Connecticut

www.cmbertram.com

Comments

[John James]

Now I know the signs to observe from my teens when they are troubled. What a helpful guide for us parents to know if our teens are one of what they call troubled teens . It is really hard to have your teens troubled.

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Lack of sleep for a teenager suggests a psychological or mental stress. Sleep is most recommended for still growing teens.

[Anna Jackson]

Thanks for giving information on troubled teenagers. I really like your post on this topic.
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Thank you for sharing this. I can see some of the signs for my child but I don't have evidence yet.

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I hope my child doesn't exhibit these symptoms because I don't want my child to be an addict.

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