Signs That Your Child Needs Outside Help
- Suicidal talk of any kind. A suicidal teen may also give away valued possessions, make a will, talk about death or dying or say that his family would be better off without him.
- Recent changes in sleeping or eating habits, thinking patterns, personality, friendships, study habits, activities. A sudden unexplained end to a long depression often precedes a suicide attempt. Major weight loss can be a sign of bulimia or anorexia -- dangerous problems.
- A recent change in friends who you feel may be involved with drugs or alcohol may indicate that your child is having other problems.
- Drug or alcohol use. You might notice: irrational or irresponsible behavior, lying, secretiveness, severe mood swings, a sudden increase in accidents. A teen with a problem may have dilated pupils or wear sunglasses indoors, or complain about not sleeping or not feeling well.
- Valuables may disappear. You may find drug paraphernalia or alcohol containers around the house.
-
Law-breaking behavior, even if the police and courts aren't involved. You might notice new possessions and money not accounted for.
- Poor self-image. Doubts are normal. But persistently low self-esteem is a problem.
- Serious depression. Listlessness, loneliness, withdrawal, difficulty making friends.
- Rebelliousness to the point of total, continual defiance.
- Problems at school, including class-cutting, absenteeism, a sudden drop in grades.
- Fears or anxieties that interfere with everyday activities.
- Problems between family members that aren't solved by listening and discussing. In fact, family changes such as a death, divorce or remarriage are times when teens often need some outside help.
Website design and development by Raised Eyebrow Web Studio.
Please note: Unless otherwise noted, the person(s) depicted in photos on this website are models and are being used for illustrative purposes only.