Psychological problems of adolescents 12-18 years old: symptoms, causes and solutions
Krympress reports:
Adolescence is a period of significant changes in physical, emotional and social development. During this period, children are faced with serious psychological problems that can affect their future life. Depression, anxiety disorders, disorders of food behavior and suicidal thoughts are only part of possible difficulties. It is important to recognize the problem in time and provide the necessary assistance.
The greatest sensitivity to the occurrence of problems are affected by adolescents who have crossed the 12-year milestone and have not reached the age of 18. During this period, the young organism is still not finally formed and only adapts to the habitat. His psyche is also in the stage of harmonization with the surrounding reality and cannot fully resist stress due to low self -esteem, love, family relationships and society— noted by specialists of the mental health clinic «Premium BM» https://premium-bm.ru/services/klinika-psikhicogo-zdorovya/pomoshchch-podrostkam/.
Behavioral disorders
What is it?
Behavioral disorders are a stable model of antisocial behavior, which goes beyond age standards. They can be expressed in aggression, lies, theft, escape from home and even in criminal activity. These violations are often associated with a deficiency of attention from the parents, low self -control and problems with socialization. In some cases, behavioral disorders are formed against the background of psycho -traumatic events, such as violence or divorce of parents. If you do not intervene in a timely manner, such behavior can develop into serious antisocial inclinations in adulthood.
How to recognize?
- Constant conflicts with peers and adults
- Increased aggressiveness
- Neglect of social norms and rules
- Manipulative behavior
- Vandalism, theft, arson
In addition to obvious behavior violations, a teenager can demonstrate passive aggression, resist any attempts at disciplinary control and refuse to complete school tasks. Such changes in behavior require attentive analysis by parents and teachers, as they can signal the deep psychological problems. Sometimes a teenager shows duality in his behavior: with some people he is polite and calm, and with others — extremely aggressive. It is important not to ignore such manifestations and seek qualified help.
Who helps and how?
- Psychologists and psychotherapists work with adolescents through cognitive-behavioral therapy (KPT), socio-psychological trainings.
- In difficult cases, drug treatment is possible under the control of a psychiatrist.
- Parents can help, showing patience, establishing clear boundaries and rules of behavior.
- Education of positive behavior through positive examples in the family and school.
When working with adolescents, an integrated approach is important: the interaction of the family, school and specialists. If behavioral violations are ignored, in the future this can lead to serious problems with the law and the inability to adapt in society. The sooner assistance is provided, the higher the probability of correction of behavior and the full development of the personality of the teenager.
Depression, suicidal thoughts and panic attacks
Depression: symptoms and causes
Depression in adolescents can manifest itself in a loss of interest in life, reduced self -esteem, fatigue and suicidal thoughts. Quite often, adverse family conditions, stress at school, social isolation and bullying are the reason. A genetic predisposition also plays an important role: if one of the parents had depressive disorders, the probability of their appearance in a child increases. Teenagers can hide their experiences, masking depression for aggression, isolation or excessive enthusiasm for the virtual world.
Symptoms:
- Constant bad mood, apathy
- Loss of interest in hobbies, study, friends
- Changes in appetite (overeating or refusal of food)
- Sleep violation
- A sense of helplessness, guilt, hopelessness
Suicidal thoughts: how to recognize?
- A teenager talks about the meaninglessness of life
- Behaves closed, avoids communication
- Says goodbye to loved ones, gives valuable things
- Interested in the methods of suicide
Suicidal thoughts often go unnoticed, since adolescents are reluctant to share such feelings with others. However, sharp changes in behavior, sudden attempts to complete the affairs or mention of death should be an alarming signal. If the child has such thoughts, it is important to immediately seek professional help.
Panic attacks
Are manifested by attacks of strong fear, accompanied by:
- Rapid heartbeat
- Shortness of breath
- A sense of loss of control
- Dizziness
Panic attacks can arise suddenly and without obvious reasons, which makes them especially frightening for a teenager. Often they are associated with chronic stress, anxious disorders and increased sensitivity of the nervous system. It is important not to ignore such manifestations and turn to a specialist who will help the teenager cope with anxiety using psychotherapy and, in some cases, drug treatment.
What to do?
- Turn to a psychologist or psychiatrist
- Maintain an open dialogue with a teenager
- Exclude condemnation and pressure
Specialists unequivocally declare: the psychological problems of adolescents are not temporary difficulties that “develop”, but serious conditions that require attention and professional approach. Ignoring such problems can lead to serious consequences in adulthood.
It is important to notice alarming signals in time, provide support and seek qualified help. Parents, teachers and specialists should work together, creating a favorable environment for a teenager, where he can feel safe and receive the necessary assistance. This is the only way to prevent the development of serious mental disorders and ensure the healthy future of the young man.
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