Often a parent is reluctant to seek professional help for their teenage son or daughter. After all, teens are going through a lot of changes in their lives, both physical and mental. Most adolescents make it through their teenage years without counseling, but there reaches a point when you need to consider getting your child professional help. The following are among the most common signs that you should get some help for your child.
Engaging in self-destructive behavior
Obviously this includes violence, but it also includes drugs and alcohol. The latter is something your teen may have experimented with, but for many kids who need help, it can take the form of self-destruction. It is an attempt to cover up a health issue they need help with. Likewise, violence to others or themselves, when no such pattern of behavior has existed in the past, is a sure sign your child needs help.
A change in behavior
To a certain extent, a change in behavior is a part of being a teenager, but what you have to be alert to is unhealthy changes. One example is when a teen becomes withdrawn and doesn't socialize with their friends or family members. This type of behavior may indicate a form of depression and needs to be diagnosed by a professional as soon as possible. Depression is treatable, and when a young person gets the help they need, they can live out their life in a healthy manner.
Your child's grades are falling
There can be many reasons for this, and you need to speak to your child's teachers. Often the issue can be corrected in various ways that are recommended by the school. This may include making sure the child does his or her homework, or perhaps getting them a tutor. But if there is no improvement, this is a sign that the issue has nothing to do with study habits or simply not understanding the material in class. At this point, you need to contact a therapist.
If you don't know what to do
At some point, you may have done all you can to help, but nothing seems to be working. Although there is a chance it could be a parenting issue, it is best to seek counseling for your child. If you blame yourself too long, your child may not get the help they need. If there is an issue that involves parenting skills as well as your teen's behavior, a therapist, such as Donna D Gould Registered Psychologist, will be able to point this out.
Do not hesitate to get your teenager the counseling they need. The actions you take today can have a profound influence on the rest of his or her life.
