For a teen, being moody is just a standard part of adolescence. They often snap at their parents and start to detach themselves more from family life. It is a natural part of growing up and discovering their own identity.
However, the trouble is that this normal teenage behavior can often mask if something is really wrong. So, how can you tell if your teen’s behavior is normal or a warning sign that something is seriously wrong?
Here, we’ll look at some of the warning signs your teen may be experiencing a more serious problem.
Has Their Daily Life Been Disrupted?
You’ll be able to tell if there is something seriously wrong if your teen’s day-to-day life has significantly changed. It’s common for changes to occur in specific areas over time. For example, they may struggle at school sometimes or have a fall-out with friends. However, if they are struggling in several areas, it could be a sign something is wrong.
A clear sign to watch out for is if they find it hard to get out of bed in the morning and they disengage from their usual interests. This could signal they are struggling with depression.
Evaluating How Much Time They Spend by Themselves
How much time is your teen spending by themselves? If they have had a falling out with a friend, it’s common for them to spend a little more time alone. However, if this goes on for longer than a couple of weeks, it could be a sign of a bigger problem.
Teens naturally like to spend more time by themselves as opposed to spending it with the family. However, while they may put up a fight, when they do spend time with family, they tend to enjoy it. So, if they aren’t enjoying family time and they spend most of their days shut away, it’s time to look at what could be going on.
They Are Having Trouble in Multiple Areas of Their Life
As mentioned earlier, when there is a serious problem in a teen’s life, it tends to impact multiple areas of their lives. So, they won’t just be having trouble in school; they will also be having issues with friends and family.
When their behavior changes dramatically, it’s a clear sign something is going on that needs to be addressed quickly.
Additional Signs to Look Out For
As well as general signs, there are also things to look out for which could link to specific problems. For example, being secretive about eating habits and complaining about being heavier when they are underweight, could be a sign of an eating disorder. Not wanting to go to school could be a sign of bullying, while excessive tiredness and loss of appetite could link to drug use.
It can be hard identifying if there is a problem with your teen, but the above signs can help. If you notice any significant change in your teen’s behavior, it should be considered a sign of an issue that needs to be addressed.
