Teens and Young Adults
Teens and young adults have many ways to communicate emotional distress. They may exhibit problems in some or all of the following realms: social, emotional, behavioral and academic. Such problems often interfere with a young person's sense of well-being and capacity for development. If these problems do not resolve with time and support from parents, teachers or friends, then professional assistance can be effective.
Social Problems
Feel confused about their identity and are uncertain about their future
Do not know how to make or keep friends
Join negative social circles to find companions, community and a sense of safety
Engage in conflict with others at school or in the family
Withdraw from social relationships
Cling to their parents because they are fearful about independence
Emotional Problems
Feel very unhappy, worried, or frightened for reasons they cannot explain
Exposed to overwhelming, stressful situations that tax their ability to cope
Have negative attitudes toward themselves and cannot feel good about who they are, even though others can observe their obvious talents and abilities
Behavioral Problems
Cannot channel their energy and creativity in ways that develop their potential
Acquire rituals or phobias because they feel helpless in difficult situations
Act meanly or aggressively because they cannot control their actions and cannot find other ways to express their feelings
Are restless or cannot concentrate because they have not acquired skills to maintain confidence and calmness
Turn to self-injury as a way to numb out or self-soothe
Abuse drugs or alcohol to feel better because they are depressed or anxious
Develop eating disorders as a way to manage difficult feelings they cannot verbalize
academic Problems
Struggle to understand academic concepts difficult life experiences
Can't learn in school because they are preoccupied with thoughts or feelings
Failing grades, missed or late assignments or resistance to homework completion