Adolescence is the age of change, filled with so much anxiety and uncertainty. It is a vulnerable time where kids can develop unhealthy habits that grow into problems in their adult life. Behavioral issues of adolescence also come up during this period, making it impossible for parents to reach out to their teenagers.
Behavioral challenges are widespread challenges that should not be taken lightly as it could be pointers to more serious underlying issues such as mental illness. Research has revealed that around 50% of mental health disorders that adults have, begin at the age of 14, hence if your teenager is overly moody and is not eating or sleeping at all, it is vital to get professional help.
Depression is one of the common psychological problems associated with adolescence. The stress and pressures of teenage years can create anxiety related issues, while mood swings can lead to conduct disorder or oppositional defiant disorder. While moodiness and temper tantrums are normal in teenagers, they may not always be what they seem. Identifying symptoms of psychological problems in adolescents is not easy and needs the eye of an expert. Most of the time, talking about the problems and maintaining a healthy lifestyle can prevent the onset of depression. If your teenager is overly moody and cynical, it is time to seek professional help.
Teenagers want to have an identity of their own and may tend to have role models they look up to. They might also begin to question their previous beliefs on right and wrong. They need time to understand and establish their own convictions. It is very important for teenagers to learn how to base decisions on appropriate values and not on societal norms, as many decisions would be made based on such values.
Adolescence is usually a turbulent period for many teens and understandably so because they are saddled with making decisions from career to lifestyle choices as well dealings with members of the opposite sex. Many successful people agree that having a life plan and setting reasonable goals are important to making decisions in the right direction. However, goals will remain dreams if appropriate steps are not taken to achieve them. Teenagers need to develop themselves to reach set goals, read books, ask for advice from persons who have had similar experiences (a mentor would be a great idea), learn skills needed to be successful in a chosen career and do all things possible to broaden their horizon.
Adolescence is not an easy time for both parents and teens and the only way to deal successfully with the challenges that at this age is to know about them and be ready to face them.
