TEENS

Insecurity

Many teens suffer from low self-esteem and a poor self-image. This can negatively affect every aspect of a teen's life. However, being insecure and not knowing what to do in certain situations is very normal for teens. They won't be able to handle everything perfectly all the time and they shouldn't expect to. It's important to remember that being a teenager means making mistakes and learning from them. Try to discourage insecure teenagers from basing their opinions of themselves on what others say, or comparing themselves against their peers' accomplishments.

Encourage their individuality and teach them to trust their instincts. Only they know what feels right for them. Many teenagers let others make decisions when they feel insecure, or they try to fit in by following the crowd, even if it isn't what they really want to do. You can help by teaching them to respect themselves. Encourage them to speak their own mind and not allow themselves to be manipulated by their friends. Their self-esteem will be higher and their friends will probably have more respect for them in the long run.

Peer Pressure

Part of being a teen involves learning to make decisions. One of the things that affect decision-making is pressure from friends. Unfortunately, sometimes it seems easier to go with the crowd, even if it goes against a teen's better judgment. Teens should be encouraged to trust their instincts. It is unlikely that a teen's friends are always looking out for their best interest.

Parents should teach teens to consider that the decisions they make today may affect them for years to come. They should not allow themselves to be manipulated by friends. Teens will develop respect for themselves if they make their own decisions, and their friends will
have more respect for them in the long run.

Low Self-Esteem

Low self-esteem can affect just about every aspect of a teen's life. If teenagers feel bad or unsure about themselves, then they may be unable to participate fully in any activity for fear of failure. It is important to remember that being a teenager means making mistakes, and this is a painful but necessary way to learn. Teens can't handle everything perfectly all the time and shouldn't expect to. They don't have to try to face up to what everyone else thinks they should be, but should make sure that they are proud of their decisions and actions. Teens should not base their opinion of themselves on what others say or measure themselves against other's accomplishments. Teens are individuals and should be encouraged to develop a strong self-image.

Suicide

Each year about four hundred thousand teens try to kill themselves. Many people who talk of killing themselves or actually attempt suicide are trying to get someone to notice how unhappy they are. Teens who talk about suicide need to be taken seriously, so that they know others care about them.

Suicide warnings include talking about suicide frequently, saying no one would miss them if they were gone, talking frequently about death, or giving personal belongings away. If a teen's behavior includes any of these warnings, get help immediately. Do not ignore them, as these actions can be signs of severe depression.

If a teen feels suicidal, have him or her talk to a counselor. Most cities have suicide prevention centers and crisis hotlines that can be found in the phone book (metropolitan Nashville area - 244.7444). It is important for a suicidal teen to find someone to talk to and to realize that frustrations are a normal part of growing up.

Depression

Depression is an emotional disorder that is not uncommon in teens. This condition is frequently unrecognized because many adults are not aware that it can occur in young people. There is a prevalent notion that teens do not have anything to be depressed about. However, depression does occur in young people frequently and without a readily identifiable cause.

The classic symptoms of depression include sadness, lost interest in pleasurable activities, decreased appetite, sleep disturbance, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, poor self-esteem, and thoughts of death or suicide. School difficulties commonly occur due to lack of concentration and fatigue. Irritability, negative behavior, and even antisocial activities may develop. The adolescent may turn to alcohol or other mind-altering drugs to treat their depression.

If your teen develops symptoms of depression, get help right away. A teen who expresses thoughts about death and dying is asking for help. Do not ignore this plea. Most importantly, be compassionate, supportive and understanding, no matter what the problem might be. Contact your family physician for counseling or the BABBCENTER at 824.3772 or 800.458.1755 for further evaluation and management.

Drug Abuse

Alcohol and drug abuse among teenagers is a serious problem in the United States. There are many dangers associated with substance abuse. Impaired judgment due to drugs can result in inappropriate social behavior, accidents, and incidence of violence. Physical damage may also occur, such as liver damage, coma from accidental overdose, loss of short-term memory, learning disabilities, and decreased motor ability.

The fear of drug and alcohol abuse can be overwhelming for parents of teenagers. Parents can't control everything their kids do. However, they can set a good example and provide sound information to help their kids make the right choices. It is recommended that parents talk with their kids about drugs before they reach adolescence and explain the dangers of taking drugs. Also, try to establish a line of open communication by showing your teens that they can come to you with any problem. Kids who develop a high sense of self-esteem, and who are treated with respect learn to cope better than adolescents who are over-protected.

Signs of drug use can include blood-shot eyes, unusual moodiness, and fatigue. Teens may also have abrupt change in attitude, let their grades drop, begin to borrow or steal money, or become secretive about their activities. While these signs don't guarantee there's a drug problem, they may indicate that something is wrong and that they need your help.

For more information, contact a counselor at the BABBCENTER at 824.3772 or 800.458.1755.