Closer look at teens
It is important not to overreact to isolated incidents. Young people will have problems and will learn, at their own rate, to struggle and deal with them. But it is critical for parents and helping adults to be aware of the factors that put a youth at particular risk, especially when stressful events begin to accumulate for these vulnerable individuals. A good starting point for identifying and intervening with highly troubled and depressed young people is the careful study of suicidal adolescents. Family history and biology can create a predisposition for dealing poorly with stress. These factors make a person susceptible to depression and self-destructive behavior. History of depression and/or suicide in the family Alcoholism or drug use in the family Sexual or physical abuse patterns in the family Chronic illness in oneself or family Family or individual history of psychiatric disorders such as eating disorders, schizophrenia, manic-depressive disorder, conduct disorders, del
Third, young people need help to learn problem-solving skills. How fortunate a troubled young person is to have a caring adult take the initiative to look more closely before something serious happens! The University of Minnesota Extension Service has two additional publications that can be helpful: Supporting Distressed Young People (FS-2786), by Ron Pitzer Helping Friends in Trouble (FS-2787), by Joyce Walker Several common themes run through these two. Symptoms such as personal drug and alcohol use, running away from home, prolonged sadness and crying, unusual impulsivity or recklessness or dramatic changes in personal habits are intertwined with the family and personal history, the individual personality and the emotional/social events taking place in a person's life. These traits include: Impulsive behaviors, obsessions and unreal fears Aggressive and antisocial behavior Withdrawal and isolation; detachment Poor social skills resulting in feelings of humiliation, poor self-worth, blame and feeling ugly Over-achieving and extreme pressure to perform Problems with sleeping and/or eating Psychological and social events contribute to the accumulation of problems and stressors. It is not always easy for one person to see the "whole picture. Sorting out the issues, setting goals and making plans to move forward are skills that can be taught and practiced. Second, communication skills are important. inquency Death or serious loss in the family Learning disabilities or mental/physical disabilities Absent or divorced parents; inadequate bonding in adoptive families Family conflict; poor parent/child relationships Personality traits, especially when they change dramatically, can signal serious trouble. Coping strategies must emphasize self-responsibility to find positive, non-destructive ways to find relief. Awareness of adolescent stress and depression opens the door for adults to begin constructive interventions and stimulate emotional development. It is important to express feelings, vent emotions, and talk about the problems and issues. First, young people must learn and practice coping skills to get them through an immediate conflict or problem. It is all too often true that the survivors of an adolescent suicide only "put the pieces together" after the fact, when they sit together and try to figure out what happened. Peers are good sympathizers, but it often takes an adult perspective to begin to plan how to make changes for the better. Ultimately, most young people will develop and assume the responsibility for their own protection and peace of mind.
Common topics in this essay:
Risk Youth,
Joyce Walker,
Extension Service,
family ,
Ron Pitzer,
rejection ,
depression self-destructive behavior,
helping adults aware,
depression self-destructive,
adults aware,
helping adults,
people learn,
family,
behavior ,
self-destructive behavior,
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Acceptance Essays
