9. Moodiness:
As teenagers grow they are affected by
many hormonal changes as they develop and this can be quite
frightening for them. It is understandable that at these times their
behaviour can be moody and unpredictable. We should bear this in mind
when teens seem rather grumpy and uncommunicative. The highs and lows
can be extreme. Try to be sympathetic and remind them how much you
care about them. Encourage them to share their problems with you so
that you are in a position to advise and support them when they need
it.
Sometimes the highs and lows can be a
cause for concern. This can turn into a medical problem with
teenagers experiencing anxiety and depression.
If you are worried about your teen and
the problem sees to be persisting it is useful to consult relevant
agencies for support.
Very helpful on-line support is
available. One such site is:
It provides useful information
including a Teenager's Guide To Depression.
If your teen needs help then a good
place to start would be encouraging them to visit their GP. They may
agree to go on their own or ask you to come with them. Doctors are
usually willing to allow parents and carers to attend appointments
providing the patient has given permission for this. They will
explore various treatments and aim to find the most appropriate
approach for their patient.
The most important thing that you can
do when supporting your teen is to remind them how much you care
about them. Encourage them to talk to you and make sure that you make
time to listen to them fully.
After surviving depression many victims
say that while they did not appear responsive or appreciative at the
time, the fact that their loved ones were always willing to listen to
them helped them to feel heard and cared about. This more than
anything, helped them to recover.
Everyone feels grumpy sometimes!
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