What are the signs of a teenage crisis?

Adolescence can be a difficult time, not only for individuals but also for their parents. It can also be difficult at times to detect a teenage crisis and differentiate it from the normal behavior that comes with age. So, below we explain the signs of a teenage crisis that you should consider in order to know when to contact a professional. 

Changes in sleep patterns

Sleep patterns are one of the often overlooked signs of a teenage crisis. As with children and adults, sleep patterns can reveal the emotional state of the adolescent. 

Thus, sleeping too much or more than usual or, conversely, insomnia can be a sign of a harmful emotional change. According to the British National Health Service, this is a very common symptom of depression or excessive use of electronic devices. 

Disinterest in their education

Generally, when there is a lack of interest in their education, the common response is punishment. However, this may be an indicator of a teenage crisis, which should be analyzed to decide what action to take.

So see if your child has lost interest in the subjects he or she loved or if his or her performance has changed drastically. A student with top grades doesn't start failing just for the sake of it. 

Disinterest may be reflected in poor grades or frequent absences, and may be a sign of bullying, depression or substance abuse.

Getting away from friends or family

Withdrawal from friends or family, especially if you have always been close to them, is a clear sign of a teenage crisis. This can indicate a number of problems: depression, anxiety, bullying, substance abuse.

This sign of teenage crisis does not always manifest itself in total isolation, they may change friend groups drastically from one moment to the next or start hanging out with different people frequently. If this happens, it is wise to ask why.

Changes in eating routine

As noted, radical changes in routine are a major sign of the teenage crisis . Thus, avoiding eating or bingeing can not only mean eating disorders, but also a host of other problems such as anxiety or depression. 

Another sign of a teenage crisis is a sudden weight gain or excessive weight loss, which may indicate physical rather than psychological distress, and therefore the need to consult a health care professional. 

Violent explosions

This is a strong sign of a teenage crisis, which can really affect the life of the teenager and those around them. These can manifest themselves in varying degrees of aggression: from insults to family, friends or teachers to violent reactions such as pushing others and even hitting them. 

In these cases, the best option is to turn to professionals who know how to identify the change in behavior, deal with an adolescent crisis and offer therapy, which in many cases must address not only the individual but also the family, in order to ensure a harmonious coexistence.

What to do in case of a teenage crisis ?

The first step after detecting the signs of teenage crisis mentioned here or other abrupt changes in behavior is to communicate with your child. Try to understand what they are going through and do not blame them. The next step is to seek professional help, especially from child and adolescent behavior experts, who can not only help identify the root of the problem, but also generate routines and strategies to improve the teen's mental health.

For this particular problem, in the Quebec City area, you can contact the Clinique L'Enfant. For more information on child and adolescent mental health, you can read our blog here.