Teens continue to identify their key interests and develop their talents and skills. It is a time of important decision-making regarding family life, career pursuits and social relationships. Growing up in a healthy home environment that is affirming, nurturing, affectionate and openly communicative can provide a strong foundation to developing adolescents.

Some teens find this period in their lives to be overwhelming with pressures and problems. They may strive to work hard academically, yet deeply fear disappointing their parents. They may unduly worry over college preparations. Other teens may act out their emotions over family crisis (e.g. divorcing parents, seriously ill family members, parental job loss) by becoming involved in criminal behavior.

Many teens may succumb to social pressures to become sexually active, drink alcohol or do drugs. Other adolescents endure bullying at school that may push them to their limit. And sadly, many teens live in homes where domestic violence, sexual abuse, physical abuse and verbal abuse are commonplace.

Adolescence can be a time when mental health conditions such as anxiety disorders, depression, and eating disorders begin to surface.  The health care team of Thorrez Medical Practice encourages parents, caregivers and teens to discuss your concerns with us. We can help you identify prevention strategies and healthy coping mechanisms. Referrals to health care providers who specialize in adolescent psychology and psychiatry are also available. Fortunately, many mental health conditions are treatable.

     

                                           1.    Abrupt, severe changes in behavior, functioning or emotions.
                                           2.    Excessive sleeping or major changes in sleep patterns.
                                           3.    Loss of self-esteem. Expressions of worthlessness/hopelessness.
                                           4.    Loss of interest and/or abandonment of favorite activities.
                                           5.    Unexpected or dramatic decline in academic performance.
                                           6.    Loss of appetite. Continued weight loss. Excessive weight gain.
                                           7.    Extreme or dramatic shifts in personality or moods.
                                           8.    Paranoia. Excessive secrecy.
                                           9.    Excessive isolation. Nonactive in social groups. No interest in friends.
                                           10.  Self-mutilation or expresses thoughts of hurting self.
                                           11.  Obsessed with body image concerns.
                                           12.  Abuse of prescription and/or over-the-counter medications.
                                           13.  Loss of interest in personal appearance.
                                           14.  Appears deeply sad, hopeless, anxious, overwhelmed.
                                           15.  Runs away. Getting into trouble. Impulsive. Aggressive.
                                           16.  Episodes of severe anger.


                                            1.  Male teens with an emotional or behavioral condition.
                                            2.  Youth who think they are homosexual or are actively gay/lesbian.
                                            3.  Adolescents involved with drug/alcohol abuse.
                                            4.  Adolescents with easy access to potentially lethal medications.
                                            5.  Adolescents with a history of attempted suicide.
                                            6.  Adolescents who lost a friend or relative to suicide.
                                            7.  Victims of physical and/or sexual abuse.
                                            8.  Adolescents who talk or write of suicide or death.


Thorrez Medical Practice