“No one around me understands what I’m going through.”

“I don’t know how to talk to my child anymore.”

“I don’t understand why I still feel so lonely even when I’m with my friends.”

“I know my child is hurting and I don’t know what to do.”  

Adolescents face real life struggles and concerns on a daily basis. The teenage years can be the most difficult transition and stage of development. During this time, teens are exposed to some extremely overwhelming internal and external struggles. They also experience physical and cognitive shifts from age eleven well into their twenties. They are expected to endure and cope with hormonal changes, puberty, parental and social forces, work and school pressures, and influences from the internet and social media. Increased demands to perform and compete with friends and internet personalities may also lead to unwanted stress, pain, and fear. Many teens feel misunderstood and lonely in their experience. It is vital that teens feel heard, seen and validated in their feelings and thoughts, because their struggles are a very real part of their lives. 

Common problems that teenagers face are generally related to:

  • Anxiety

  • Self Esteem/Body Image

  • Eating Disorders

  • Stress 

  • Self-Harm/Suicidal Ideation

  • Depression

  • Bullying (Cyber and in-person)

  • Cyber Addiction 

  • Drinking, Smoking, and Drug Usage

  • Underage Sex/Pressure to sexualize themselves

  • Defiant Behaviors

  • Peer Pressure/Competition

  • Loneliness and Isolation

  • Fear of Failure

  • Perfectionism/Pressure to perform

Whether you are a teen or the parent or guardian of a teen, there is hope. If you are a teen, you have the potential to learn skills which will help you set boundaries, advocate for yourself, increase your self-esteem and communicate with others leading you to a happier and more fulfilled life.

Parents may learn to identify with teens, read their cues and cries for help, and find new and innovative ways to connect with their children leading to more trusting and open communication. Counseling guidance offers tools and knowledge to effectively support teens and help parents build a relationship during this difficult phase of personal growth.

One of the bravest things you can do is reach out for help and guidance during this difficult time. Contact us today and, together, we will develop a plan to empower you to make lifelong transformations towards a happier and more fulfilled life.