It can be difficult to admit that your teen needs help. However, there are certain issues that you may not be able to solve on your own, especially if they are behavioural issues and mental health issues. You may need to seek professional counselling, especially if your teen has a problem with substance abuse, stress, or relationship difficulties. To make this easier for you, we thought it would be useful to put together a brief discussion on how to know when your teen needs professional help. If this is something that you’re interested in learning more about, read on to learn more about how to determine if your teen needs professional help.

Is It Just Typical Teen Behaviour?

It can be difficult to know whether your teenager is doing well or having serious issues. The first thing you should do is examine their daily life. How are they at school? Do they have friends? Do they communicate what's going on in their life?

If you've noticed changes, talk to a therapist or your teen's pediatrician. A trained professional can ease your concerns by telling you that your teen is fine, or they can help you find ways to help your teen. It's always best to be sure if you're concerned.

What Are the Signs That Your Teen Needs Professional Help?

There are warning signs that your teen may be in danger. These warning signs can be a sign of your teen’s troubled behaviour. It’s a bad idea to wait to see if these problems go away without getting professional help. You should seek professional help right away if your teen exhibits these signs:

Depressed teenagers may experience a change in sleep and diet. They may spend more time sleeping in bed, or they may experience insomnia. Meanwhile, they may eat more or less than normal
Loss of interest in activities outside of school that begin to show in your teen are a possible warning sign. You might notice that there is less enthusiasm with your teen’s hobbies or sporting events, for example. This can be a sign of depression.
Depression is characterized by an overwhelming sense of hopelessness, the hallmark of which is persistent negative mood. Additionally, teens with depression may appear irritable, angry, or agitated rather than sad.

What Should You Do If Your Teen Needs Counselling?

If you decide to seek help for your teen, talk to your teen’s doctor first. Then, if your doctor thinks it is a good idea, your teen can get professional counselling. There are many emotional side effects to consider, ranging from regret to guilt when considering getting professional help. If you feel these emotions, don’t let them get in the way of getting your teen the help that they need.

Conclusion

We hope this article proves to be useful when it comes to helping you figure out if your teen needs professional help. While this entire ordeal may seem daunting, it’s best to do everything you can to provide help and support. Be sure to keep everything that you’ve learned here in mind so that you can make the most informed decisions possible.

Are you looking for counselling services in Cambridge, Ontario? If so, Chettiar Counselling & Associates is here to help. If you suspect that your teen is experiencing issues, it is best to act as soon as possible. We assist in managing anxiety, depression, addiction, and more. Reach out to us today!