Difficult Emotions and Teenagers: How Counseling Can Help

As your child becomes a teenager they will begin to experience intense periods of change. As a parent, you may be concerned about their emotional health and their social maturity. These changes are to be expected, but the challenges that come along with them can be so intense that they become problematic. During these difficult years, it is important to pay attention to their emotional health.

If you are concerned about how your teen is managing difficult emotions  you may not know where to turn. You can help your teen by providing them the assistance of a licensed and experienced therapist who can help them learn to manage and cope with difficult situations and intense emotions.

Teen Changes and the Difficult Emotions That Accompany Them

Teens don’t always have the best reputation when it comes to mood and behavior. Due to this you may be left wondering if your teen’s behavior is “normal” or if there is something concerning going on.

It may not be abnormal if your teen is spending a great deal of time in their room, choosing to spend their time with friends rather than family. You may notice mood changes and an increase in irritability. Though these changes may be concerning they may also be part of your child trying to become more independent in their teenager years. Though when behaviors become pervasive and impact their ability to function, there may be more going on than a push for independence.

Warning Signs and Symptoms to Watch for

It can be difficult to know what signs and symptoms to look out for. According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), here are some warning signs for teenagers:

    • Often anxious /worried
    • Frequent tantrums or irritable
    • Frequent body aches/headaches with no real explanation
    • In constant motion, can’t be still
    • Having trouble sleeping, including frequent nightmares
    • Loss of interest in things they used to enjoy
    • Trouble in school, or declining grades
    • Fear of weight gain; obsessive exercises and diets
    • Low or no energy
    • Periods of intense, inexhaustible activity
    • Harming self or others
    • Engaging in risky, destructive behavior
    • Smoking, drinking, or drug use
    • Thoughts of suicide
    • Thinking their mind is being controlled
    • Hearing voices
    • Confusion/disorientation

Determining whether some of these signs are merely a part of adolescence can be challenging while some are obvious reasons for concern. For instance, your teens’ elusive behavior and irritability may not necessarily indicate cause for concern. Rather, it can be their way of discovering who they are or establishing their independence, as frustrating as that may be.

If these behaviors are persistent, intense, and interfering with your child’s daily life or social and emotional development, it could be time to seek help from a behavioral health expert.

The Time is Now for Online Counseling

Online counseling is also known as Telemental Health, Tele Behavioral or Tele Mental Health (TMH) by many insurances. The terms can be used interchangeably, they mean the same thing.

Using technology to meet online is a unique way for your teen to engage in counseling. They may even prefer it as many teens are extremely comfortable with technology and meeting online. This way of counseling can be easier than traditional in-office counseling.

How Therapy Can Help

Emotions can be difficult, being a teenager is difficult, navigating life’s challenges on  our own can be difficult, though it doesn’t have to be. You can seek out qualified professionals by calling Carolina Counseling Services. Let a licensed therapist independently contracted with Carolina Counseling Services – Fuquay-Varina, NC help. You are even able to meet with your therapist online! Online counseling gives your teen the opportunity to talk about their emotional concerns, express their thoughts, gain self-understanding, and acquire the knowledge and techniques to work through this difficult time. Call today to schedule an appointment.

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