Is It Typical Teen Behavior or Is It More Than That?
Adolescence is a time of significant change, marked by emotional highs and lows, increased independence, and occasional rebellion. As a parent, it can be difficult to determine whether your teen’s behavior is typical or a sign of a deeper issue that requires professional support.
Understanding Typical Teen Behavior
It is normal for teenagers to:
Experience mood swings larger than they may have in the past, and more than what we often experience as adults.
Seek more independence and privacy.
Have occasional conflicts with parents and authority figures.
Show shifts in interests, friendships, and identity.
Exhibit stress due to academic and social pressures.
Change sleep patterns, often staying up later into the night and having difficulty waking in the early morning.
When to Consider Therapy
Therapy can be beneficial to help a teenager process all of these changes, even when they fall in the typical range. These additional signs may indicate more urgency:
Persistent Sadness or Anxiety: If your teen appears withdrawn, hopeless, or excessively anxious for more than a few weeks.
Sudden Changes in Behavior: Noticeable shifts appetite or loss of interest in once-enjoyed activities. Sleeping days away or barely sleeping across a few days.
Academic decline accompanied by all or nothing type thinking: As school presents new challenges, once strong students may struggle to adjust. Kids saying “I’m just not good at school,” or “Why bother?” are signs something more might be going on.
Isolation from peers: Peer group shifts are common at this age. If you notice school avoidance, or loss of friendships without new friendships developing, this can signal deeper emotional distress.
Self-Harm or Suicidal Thoughts: Any indication of self-harm or suicidal ideation should be taken seriously and addressed immediately.
Substance Abuse: Using drugs or alcohol as a coping mechanism may point to underlying issues.
The Role of Therapy in Supporting Teens
Therapy provides a safe space for teens to express their thoughts and feelings without judgment. A trained professional can help them develop healthy coping strategies, improve self-esteem, and navigate challenges more effectively. Therapy can also help teens strengthen relationships, enhance emotional regulation, and build resilience in the face of adversity.
