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» Adolescent Issues : Children & Teens
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CHILDREN, ADOLESCENTS & TEENS
The two greatest needs our children face while they are in school, are one, good and trusting friends, and two, acceptance among their peers. Every issue mentioned, in some way, is related to these two needs, so it shouldn't be a surprise when we see the behaviors and attitudes of our children changing at times as they seek to make friends and gain peer acceptance.

Common struggles among children, adolescents, teens and their families include:

DEPRESSION
Depression is best defined by feelings of sadness, despair, and hopelessness to the degree that it interferes with normal functioning. If depressed feelings persist and impact the childís ability to function, then we need to be concerned.

SOCIAL & PERFORMANCE ANXIETY
Though anxiety is one of the most common disorders among children, adolescents and teens, with proper intervention, any child ca overcome general anxiety, social anxiety and performance anxiety and avoid a lifetime of suffering. In Middle School, children worry about social status, social acceptance, academic and athletic performance. A parent should be concerned when worry is impacting a childís functioning. It is not based on what the child is worry about, but on his or her level of functioning.

SELF-DESTRUCTIVE BEHAVIORS
The most common self-destructive behaviors we see in adolescents and teens include, cutting, eating disorders, and sometimes suicidal ideation. Self-destructive behaviors are much more difficult for adults to recognize and understand. When a child stops eating, or binges and purges, or cuts themselves, and discusses suicide with friends, it usually is an indication that they are in some kind of emotional pain and parents need to get them the help that they need.

BULLYING
Bullying is much more of a common problem than one might expect, but it happens all the time. In Middle School and High School, we are seeing many types of bullying. For example, there is cyber bulling, emotional bullying, physical bullying, racist bullying, sexual bullying and verbal bullying, and in a few cases stalking. Bullying impacts a childís self-esteem and often causes depression. In the worst cases, it can create more destructive behaviors in teens and adults.

"MYSPACE"
The MYSPACE controversy is one of our greatest challenges right now. Parents are asking themselves, should I or shouldn't I allow this in my home? In my practice I have found that the liberal use of MYSPACE and the lack of parental monitoring, has created a world of social fantasy for adolescents and teens, which in turn has been the cause of many family problems and among adolescents and teens has contributed significantly to disorders such as anxiety, depression, and self-destructive behaviors.

ADHD
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder among children and adolescents has become an ever increasing issue. Many children are placed on medications, yet few seek the counseling they need to learn the skills to manage their emotions. Once children have the tools, I believe they can do anything

PSYCHO EDUCATIONAL TESTING AND DIAGNOSITIC TESTING
For t hose who are interested in testing their children with the basic psycho educational testing or any diagnostic testing, I have the opportunity to provide this service for you.

OPPOSITIONAL DEFIENCE & CONDUCT DISORDER
Any child, adolescent or teen who is out of control with their anger, disrespectful behavior toward authority, or destructive and harmful behaviors, should seek immediate help.

ADDICTIONS
Common addiction among adolescents and teens include: Alcohol, Overeating, Over exercising, Compulsive Shopping, Pornography, Sexual and Emotional Addictions, and Video Games.

CAREER PLANNING
I have many tools available to aid young people in guiding them toward their areas of interest, desires, gifts, talents, and passions. This is a great step to take for Juniors, and Seniors in High School.