Red flags in teenage behavior occur for a multitude of reasons, and it has a lot to do with your teen navigating the pressures of school, friends, relationships, and family. Sudden mood swings, isolation from friends and family, drastic decline in academic performance, extreme anger outbursts, significant changes in social circles, substance abuse, self-harm, risky behaviors, noticeable changes in appetite or sleep patterns, excessive dependence on peer opinions, manipulative relationships are some of the concerning signs.
Signs For Red Flags in Teenage Behavior
1. Lack of interest in activities
– Teen no longer shows interest in things they used to feel great about earlier
– No more spending time with friends, playing an instrument or making art
– No more physical activities like hiking or sports
– Overall lack of joy, motivation, enthusiasm, and engagement with life
– Expressing feelings of boredom
– Being indifferent towards activities that used to bring joy
Parents should pay attention to these red flags that could be a sign of depression, lack of motivation, or avoidance behaviors.
2. Poor Self-Care
– Absence from brushing their teeth, taking regular showers, or dressing properly
– Bloodshot or watery eyes
– Poor hygiene and diminished personal appearance
– Messy room
Teens should be learning how to take care of themselves. But if that’s not happening, pay attention; extremely poor grooming isn’t normal behavior. A messy room reflects poor self-care. Teens with messy rooms, messiness is extreme, are the ones struggling with mental health disorders, including but not limited to anxiety, ADHD, or depression. A Messy room can be an expression of the feeling that nothing matters and it’s worth not putting in the effort to clean it up.
3. Self-medicating with Drugs and Alcohol
– Using drugs or alcohol to self-medicate
– Smell of smoke when they breathe or on their clothes
A teen may be having mental health issues if they’re using drugs or alcohol to self-medicate. Substance abuse starts early and is a serious mental health problem. In case you notice it, address it as soon as possible. Early intervention in abuse is vital in making sure drug or alcohol use doesn’t get worse. Controlling self-medicating with drugs or alcohol prevents further issues.
4. Risky Behaviors
– Reckless driving
– Unsafe sexual behavior
– Drug use or illegal thrill-seeking
Sometimes teens like taking risks and tend to be impulsive. But again in case you notice increase in reckless activities that pose significant danger note that you should take care of it. You never know if they’re displaying these Red flags in teenage behavior with the desire to escape from emotional pain, lack of understanding of the consequences, peer pressure, or something even deeper.
5. Changes in Eating Habits/ Appetite changes
– Drastic changes in eating patterns (eating too much or too little)
– Significant weight loss or gain
– Changes in eating habits
The above-mentioned signs signify issues such as stress, anxiety, or eating disorders, including anorexia or bulimia.
6. Difficulty paying attention
– Attention difficulties with schoolwork
– Procrastination
– Commonly losing things or forgetting things
– Unfinished tasks like homework or chores
– Extreme messiness
You should be alert to these attention difficulties as these could be signs of ADHD. Also, when trying to handle a teen, note that depression, anxiety disorders, and PTSD can be the result of attention difficulties.
7. Suicidal thoughts or remarks
– Comments about self-harm
– Remarks about wanting to die (Saying or writing actual threats, such as “I can’t do this anymore,” “I am done,” “I wish to quit,” “I can’t take it anymore,” “Death is better than such life” or “I don’t want to live anymore.”)
– Hopelessness about the future
– Signs of attempts of self-harm
Note that with the teens displaying such Suicidal behaviors, it is also quite common to notice personality changes. They tend to become very anxious or agitated when they experience warning signs, as stated above.
8. Increased Aggression or Violence
– Increase in aggression or violence
– Physical fights, verbal threats, bullying
– Property destruction
Be aware of the increase in aggression or violence. While occasional outbursts of frustration or anger are a normal part of adolescence, noticing a significant and consistent escalation in aggressive behavior is something that you should address in time. Why addressing in time is necessary is that aggression can manifest in physical fights, verbal threats, bullying, or even property destruction. Recognize that aggression directed towards others or oneself may indicate underlying issues.
9. Secretive or deceptive behavior
– Being evasive or avoiding direct questions about whereabouts
– Lying or providing inconsistent explanations
– Hiding facts or being overly protective of their privacy, social media handles and devices
Some level of privacy is normal during adolescence, but when you notice a significant increase in secretive or deceptive behavior, parents need to take the matter seriously, establish trust, and consider open communication. Teenagers might start feeling more comfortable discussing their concerns and seeking guidance.
Read also: Signs Of A Toxic Teenager
10. Excessive worry and Persistent sadness
– Anxiety and panic attacks
– Cannot seem to relax
– Irritability, hopelessness, loss of interest
– Significant and noticeable changes in appetite or sleep patterns
– Constant complaining about something that’s bothering them
– Constant expression of fear and suspicions
– Lack of trust
Anxiety disorders need to be addressed.
11. Intense Preoccupation with Body Image
– Spending excessive time in front of the mirror
– Expressing extreme dissatisfaction with their
– Constantly checking and criticizing their body
– Engaging in unhealthy behaviors, including extreme steps for weight loss or body modification (crash dieting, excessive exercise, or using not-recommended supplements)
– Feeling overly concerned with clothing size, weight, or specific body features
Teenagers often get to experience a period of heightened self-consciousness, and it is understandable and acceptable to some extent that they’ll be preoccupied with their body image. However, when they’re presenting an intense focus on appearance, it’s time to start seeing it as a major red flag. Such teens might be suffering from the presence of body dysmorphia, other negative body image issues, or eating disorders. Address these red flags in teenage behavior and seek professional help. It is recommended that open communication is considered to promote a healthy body image.
Strategies For Red Flags in Teenage Behavior
- When a teen starts a conversation with you, seize that moment and follow the child’s lead. Pay full attention to what they’re saying, and listen without interrupting. A quiet, private, and comfortable setting in which to have a conversation will help to a huge extent.
- Be honest about their well-being. Focus on their feelings and concerns rather than accusing or blaming them.
- Validate their feelings to emphasize their mental health.
- Ask open-ended questions, and with that, they’ll be sharing their thoughts and feelings by asking open-ended questions.
- Offer support to your teen know that you are willing to help and in case these conversations don’t help, it’s worth opting for treatment or counseling from a mental health professional.
Final words
Red flags in teenage behavior are crucial for parents and caregivers so that they can take control of the potential challenges in time and find the approach to provide the necessary support. Approach these concerns with empathy and understanding.
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