Teens And Problems Essay, Research Paper

It is important not to overreact to isolated incidents. Young people will have

problems and will learn, at their own rate, to struggle and deal with them. But

it is critical for parents and helping adults to be aware of the factors that

put a youth at particular risk, especially when stressful events begin to

accumulate for these vulnerable individuals. A good starting point for

identifying and intervening with highly troubled and depressed young people is

the careful study of suicidal adolescents. Family history and biology can create

a predisposition for dealing poorly with stress. These factors make a person

susceptible to depression and self-destructive behavior.  History of

depression and/or suicide in the family  Alcoholism or drug use in the

family  Sexual or physical abuse patterns in the family  Chronic

illness in oneself or family  Family or individual history of

psychiatric disorders such as eating disorders, schizophrenia, manic-depressive

disorder, conduct disorders, delinquency  Death or serious loss in the

family  Learning disabilities or mental/physical disabilities 

Absent or divorced parents; inadequate bonding in adoptive families 

Family conflict; poor parent/child relationships Personality traits, especially

when they change dramatically, can signal serious trouble. These traits include:

 Impulsive behaviors, obsessions and unreal fears  Aggressive

and antisocial behavior  Withdrawal and isolation; detachment 

Poor social skills resulting in feelings of humiliation, poor self-worth, blame

and feeling ugly  Over-achieving and extreme pressure to perform

 Problems with sleeping and/or eating Psychological and social events

contribute to the accumulation of problems and stressors.  Loss

experience such as a death or suicide of a friend or family member; broken

romance, loss of a close friendship or a family move  Unmet personal or

parental expectation such as failure to achieve a goal, poor grades, social

rejection  Unresolved conflict with family members, peers, teachers,

coaches that results in anger, frustration, rejection  Humiliating

experience resulting in loss of self-esteem or rejection  Unexpected

events such as pregnancy or financial problems Predispositions, stressors and

behaviors weave together to form a composite picture of a youth at high risk for

depression and self-destructive behavior. Symptoms such as personal drug and

alcohol use, running away from home, prolonged sadness and crying, unusual

impulsivity or recklessness or dramatic changes in personal habits are

intertwined with the family and personal history, the individual personality and

the emotional/social events taking place in a person’s life. It is not always

easy for one person to see the "whole picture." That’s why it is

essential that people who have "hunches" that something is wrong take

the lead to gather perspectives from other friends, family members and

professionals who know the young person. It is all too often true that the

survivors of an adolescent suicide only "put the pieces together"

after the fact, when they sit together and try to figure out what happened. How

fortunate a troubled young person is to have a caring adult take the initiative

to look more closely before something serious happens! The University of

Minnesota Extension Service has two additional publications that can be helpful:

 Supporting Distressed Young People (FS-2786), by Ron Pitzer 

Helping Friends in Trouble (FS-2787), by Joyce Walker Several common themes run

through these two. First, young people must learn and practice coping skills to

get them through an immediate conflict or problem. Coping strategies must

emphasize self-responsibility to find positive, non-destructive ways to find

relief. Second, communication skills are important. This involves being able to

talk and selecting a good listener. It is important to express feelings, vent

emotions, and talk about the problems and issues. Peers are good sympathizers,

but it often takes an adult perspective to begin to plan how to make changes for

the better. Third, young people need help to learn problem-solving skills.

Sorting out the issues, setting goals and making plans to move forward are

skills that can be taught and practiced. Ultimately, most young people will

develop and assume the responsibility for their own protection and peace of

mind. But during the years of learning and practice, parents, teachers and

helping adults need to be aware of the signs and patterns that signal danger.

Awareness of adolescent stress and depression opens the door for adults to begin

constructive interventions and stimulate emotional development.