Adolescence is a challenging time for both parents and teens who are exploring independence but are not yet able to be fully independent. Adolescence is further complicated by exposure to social media with bullying, exposure to confusing and inappropriate content creates conflict in the family. Peer acceptance is desperately sought. Speaking to a neutral therapist can be very useful.
Common presenting problems during adolescence:
- Depression
- Anxiety around academic performance, socially fitting in, conflict with family values
- Self harming e.g. cutting, using illegal substances and alcohol abuse
- Apathy
- Suicidality
- Gender identity and sexuality confusion
- Exposure to pornography
- Social media pressure
- Resistance to parental limits on social media access
- Violence
- Underachievement at school
- Demotivation
- Apathy
- Excessive sleeping
- Under-eating or overeating
- Relationship conflict