Does My Teen Require Treatment Professionals To Stay Healthy?
Mental illness, substance abuse and behavioral health conditions frequently emerge during the teenage years. Hormones, neuronal growth and life changes can all combine to make a difficult time even more challenging for teens and parents alike.
Unsurprisingly, it’s not always easy to convince someone that he or she needs professional treatment – especially when that someone is an adolescent. Researchers have found, however, that the earlier a person receives treatment, the better. Teens who are demonstrating mental illness, substance addiction or behavioral disorders should receive help as soon as possible to keep these conditions from “hardwiring their brains” and impacting their lives as adults.
Signs that your teenager is coping with a mental illness, substance abuse or behavioral health disorder include:
- Physical aches and pains
- Feelings of hopelessness
- Poor school performance
- Skipping school
- Insomnia
- Low mood
- Reduced appetite
- Self-injury
- Aggression
- Social isolation
Signs that your teen might benefit from receiving treatment from a professional team include:
- Worsening symptoms
- Unhealthy coping mechanisms
- Worried friends and family members
- A history of failed treatment attempts
- A rotating, ever-changing series of diagnoses
- Significant negative effects in school and on relationships
Parents, friends and teachers should keep an eye out for any behaviors that may indicate that a teen is in trouble. Remember: It’s best to treat adolescents early before mental illnesses, substance addiction and behavioral problems solidify.
Sovereign Health is a growing collection of behavioral health treatment providers for substance abuse, mental illness and behavioral health disorders. At Sovereign Health of Rancho San Diego, we provide our adolescent patients with a relaxing, serene environment, free from the pressures and distractions of everyday life.
For more information about our clinical team and mental health treatment at Sovereign Health, please contact our 24/7 helpline.