A chatty teenager becoming suddenly withdrawn or isolated is a cause for concern. It becomes more alarming if the silence extends to professionals designated to help them. We understand how frustrating it can be if your son goes silent on everyone, including his therapist. However, it is important to understand that their silence is usually …
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I Think My Son Has Undiagnosed PTSD: How Do I Get a Real Assessment?
While mood swings and risk-taking usually mark adolescence, some behaviors often suggest something more. The National Center for PTSD estimates that 1%-6% of boys who experience traumatic events eventually have PTSD. Unfortunately, most cases remain undiagnosed. Seeing your teenager struggle without any clear reason can be agonizing. However, you should immediately get them assessed if …
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My Teen Son Is Spiraling After His Parents’ Divorce: Is This a Crisis?
Divorce is a leading cause of family instability. Several studies indicate that parental divorce or separation is associated with an increased risk for child and adolescent adjustment problems. These include academic challenges, teen depression, and disruptive behavior. Watching a child come to terms with parental divorce can be heartbreaking. It is common to wonder whether …
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My Teen Son Had a Breakdown at School: What Are My Options?
Learning of a child’s emotional or mental breakdown at school often leaves most parents worried. According to the Centers for Disease Control, 4 in 10 US high school students report feelings of sadness or hopelessness, which depicts the growing mental health crisis among teens. Once in a while, such feelings may reach a breaking point …
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My Teen Son Has Witnessed Violence and Has Never Been the Same
The journey from childhood to adulthood is already stressful enough for teenagers. Witnessing a violent event can make it even worse by suddenly turning a teenager’s world upside down. The National Institute of Mental Health reports that a large percentage of youths exposed to traumatic events may develop lasting emotional or behavioral changes, including teen …
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