When you notice bothersome changes in your teen, it can be confusing and overwhelming for many parents. It’s only natural to want to protect and help your teenager. However, many families do not know where to begin seeking appropriate help. What are the signs of a teen behaviour issue and what should you look for…
Because it is legal and readily available, alcohol presents a complicated danger to adolescents and teens. We live in a culture that views drinking an ordinary social function. While there are instances of alcohol abuse, it’s assumed these are rare. However, the fact of the matter is quite different. Through television, print ads, and social…
Adolescence can be a difficult time for many teens and their families. While mood swings and an overwhelming need for independence are common during this phase, more severe or disturbing behavioural trends like oppositional defiant disorder can sometimes signify a problem. What are the symptoms associated with this condition? Why is professional treatment essential to…
When teens struggle with drug or alcohol abuse, it’s rarely a standalone issue. Often, young people and adolescents are dealing with other underlying mental health issues or behavioural issues. More commonly, substance abuse goes along with behavioural problems like anger, lying, poor academic performance, or violence. Treating substance abuse alone is not recommended for a…
If you’re a parent of a teen showing signs of drug use, it’s essential to seek treatment quickly. As teenagers strive for independence, it can be difficult to know if an underlying problem exists. Teenagers naturally branch out and distance themselves from parental influence, making it difficult to detect possible signs of drug abuse. However,…
Despite a recent plunge in teen illicit substance abuse, it’s still a significant issue plaguing the young people of our country. Additionally, prescription drug abuse in this age group has increased recently. Also, underage drinking and subsequent alcohol addiction is a common problem among teens and young adults. Defining substance abuse can appear tricky to…
Because it is legal and readily available, alcohol can present a unique problem for young people. The ordinariness of drinking and alcohol not only heightens its likelihood for abuse but makes avoiding it especially difficult. While many may frown upon underage drinking, the full scope of how dangerous the practice is for young people’s development…
More and more kids are being bullied in their own homes under their parent’s very noses. It’s called cyberbullying and it’s a troublesome trend involving the use of cell phones, Facebook, and other social networking sites that allow teens to connect and bully others. Cyberbullying teens abuse their peers and those teens who are cyberbullied…
As parents, we may sometimes feel that teens are overdramatic. Because they’re going through various physical and mental changes, it’s normal for them to overreact at times, particularly with emotions like sadness. However, when does sadness cross over into teen depression? More importantly, for teens struggling with depression, how can parents best support them? Simply…
Different types of mental illness plague teens from all across Canada and throughout the world. Living as a teen is hard enough, but mental health disorders like general anxiety and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) can further complicate teens’ lives. Understanding these disorders can identify why getting the right behaviour treatment is so important. Growing…