Teenage depression is similar to what adults experience, but the symptoms may manifest in different ways. Therefore, it is necessary to understand the specific signs of depression in teens due to the various social and developmental challenges they face. Depression can lead to high levels of anxiety and stress, affecting the teen’s school performance and…
As a parent, protecting your teenager from harm is your number one priority. When your teen shows troublesome behavioural changes, it can be difficult to discern the issue. Signs of mental illness can vary significantly from person to person, making it confusing to know whether a real problem exists. Although the clues can change, the…
Teen drug abuse is a widespread problem throughout our country. In fact, over 42% of Canadian teens reported illicit substance use of some type within the last year. Also, over 200,000 Canadian students admitted to being offered drugs. Consequently, parents of troubled teens are increasingly searching for trustworthy addiction treatment programs. This is where Venture…
The teen years are full of challenges that can be difficult to navigate. Bullying has been around for seemingly forever but in our modern age, there is a wider array of platforms and methods to bully and be bullied. Parents, caregivers, and adults need to be aware of this and learn how best to support…
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…
Mental health disorders in kids are quite common. They affect how a child regulates their feelings and behaviour. These disorders can disrupt a child’s thinking and change their social skills. In most cases, children may display abnormal behaviour, especially during puberty. So, as a parent, you may hardly notice the signs and symptoms of mental…
Self-harm and teens has become an increasingly prevalent symptom of emotional distress. Self-harm refers to a behaviour whereby a person intentionally injures their body. Most parents do not understand the relation between self-harm and teens. This is because some think it is one of the ways teens seek attention. However, it is crucial to understand…
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…