Adolescents may need counselling in a variety of situations, especially when they face challenges related to their mental, emotional, or behavioural health. Some key signs that an adolescent might benefit from counselling include:
1. Emotional Distress:
oPersistent sadness or feelings of hopelessness. (Which leads to
depression)
oIntense mood swings or irritability.
oFrequent crying or withdrawing from social interactions.
2. Behavioural Changes:
o Sudden changes in behaviour, such as aggression, defiance, or
withdrawal.
o Engaging in risky behaviours (e.g., substance abuse, self-harm, unsafe
sexual activity).
o Problems at school, such as a drop in grades or unexplained
absences.
3. Stress and Anxiety:
o Excessive worrying or fear, which may interfere with daily life.
o Panic attacks or overwhelming stress.
o Difficulty coping with school, family expectations, or peer pressures.
4. Trauma or Loss:
o Excessive worrying or fear, which may interfere with daily life.
o Panic attacks or overwhelming stress.
o Difficulty coping with school, family expectations, or peer pressures.
5. Social Difficulties:
o Trouble with peer relationships or bullying.
o Struggling with self-esteem, body image, or social anxiety.
6. Family Issues:
o Conflict or communication breakdowns within the family.
o Struggles with parental expectations or divorce.
7. Difficulty with Identity or Gender:
o Experiencing confusion or distress about gender identity or sexual
orientation.
o Struggling with feelings of isolation or not fitting in.
8. Self-Harm or Suicidal Thoughts:
o Thoughts of harming oneself or suicide, which should always be
addressed immediately.
o Engaging in self-harm behaviours (cutting, burning, etc.).
9. Significant Life Changes:
o Moving to a new area or school.
o Changes in family dynamics, such as parents separating or a new
sibling.
10. Difficulty with Anger Management:
o Trouble managing anger or responding to frustration in healthy ways.
Counselling can help adolescents to develop coping skills, improve their self-esteem,
process difficult emotions, and address behavioural issues. Early intervention is key,
as it can prevent issues from worsening and provide the adolescent with tools to
navigate life's challenges more effectively. If any signs of serious mental health
issues, such as thoughts of suicide or self-harm, are present, seeking professional
help from a psychologist immediately is essential.
2. What are signs you need a mental health check up
Following are some signs that you may need a mental health check-up:
1. Persistent Sadness or Depression:
o Feeling sad, hopeless, or empty for an extended period of time, even
when there's no clear reason.
o Loss of interest in activities that once brought joy or satisfaction.
2. Excessive Anxiety or Worry:
o Feeling constantly anxious, restless, or on edge.
o Overwhelming fear or worry that is difficult to control, often about things
that are unlikely to happen.
3. Changes in Mood or Behaviour:
o Extreme mood swings or irritability.
o Acting out of character or experiencing drastic changes in behaviour or
personality.
4. Difficulty Concentrating or Making Decisions:
o Struggling to focus or make simple decisions, even on familiar tasks.
o A noticeable decline in work or school performance.
5. Social Withdrawal:
o Isolating yourself from friends, family, and social activities.
o Avoiding social interactions or feeling disconnected from others.
6. Sleep Issues:
o Trouble falling asleep, staying asleep, or oversleeping.
o Waking up feeling unrested or experiencing frequent nightmares.
7. Physical Symptoms without Clear Cause:
o Unexplained aches, pains, or fatigue.
o Experiencing gastrointestinal issues or other physical symptoms that
don't have a medical explanation.
8. Changes in Eating Habits:
o Significant weight loss or gain, or changes in appetite.
o Engaging in unhealthy eating patterns (e.g., binge eating, restricting
food intake).
9. Substance Abuse:
o Increasing reliance on substances like alcohol, drugs, or even food to
cope with emotions.
o Using substances as a way to escape or numb feelings.
10. Thoughts of Self-Harm or Suicide:
o Having thoughts of harming yourself or ending your life.
oEngaging in self-destructive behaviours like cutting, burning, or other forms of
self-harm.
11. Difficulty Coping with Stress or Life Changes:
o Struggling to handle stress or difficult life situations (e.g., loss, job changes,
relationship problems).
o Feeling overwhelmed by everyday responsibilities.
12. Feelings of Worthlessness or Guilt:
o Intense feelings of guilt, shame, or worthlessness that interfere with daily life.
o Self-critical thoughts or feelings of being a burden to others.
If you notice any of these signs or if they are affecting your daily life, it may be time
to consider seeking a counselling from a professional psychologist. Early intervention
can help you manage these challenges and improve your overall well-being.
3 How to handle an adolescent?
Handling an adolescent can be challenging, as this is a period of significant
emotional, physical, and psychological development. Effective communication,
patience, and empathy are key to fostering a positive relationship with an
adolescent. Here are some strategies to handle an adolescent:
1. Listen Actively:
o Be present and give them your full attention when they speak.
o Avoid interrupting or jumping to conclusions.
o Validate their feelings by acknowledging their emotions, even if you don't
agree with their perspective.
2. Establish Clear Boundaries and Expectations:
o Set consistent rules and expectations but explain the reasons behind them.
Adolescents are more likely to comply when they understand the "why"
behind a rule.
o Be firm but fair. Flexibility is important, but maintaining boundaries ensures
respect.
3. Be Patient and Non-Judgmental:
o Adolescents are still developing emotionally and may react impulsively or
emotionally. Try not to take their mood swings personally.
o Practice patience when they test boundaries or act out, and avoid
overreacting.
o Keep a non-judgmental attitude to create a safe space for them to express
themselves.
4. Encourage Open Communication:
o Foster an environment where your adolescent feels comfortable discussing
their thoughts and feelings without fear of punishment or judgment.
o Ask open-ended questions to encourage dialogue, rather than yes/no
questions.
o Let them know you're available to listen without rushing to offer solutions
unless they ask for advice.
5. Respect Their Independence:
o Adolescents are developing their identities and desire autonomy. Allow them
to make decisions, but be there to guide them when needed.
o Encourage them to take responsibility for their actions and choices.
6. Be Consistent in Discipline:
o If rules are broken, apply consistent and reasonable consequences. However,
be willing to discuss and review rules together to ensure they’re fair.
o Avoid inconsistent or unpredictable discipline, as it can create confusion or
resentment.
7. Model Positive Behaviour:
o Adolescents often learn by observing the adults around them. Model the
behaviours you want to see, such as handling stress calmly, using respectful
language, and demonstrating good communication skills.
o Show emotional regulation, as they may struggle to manage intense emotions
themselves.
8. Support Their Interests and Hobbies:
o Take an active interest in their hobbies, activities, or passions.
Encouragement and support can build self-esteem and foster trust.
o Provide opportunities for them to explore new activities, helping them develop
a sense of identity and confidence.
9. Stay Involved, But Give Them Space:
o Maintain an active role in their life by staying informed about their social
activities, school life, and emotional well-being.
o However, give them privacy and space to foster independence and prevent
feelings of being over-controlled.
10. Teach Problem-Solving and Coping Skills:
o Help them develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills so they can
navigate challenges effectively.
o Teach healthy coping mechanisms, such as deep breathing, journaling, or
engaging in physical activity, to deal with stress or emotions.
11. Be Empathetic and Understand Their Struggles:
o Adolescence is a time of emotional turmoil, peer pressure, academic stress,
and changing family dynamics. Try to understand what they are going through
and offer reassurance.
o Offer guidance without belittling or dismissing their feelings. Validate their
concerns, even if they seem trivial from an adult perspective.
12. Know When to Seek Professional Help:
o If your adolescent is struggling with mental health issues like depression,
anxiety, or behavioural problems, consider seeking professional help from a
counsellor or therapist.
o Encourage them to seek help from a psychologist and make it clear that
asking for support is a sign of strength, not weakness.
13. Build Trust:
o Show that you trust them by allowing them some independence and
responsibility. This encourages trust and can help them feel more confident in
their decision-making.
o Avoid over-monitoring, but check in occasionally to ensure they are safe and
healthy.
Handling an adolescent requires balancing structure with empathy. They need guidance, but also space to grow into independent, responsible individuals. By maintaining open communication, setting reasonable boundaries, and showing
understanding, you can foster a positive relationship that helps them navigate these transformative years.
