Warning Signs

When teens start spinning out of control, they usually exhibit many signs that will clue parents and other observant adults into a change. Unfortunately, many parents often write these signs off as normal teenage behavior. As a result, they don’t realize that their child is into drugs or engaging in other high-risk behaviors until it is too late.

So, how can you, as a parent, know whether or not your child is in danger? Simple … by understanding that every child is in danger of this. The parent who says “not my kid” is the same parent who will miss all the signs that their child has started experimenting with drugs, promiscuity, illegal activities, or other concerning behavior. 

These outward signs of rebellion should be obvious to a parent. Has your child started listening to radically different music, such as heavy metal or punk rock? Is your kid coloring their hair some weird color just to fit in? Is your child dressing down to fit in with friends at school? These are outward signs that your child is succumbing to negative peer pressure.

Your teen is developing their own unique identity, and often, they are desperately looking at those around them for signals and reassurance. A bold, counter-social style can be an outward sign of inner turmoil. While it’s healthy to expirement with new looks, defiantly opposing dress codes, social norms, or family rules are a sign of trouble.

One of the most noticeable signs of emotional distress in teen boys is a sudden or prolonged change in mood and behavior. While mood swings can be a normal part of adolescence, extreme irritability, anger outbursts, or frequent sadness could indicate deeper struggles. If your teen becomes unusually withdrawn, easily agitated, or displays aggressive tendencies, it’s important to take these changes seriously.

A combination of unresolved emotional issues and under-developed coping skills can look like difficulty regulating emotions, or expressing unexpected and unregulated reactions that are often disproportionate to the situation. 

A noticeable drop in grades, lack of motivation to complete schoolwork, or frequent absences from school can signal that something is wrong. Struggling mentally can affect a teen’s ability to concentrate, retain information, and maintain the energy needed to meet academic expectations.

Sometimes these issues are the result of other dependencies, like substance abuse. Other times, they occur simply as the result of emotional trauma. Stay in contact with your son’s school. Do not assume the school will be the first to notice a problem, or that they will notify you if they do.

Risk-taking behaviors such as substance use, reckless driving, self-harm, or engaging in dangerous activities can be an indicator that a teen is struggling internally. These behaviors may be an attempt to cope with emotional pain or seek attention and help.

These types of behaviors can provide a temporary relief from emotional pain, they can provide a sense of power and control, or they may provide a rush of adrenaline that the teen perceives as desirable.

Frequent headaches, stomach aches, or other physical symptoms without a clear medical cause can be linked to emotional struggles. Stress and anxiety often manifest physically in teens who may not know how to verbalize their feelings.

Stress can have widespread effects on the body. Your son may really be feeling these ailments but the cause may not be obvious to you-or him. Always consider that frequent ailments without an identifiable cause could have an underlying emotional connection even if you are not aware of any past trauma.

If you notice any of these warning signs, it’s important to approach your teen with empathy and concern first. Open a non-judgmental conversation, validate their feelings, and encourage them to share their thoughts. This will open the door to cooperation. Then, seek support from a mental health professional who can provide the guidance they need to navigate their challenges in a healthy way.

Remember, mental health struggles in teens are common and treatable with the right support and intervention. Being proactive and attentive can make all the difference in helping your teen boy find hope and healing. Residential treatment may only be appropriate when/if your teen’s behavior becomes an immediate danger to themselves or other, or if there is a complex diagnosis and previous treatment options have failed.

Teen Challenge Adventure Ranch provides Christ-centered, clinically-minded residential treatment for teen boys ages 14-17 struggling with substance abuse, mental health, or maladaptive behaviors.