Sometimes it seems that anger and teenagers just go together as a part of life.  However, it is important for a parent to know what is normal teenage moodiness and what might be a sign of a bigger concern. While there are no hard-and-fast rules, when it begins to get in the way of daily living, it becomes a cause for concern.  

Most often anger is triggered by other intense emotions that teens are feeling and when you see your teenager exhibiting avoidance behavior it may be a sign it is time to reach out for additional help. Avoidance behavior often shows up by withdrawing from friends or family and refusing to participate in activities they previously enjoyed.  Your therapist may recommend sessions that include a form of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.

Adolescent defiance can be one of the most frustrating and upsetting experiences for parents.  Defiance is an exaggerated expression of the normal move to independence that we desire to see as our youth grow up. For many parents, the natural desire to try to fix what is wrong results in angry outbursts from their defiant son or daughter that can escalate in yelling and words we wish we could take back.  

If your teen is acting out aggressively and showing violent behavior or if their defiance is getting them into trouble, it may be time to seek help. Idaho Youth Ranch therapists use proven models that can help your son or daughter learn the behaviors, coping skills and patterns that can change your relationship with your teenager.

Adverse Childhood Experiences or childhood trauma left untreated can lead to a lifetime of mental health and physical health problems.  The impacts of childhood trauma are far-reaching, from isolation from friends and changes in behavior to substance abuse, eating disorders, and dropping out of school.  Fortunately, therapists experienced in youth trauma can provide mental health treatment for those traumatic experiences. Idaho Youth Ranch therapists have extensive experience providing therapy to youth who have experienced trauma.  

Perhaps there never was a nursery rhyme more wrong than "Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words shall never hurt me." Bullying today takes many forms, from physical abuse to words that do truly hurt. When peers inflict hateful words on a young person they often stick and not only impact self-esteem, but lead to anxiety, depression, and self-harm. Unfortunately for today's youth there are no safe places from bullies. Online bullying from social media and text messaging follows our kids home, into their rooms, and burrows itself deep in their minds.  Meeting with a trained therapist can make a difference for your child. Having a safe environment to process through the feelings, the words and the pain with an experienced therapist can provide youth the help they need to begin to heal.  

Self-harm or self-injury takes many forms and in teens it often shows up in cutting with a sharp instrument.  Young people are very good at keeping it a secret by cutting where it won't show or by covering wounds or scars with clothing, bracelets, bands or other accessories. While it is often kept secret, it isn't uncommon.  Adolescents have the highest rate of self-harm with about 17% admitting self-injury at least once in their lives.  

Idaho Youth Ranch therapists are trained in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy or D.B.T. which studies indicate offers the best treatment for self-harming behaviors.  An August 2022 New York Times article by Matta Richtel reported, "In a 2018 study in the journal JAMA Psychiatry, Dr. Berk and her colleagues found that D.B.T. led to sharper drops in suicide attempts and self-harm among adolescents than a more generalized therapy did. A 2014 study by researchers in Norway found a similar effect, noting that the therapy also has a relatively low dropout rate, and concluded that “it is indeed possible for adolescents to be engaged, retained, and treated” using D.B.T. The therapy is also identified as a key evidence-based treatment by the American Academy of Pediatrics."

Tragically, suicide among young people is the second leading cause of death for young adults 15-24. The majority of those who attempt suicide or experience suicidal ideation have significant mental health disorders.  Suicide is often an impulsive expression of feelings of pain, stress, and loss.  If your adolescent is actively suicidal please call 911 or the suicide hotline immediately.

The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is a United States-based suicide prevention network of over 200+ crisis centers that provides 24/7 service via a toll-free hotline with the number 9-8-8. It is available to anyone in a suicidal crisis or emotional distress.  Call or text 988 for help now or visit 988lifeline.org 

If you are concerned that your child may be at risk, please call and schedule an appointment with an Idaho Youth Ranch therapist for an evaluation.