Problems of Adolescence

Adolescence is a time of great turmoil. Adolescence is the age of 11 to 19 years roughly. Parents also have a tough time dealing with their teenagers. Adolescents are generally viewed by elders as disobedient; who do not follow rules and misbehave. On the contrary, adolescents are actually the ones suffering. A lot of change takes place in the body and mind of the teenager.

It is a stage of life in which the kid is still discovering himself. In this process, he loses his identity. It is the period of transition from being a child to becoming an adult.

Let us look at the two major changes in teenagers:

Physical changes:

Hormone levels are changing at this age drastically for both boys and girls. Due to changes in the hormones, their bodies change in gender-appropriate ways. This is a hard time to go through.

Emotional changes:

Teenagers are confused about their role in the family and society. They are treated as adults and kids alternatively according to situations; a decrease in confidence leads to heightened self-consciousness. Mood swings become common leading to a more emotional vulnerability in teenagers.

Due to these changes teenagers go through specific psychological problems:

Addiction

Substance abuse is very common in teenagers. It is often because of peer pressure and later on becomes a coping mechanism to deal with the emotional turbulence. Also, celebrities become their role models and whatever they do is an ideal way of doing things. Speaking to parents is difficult.

Depression

Depression is common in all age groups. It is more common in teenage as he has nobody to speak to about his feelings. The intense loss of self-identity and confusing role in the society makes it more difficult to cope on a daily basis. There are changes taking place rapidly but the supportive structure to deal is often unavailable.

Phobias

Since this is a growing phase. Learning is taking place at a rapid pace and new experiences are taking place all the time. Fear left untreated often turns into phobias.

Conduct Disorder

Symptoms are a persistent disruptive behavior in which the person violates the rights of others and social norms. In the beginning; it is more like disobeying rules and eventually becomes more disruptive.

There are much more like Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Bipolar Disorder., Social Anxiety Disorder, Panic Disorder, and Schizophrenia; which can affect the teenager. All of them need immediate attention and hence need therapy.