Adolescents are at a sensitive stage of physical and mental development, thus mental health issues can’t be ignored.
“Healthy” is defined by the WHO as, on the psychological level, healthy means a good personality, good ability to deal with things. On the physical level, healthy refers to good behavior and emotional performance. On the social adaptation level, healthy is good interpersonal relationships.
Psychological development in the adolescent stage is more intense than other ages. At this stage both self-consciousness and a strong realization of self-identity are developing. Nevertheless, adolescents are still immature in controlling emotions and impulses, and have limited ways to vent their negative feelings. Therefore, they are more prone to have anxiety.
The main causes of psychological pressure for adolescents:
• Parents’ expectations are too high
• Children want more independence
• The pressure of competition between classmates.
In our experience, it is common for kids to change 180-degrees suddenly. They stop doing homework, don’t go to school, and don’t want to connect with others. They might have mood swings, and have problems with sleeping and eating.
These can make parents angry, and they might use inappropriate methods in response, like violent language toward children. If parents behave like that, their children mayfeel a strong sense of guilt, and act out in radical ways.
Rebellion is a beginning of children’s sense of independence. On the one hand, they do not want parents to interfere too much, on the other hand, they hope to get parents’ understanding and support. This psychological conflict can lead to rebellious behavior.
Parents need to intervene if children have these behaviors:
• They are low in spirits.
• They have no interest in doing anything.
• Their willpower is very weak.
Normal anxiety, a.k.a. physiological anxiety, has a protective effect. If too much, it will become pathological, which is anxiety.
Depression is also a normal emotional response to sad feelings, it will improve through self-regulation. But you should seek professional help if the following conditions occur and last over two weeks: low mood, loss of interest, the decline of willpower and motivation.
Understand the motivations and needs behind your children’s behavior. Parents can spend more time with children, encourage them, and organize social activities with peers.
When communicating with children, parents should avoid command-style communication, but rather talk with children as an equal.
For people with anxiety or depression, make sure you have a regular lifestyle, balanced nutrition, and proper exercise.
Have the right self-cognition, and don’t set unrealistic goals for yourself. Parents shouldn’t impose their own expectations on children.
Cultivate interests and hobbies, these may increase one’s self-confidence, expand knowledge, relax the brain and enrich one’s life.
If anxiety or depression persists for two weeks and doesn’t improve, it’s advised to seek professional help, and not delay treatment time.
DeltaWest Clinic
Website: deltahealth.com.cn
Telephone: 2213 9777
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