Troubled Teens

If you fall into the category of troubled teens, you are not alone. As a teen, you want more responsibility. More responsibility equals more stress. More stress can make for troubled teens.

Low self-esteem can lead you into situations you would normally avoid. During the school day, you feel pressure to dress right and hang out with the right kids. Weekend parties offer you an opportunity to get into trouble.

The Life of Troubled Teens

Peer Pressure and Cliques

Peer pressure is overwhelming in high school. While trying to fit in, you find yourself in a clique. Everyone is given a label in high school:

• Cheerleader
• Jock
• Headbanger
• Preps
• Goth
• Nerds

Every school has its own labels for these groups. When troubled teens are tagged, they tend to act the part. The pressure to either fit in is overwhelming at times.

Family Life

Though your family is supposed to love you unconditionally, it may not feel that way. Adults get busy with their life and do not always give their children the attention you need. It is not uncommon for teens and parents to quit getting along as teens push for more freedom while parents push back with stricter rules. Personalities clash as parents feel their children drifting away.

Another family issue is divorce. What happens in your family life affects your behavior.

Depression

When life gets tough, it is easy to become depressed. Depression offers no age boundaries. The symptoms of depression include:

• Always feeling tired
• Displaced anger
• Wanting to cry all the time
• Lack of concentration
• Loss or increase in appetite
• Think about death frequently
• Feelings of anxiety
• Feeling as if you can’t do anything right

As a teen, you may feel depressed for numerous reasons, including:

• Grades
• Your dating or social life
• Relationship with your family
• Feelings of failure or not fitting in
• Sex, drugs or alcohol
• Your appearance

The first step in getting help is to recognize that you are depressed. You are not alone. If you think you are suffering from depression, tell your parents or school counselor. Though depression takes time to overcome, help is available including prescription drugs and counseling.

Suicide

If you obsess about thoughts of death, get help right away. When you begin wondering if the world is better without you, it is time to look towards living for the future. Suicide is a serious issue.

Sex

Though you are taught abstinence, it seems like everyone in school is “doing it”. The truth is, not as many teens are having sex as you think. Becoming sexually active is a big decision. Often young love and lust cause you to want to rush into proving to your partner you love him. This reasoning often backfires. If he really loves you, he wants what is best for you. Being sexually active, subjects you to:

• Pregnancy (or becoming a dad)
• Sexually transmitted diseases (STD’s)
• Low self-worth

Sex can wait. If you already started, do not face it alone. Your friends are struggling with the same issues you are. Birth control can make a difference for your future.

Drugs

Schools advertise “drug free zones” yet drugs are easy to find. Troubled teens turn towards drugs for different reasons such as escaping the stress of daily life or to avoid being left out. Most drugs are highly addictive and can lead to other problems, including making bad decisions that result in other issues such as:

• Failing at school
• Sex
• Depression

Alcohol

Alcohol is commonly found at high school parties. Underage drinking presents problems of its own. Alcohol impairs your judgment, causing you to engage in activities you normally would say “no” to such as sex or recklessness. Alcohol abuse among troubled teens is an issue.

Failing School

Students fail for numerous reasons. You may find yourself struggling with subjects that feel like a foreign language, or you are too busy partying to even care. Though it does not seem important at this time, school is important to your future. If flipping burgers sounds like a nightmare, you may want to readdress your academic issues.

Eating Disorders

Teens come in all shapes and sizes. Kids who are larger unfortunately get teased. Bulimia and anorexia are two common eating disorders found in troubled teens. Though you may not think your eating disorder is a big deal, it can cause death and permanent damage.

Getting Help

If you are a troubled teen, help is available. Do not wait until it is too late. Drugs, pregnancy, eating disorders and suicide are real issues. Do not blame yourself.

Talking to Parents

Try talking to your parents. They will find you the help you need. Since your problems affect the whole family, expect them to be involved in the process. Remember, they were young once.

Seeking Counseling

Your counselor is bound by confidentiality which makes them the perfect person to speak with. What you tell them will stay between the two of you (unless your life is in danger). They can offer guidance and help you overcome your problems.

Online Resources

• Check Yourself (drug help)
• Help directory
• Teen Help message boards
• Teen Health
• Teencentral.net

• Cool Teen Gifts
• Gift Ideas for Teenage Girls
• Gifts for Teenage Guys
• What Is The Best Prom Dress For You?
• Peer Pressure Quiz

• Average Height and Weight for Teenager
• Text Message Symbols
• Teen Clothing Stores
• Hot Teen Clothing Brands
• Creative Ways to Ask a Girl to Prom

• Wild Teens
• Teens and Drug Addiction
• Military Schools for Troubled Teens
• Boot Camps for Troubled Teens
• Boarding School for Troubled Teens