Troubled teenagers often show signs of isolation. In order to detect these signs, a parent must have a keen eye for observation. Often, things just don’t “feel” right as well in the household. If you are not completely focused on work, in most cases you may be able to read these signs in your teenager. A rather obvious sign of teenage isolation may be how your child locks himself up in his room as soon as he gets back from school. You can also find out from school counselors or teachers how your teen is doing socially. Issues concerning bullying or teasing at school may also be a cause for your child’s isolation. If you know your teen to be aggressive and outgoing, and he has suddenly been acting quite the opposite, then observer further to see if his change in behavior persists or not. ChangesIf your adolescent has a set group of friends that you are familiar with, you may also notice if he still spends time with them or not. Your teen may also suddenly develop other hobbies which are primarily activities for the individual. For example, he may have all of a sudden replaced his weekly basketball games at the park with taking long walks. Of course, you mustn’t also jump to conclusions. Just because your daughter has been going on evening strolls more often than she wants to hang out in the mall with her friends, doesn’t automatically mean that she is isolating herself. The stage of adolescence is full of its ups and downs and mood changes are expected. But keep in mind that these changes in mood are expected to some extent, if they cross the boundaries into full blown disorders then you must be wary. Refer to Moody Teens Substance Abuse and IsolationSubstance Abuse and isolation have also been noted to occur in relation to one another. If your teen rushes up to his bedroom as soon as he comes back and you find any traces of possible drug use in his room. You may be able to relate his isolation to substance abuse. If this is the case, proper intervention should be planned for the sake of his physical health. If your teen stops joining regular family activities he used to enjoy, this may also be a cause for concern. Normally, any abrupt change in behavior may be sourced from an event or happening in his life that may have created enough mental or emotional disturbance within your teen to alter his normal patterns of behavior. In these cases, isolation may form as a response. |
