Tackling tough teenager problems

Last week's article gave parents general tips to deal with teenagers. This week will look at tackling some of the tough teenager problems.

Not focused: This is a common one. The child does not appear focused in school and does not show much interest in schoolwork. Children may fall in several categories. One group represents children who have always been slow and have special-education needs. Often these problems are picked up in kindergarten or elementary school.

The other group includes children who used to do well in school but suddenly a change in performance is noted. Both groups need attention. In the first group, the children should be properly assessed and may need remedial education. The second group should also be assessed by a competent professional.

Smoking marijuana: This is a major problem among young peple. Interestingly, many young people start smoking ganja between 10 and 14 years old, which is a period of transition, when parents start to heap a lot of pressure on kids.

Young people report the need to relax and reduce stress as common reasons for using marijuana. The bottom line is that many young people who use drugs are self-medicating their inner pain and depression. The sad news is that this may lead to drug addiction. Addiction begins and ends with pain. Drug use should be dealt with responsibly. The excessive preaching and teaching will not solve this problem. Children who are suspected of abusing drugs should be properly assessed.

Suicide attempts: Fortunately, Jamaica has one of the lowest suicide rates in the world. All suicide threats or attempts should be taken seriously. A suicide threat often indicates that a child is experiencing severe pain and is often a cry for help. In some instances, it may be related to mental illnesses such as depression. In girls, frequent suicidal threats may be related to sexual abuse and is a major concern for professional investigation.

Seek competent professionals

There are a number of service providers around. Parents should research and ensure they are getting the best help possible. Ensure persons who say they are providing professional help are competently trained. Unfortunately, there are many self-styled counsellors practising, who are not adequately trained to deal with children and adolescents. They may do more harm than good.

Many parents turn to counsellors within the church for help. This can be beneficial, but parents should be concerned about too much teaching an preaching. Counsellors should be non-judgemental and should not impose their beliefs on clients.

If your child is being followed by a competent provider and you are following most of the instructions, yet the problem persists, then maybe it is time for a second opinion. Many times children with tough problems, which do not seem to respond to common interventions, may be having deep-seated mental-health issues and should be referred to a psychologist or psychiatrist.

Do not be afraid of psychiatrists. They are among the most feared medical professionals, but this negative attitude should change. Some of the common behavioural problems in children may have medical bases. Furthermore, remember psychiatrists also treat normal people with normal problems.

Dr Wendel Abel is a consultant psychiatrist and head, Section of Psychiatry, Dept. Of Community Health and Psychiatry, University of the West Indies, 977-1108; email: yourhealth@gleanerjm.com.