Children, adolescents, and young adults can have behavioral problems for many reasons. If there are problems with fighting, disrespect, and disobedience Therapy SRQ has therapy to help.

Behavior problems starting school? Get your child the help they need!

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Behavior problems in school

Behavior problems are commonly seen with transitioning back to school. Parents, teachers and students start with an optimistic view on a “fresh start” and a new grade. However, typically within a few weeks, things start to slide. As a result, often we are frustrated that expectations are not met.

Approximately 1 in 5 children ages 13-18 have or will have behavior problems at school that lead to serious mental illness according to National Alliance on Mental Illness. Consequently, students drop out or get stuck in the juvenile justice system. There is never enough eyes to monitor a child’s well being. As a result, KXAN a NCB affiliated television station in Austin, Texas is exploring potential solutions by developing Save our Students (S.O.S) This healthcare initiative is helping educate teachers, staff, bus drivers and parents understand and take action of mental health concerns with students. S.O.S stresses it is not your job to fix but be aware something is happening and get the child to where they need to get help.

As parents…how can we help?

Parents need to model on how to deal with mental health issues. First, you need to develop a language around mental illness to talk to your kids. Next, you must advocate for them to speak up when needed. Similarly, we all need to recognize as adults, we struggle too. It is equally important for parents to ensure they are taking time for their needs. As a result, modeling positive coping skills and problem solving techniques benefit you as well!

Often times behavioral problems can be the result of underlying mental health disorders. As a result, these problems can have a negative change on the way children learn. It can effect their behavior, emotions, causing distress and struggling to get through the day. According to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Depression, anxiety and behavior disorders are the most common among adolescents.

Depression in adolescents

  • Frequent and longer periods of sadness or unexplained crying spells
  • changes in appetite and sleep patterns
  • Irritability, anger, worry, agitation, anxiety
  • Pessimism, indifference
  • Loss of energy, chronically feeling tired
  • Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, hopelessness
  • Not able to concentrate, indecisiveness
  • Inability to find pleasure in usual interests, social withdrawal
  • Physical symptoms of unexplained aches and pains
  • Recurring thoughts of death or suicide

Anxiety in adolescents

  • Difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, frequent nightmares
  • Feeling on edge/Irritable
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Restlessness
  • Unexplained outbursts
  • Avoiding social interactions with friends
  • Avoiding extracurricular activities
  • Spending more time alone
  • Changes in grades, missed assignments
  • Procrastination or increased difficulty concentrating on academics
  • Increased heartbeat/dizziness
  • Frequently sweating
  • Upset stomach
  • Derealization

If your child appears to be struggling with symptoms of these common adolescent problems in school, home or daily functioning its important to get help. These problems are treatable and most adolescents can learn to cope and manage their symptoms. Please call Therapy SRQ today at 941-202-3432 for a free consultation.

Sarasota FL therapy
teen playing video games

“Mental Health, Video Games and the Internet”…

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teen playing video games
2 important factors to monitor with your child’s gaming- Time spent and content.

An interview with NPR reveals President Trump’s commentary about the recent mass shootings in El Paso, Texas. https://www.npr.org/2019/08/05/748247918/president-trump-blames-recent-mass-shootings-on-mental-health-video-games-intern The president specifically called out “Mental Health, Video Games and the Internet” as the leading factors affecting the shooters. So, let’s discuss these factors.

Firstly, we know the importance of mental health awareness and education. However, how can we ensure that it;s not “in one ear and out the other” for our kids? Take the time to check in with your child. New friends, new projects, new feelings…it’s all there, connect with them! It’s important for youth to have strong relationships with their family and friends. Help your child develop resilience by supporting them to solve problems that arise and let them know they can turn to you for help! Be aware of their internet, social media, gaming and television use. Most importantly, not only the duration but the content. Be a role model by practicing what you preach, ensure you take care of your own mental health and have time for things you enjoy.

Unfortunately, all too often kids don’t get help soon enough. Mental health problems may go unnoticed or ignored. Parents may not know the warning signs or who to contact. Mental health issues can manifest in many different ways including a decline in grades, problems with friends and sneaky behavior. Mental Health problems can have serious effects on your child’s development and quality of life. Getting help early is so important. If you believe your child could be struggling please call Therapy SRQ at 941-202-3432.

teen cutting

Self harm or “Cutting” and why does our youth do it?

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teen cutting
Red raised marks on this teen’s arm are the result of cutting.

Self harm or “cutting” appears to be an increasing epidemic in our youth. Working with youth in schools and various settings since 2001, it seems to have taken off. So, why cut? Cutting is used as a way to cope with the discomfort of powerful emotions. For instance, bullying, self-esteem issues, relationship problems are all common stressors that are behind this negative coping mechanism. Perhaps their feelings are so intense that they don’t quite have the coping mechanisms to relieve the emotional pain.

Lyness D’arcy at Teenhealth.org https://kidshealth.org/en/teens/cutting.html explains that teens can cope better with major life events and overwhelming emotions with the help of a mental health professional. Self harm or “cutting” can become habit forming by the person getting a false sense of relief from cutting. The brain starts to connect the false sense of relief to the cutting behavior. As a result, the behaviors can feel like an addiction. A person may feel that they need to cut to cope with their feelings. When they have difficult feelings, the thoughts go to cutting.

Identify the trouble that’s triggering the cutting. Cutting is a way of reacting to emotional tension or pain. Try to figure out what feelings or situations are causing you to cut. Is it anger? Pressure to be perfect? Relationship trouble? A painful loss or trauma? Mean criticism or mistreatment? Identify the trouble you’re having, then tell someone about it. Many people have trouble figuring this part out on their own. This is where a mental health professional can be helpful. http://sioutreach.org/

If you or someone you love have a problem cutting please reach out for help. Admitting you need help can be challenging. Cutting can make you conceal your feelings from the world even more. A feeling of shame is commonly associated with these behaviors. However, many feel a sense of relief after telling a trusted adult. Forms of non-suicidal self injury are not something to dismiss. If you need further help or guidance please call Therapy SRQ at 941-202-3432.

Positive parenting

Positive Parenting Tips

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