FREE ESSAY ON CLOSER LOOK AT TEENS

CLOSER LOOK AT TEENS

A Closer Look At High Risk Youth
It is important not to overreact to isolated incidents. Young people will have problems
and will learn, at their own rate, to struggle and deal with them. But it is critical for
parents and helping adults to be aware of the factors that put a youth at particular
risk, especially when stressful events begin to accumulate for these vulnerable
individuals. A good starting point for identifying and intervening with highly troubled
and depressed young people is the careful study of suicidal adolescents. 
Family history and biology can create a predisposition for dealing poorly with stress.
These factors make a person susceptible to depression and self-destructive behavior. 
-  History of depression and/or suicide in the family 
-  Alcoholism or drug use in the family 
-  Sexual or physical abuse patterns in the family 
-  Chronic illness in oneself or family 
-  Family or individual history of psychiatric disorders such as eating disorders,
schizophrenia, manic-depressive disorder, conduct disorders, delinquency 
-  Death or serious loss in the family 
-  Learning disabilities or mental/physical disabilities 
-  Absent or divorced parents; inadequate bonding in adoptive families 
-  Family conflict; poor parent/child relationships 
Personality traits, especially when they change dramatically, can signal serious trouble.
These traits include: 
-  Impulsive behaviors, obsessions and unreal fears 
-  Aggressive and antisocial behavior 
-  Withdrawal and isolation; detachment 
-  Poor social skills resulting in feelings of humiliation, poor self-worth, blame and
feeling ugly 
-  Over-achieving and extreme pressure to perform 
-  Problems with sleeping and/or eating 
Psychological and social events contribute to the accumulation of problems and stressors.

-  Loss experience such as a death or suicide of a friend or family member; broken
romance, loss of a close friendship or a family move 
-  Unmet personal or parental expectation such as failure to achieve a goal, poor grades,
social rejection 
-  Unresolved conflict with family members, peers, teachers, coaches that results in
anger, frustration, rejection 
-  Humiliating experience resulting in loss of self-esteem or rejection 
-  Unexpected events such as pregnancy or financial problems 
Predispositions, stressors and behaviors weave together to form a composite picture of a
youth at high risk for depression and self-destructive behavior. Symptoms such as
personal drug and alcohol use, running away from home, prolonged sadness and crying,
unusual impulsivity or recklessness or dramatic changes in personal habits are
intertwined with the family and personal history, the individual personality and the
emotional/social events taking place in a person's life. 
It is not always easy for one person to see the whole picture. That's why it is essential
that people who have hunches that something is wrong take the lead to gather perspectives
from other friends, family members and professionals who know the young person. It is all
too often true that the survivors of an adolescent suicide only put the pieces together
after the fact, when they sit together and try to figure out what happened. How fortunate
a troubled young person is to have a caring adult take the initiative to look more
closely before something serious happens! 
The University of Minnesota Extension Service has two additional publications that can be
helpful: 
-  Supporting Distressed Young People (FS-2786), by Ron Pitzer 
-  Helping Friends in Trouble (FS-2787), by Joyce Walker 
Several common themes run through these two. First, young people must learn and practice
coping skills to get them through an immediate conflict or problem. Coping strategies
must emphasize self-responsibility to find positive, non-destructive ways to find relief.
Second, communication skills are important. This involves being able to talk and
selecting a good listener. It is important to express feelings, vent emotions, and talk
about the problems and issues. Peers are good sympathizers, but it often takes an adult
perspective to begin to plan how to make changes for the better. Third, young people need
help to learn problem-solving skills. Sorting out the issues, setting goals and making
plans to move forward are skills that can be taught and practiced. 
Ultimately, most young people will develop and assume the responsibility for their own
protection and peace of mind. But during the years of learning and practice, parents,
teachers and helping adults need to be aware of the signs and patterns that signal
danger. Awareness of adolescent stress and depression opens the door for adults to begin
constructive interventions and stimulate emotional development.