Serious Teen Issues

The teen years are a tough time of life for almost everyone. Serious teen issues such as depression, eating disorders, teen pregnancy, substance abuse or suicide can affect any teen at any time. Parents should be vigilant in watching for changes in behavior or routine so their teen doesn't spiral out of control.

1. Depression

   • Lousy moods and angry outbursts can afflict any teenager, but when teens exhibits long-term personality, behavior or mood changes, could be suffering from depression. If untreated, depression can lead to problems at school and home, drug, alcohol or Internet addiction, eating disorders, self injury, violent or dangerous behavior, or worse -- suicide. Symptoms can include overwhelming sadness, despair, guilt, hopelessness, restlessness, worthlessness, difficulty concentrating, agitation and a lack of enthusiasm for life. Some withdraw from and lose interest in day-to-day activities and spending time with family and friends, eat or sleep too much or too little, cry a lot, or even run away from home.

   Eating Disorders

   • Teenage girls obsessed with having the perfect body can fall victim to eating disorders such as anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa or binge eating disorder. Anorexic teens eat very little, fearing they will become fat and experience long-term health problems such as severe weight loss, cessation of the menstrual cycle, stunted growth, severely dry skin and hair loss. Teens with eating disorders may feel lonely, ashamed, anxious and depressed, and have a very low self image.

   Pregnancy

   • Most teen pregnancies are unplanned, and many young mothers face irreversible consequences. According to the Women's Health Channel, "Approximately one-third of young women in the United States become pregnant during their teens." Many pregnant teens give birth to underweight babies with underdeveloped organs -- largely the result of the teen mom's failure to properly nourish herself and get proper prenatal care.

   Substance Abuse

   • Teens face vigorous peer pressure to try drugs, alcohol and cigarettes at parties and in social situations. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, most teens try drugs at least once by age 13. Drugs commonly used by teens include hallucinogens, heroin, inhalants and methamphetamine, all of which are extremely addictive and can lead to lifelong financial, medical and emotional hardships. Teens abusing drugs or alcohol tend to alienate former friends, fail school, suffer mood swings and develop long-term health problems. Alcohol abuse can lead to liver or brain damage, immune system deficiencies or even cancer.

   Suicide

   • Depression, abuse of drugs or alcohol and uncharacteristic aggression are tell-tale signs a teen may be contemplating suicide. These teens may become disinterested in favorite pastimes, have problems keeping a job, withdraw from family and friends, sleep or eat more or less than usual, complain about aches and pains, lose interest in school and bring home failing grades, and let personal appearance slide. Teens thinking about suicide also may talk about suicide more than usual.