Adolescent Issues

Clare Walker
Perth Counsellor & Psychotherapist

Adolescence can be a difficult time for a young person, their parents as well as other family members. This is a critical transition time in a young person's life in which they begin to individuate from their family and start to explore who they are and how they fit into the world. With hormonal changes and influences from peer groups and social media this can be particularly confusing and challenging time but, if navigated successfully, can provide a solid pathway to adulthood and equip the young person to deal with the next set of challenges, such as living independently and having meaningful and respectful relationships.

It is probably not surprising that this age group is one that faces some of the biggest risk factors in our society. Suicide is one of the highest risk issues for this group and in 2016 accounted for over one-third of all deaths among young people in Australia between the ages of 15 to 24 years, with males representing a significantly higher percentage than females. Other issues facing adolescents are mental health problems such as depression and anxiety as well as body image issues and school or study problems. Interestingly, girls are more likely to cite mental health issues to be a barrier to their achievements at school compared to boys.

While many parents work hard to provide wellbeing support to their adolescent children, it can become draining and emotionally difficult. Providing early and ongoing intervention is key in meeting the needs of children as they enter and progress through adolescence. Having the coping strategies, such as open communication and boundary setting skills, as well as the knowledge to be able identify the signs and behaviours that indicate your child may be struggling are key skills for any parent.

Counselling can provide both parents and young people a space to work through these issues. For a young person, it is an opportunity to talk to someone outside their family, school or friendship groups, to express and make sense of their feelings in a safe and supportive environment without judgement. The therapist can help both young people and parents to provide some context to these issues as well as normalising what they are experiencing. Counselling can also offer practical strategies to help both the young person and their families with issues related to anger, anxiety, depression, bullying, self-esteem and stress.

If you would like to talk through any of these issues either as a parent or young person, please contact Clare Walker on:

Clare Walker
Counsellor and Psychotherapist
Email: enquiries@applecrosscounselling.com.au

Applecross Counselling & Psychotherapy
Attadale Business Centre
14b, 550 Canning Hwy
Attadale WA 6153
www.applecrosscounselling.com.au

References: Australian Bureau of Statistics, Mission Australia (Youth Survey 2017 & Youth Mental Health Report 2012-16)

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