When Sumit (name changed) moved into Class 8 in a new school, his parents initially put down their only child’s reluctance to go to school to the abrupt change of environment. After all, he had spent ten crucial years in his former school (from nursery onwards), made a lot of close friends and was a favourite among his teachers.
Even as his working parents adjusted quickly to a new town and new neighbours, Sumit seemed to be going deeper and deeper into a shell. The worried parents could not understand it. Sumit was always a very well-balanced child and had never displayed any adjustment issues.
Both parents were educated and had no prejudices against seeking professional help for their son when even after two months, Sumit became more introverted, sullen and worse, had his grades falling.
The counselor, within an hour’s interaction, identified what the problem was. Sumit was suffering from acute depression, low self-esteem and anxiety.
Luckily, he had very supportive parents and a very stable home environment. With counseling and cognitive therapy, Sumit slowly started opening up, sharing his inability to adjust with an entirely new set of students who had already made their own cliques and groups, and who displayed open hostility towards him due to his stellar academic performance.
For someone who had always been very popular and well-liked, this rejection was hard to take. He suffered silently within and began to lose interest in his school, sports and studies.
Within two months of regular therapy and counseling, Sumit once again began to show signs of his old self, much to his parents’ delight. His teachers were also taken into confidence and they extended their cooperation as well.
Today, Sumit is back to his old self. He has started verbalizing his problems. He has made 2-3 very good friends and his grades have dramatically improved.
So, here are 7 common warning signs and symptoms that your teenager is acutely stressed:
- Headaches and abdominal disorders
- Sleep issues
- Falling grades
- Personality changes
- Increased irritability
- Withdrawing from social interactions
- Difficulty in concentrating
Is your child exhibiting any, some or all of these signs? Don’t delay in seeking help. Help your teen blossom into a well-adjusted adult. Reach out to a trustworthy counselor now.