Dear Troy,
The gun law debate continues in the aftermath of the Sandy Hood Elementary tragedy -- and even some laws have been changed in an attempt to make our country a safer place. There is more that we can all do on an individual level and that is to be aware of the signs of possible mental illness in teens/young adults and take certain actions to help the individual who may be ill. Author, Psychotherapist, and Positive Living Expert, Diane Lang, provides 14 signs to look for in teens or young adults who may have a mental illness and what to do to help.
Flanders, NJ -- Jan 22, 2013 / -- As we settle into 2013, the aftermath of the horrific tragedy at Sandy Hook Elementary is still very unsettling for many of us who are asking how we can help prevent something like this from ever happening again; hence the recent gun law debates and changes in gun laws. But how can we help individually? One way is to educate ourselves on the signs of mental illness in teens or young adults and how to help the person who may be ill. Author, Psychotherapist, and Positive Living Expert, Diane Lang, provides 14 signs to look for in teens and what to do to help.
Here are 14 signs that teens or young adults might possibly have a mental illness or problem:
Lang has been interviewed for numerous magazine and newspaper articles and has been a frequent guest on radio and TV shows including "Fox & Friends" on the Fox News Network. Lang is a monthly contributor for "Family Beautiful" magazine, a weekly columnist for MommyTalk.com, a regular featured expert on the "Expat Show" broadcasted weekly on the New York ABC affiliate WTBQ-AM, and a Blogger at www.pazoo.com.
Lang is the author of two books: "Baby Steps: The Path from Motherhood to Career" and "Creating Balance and Finding Happiness."
Click here for more information on Diane Langs' books or visit www.dlcounseling.com. ###
The gun law debate continues in the aftermath of the Sandy Hood Elementary tragedy -- and even some laws have been changed in an attempt to make our country a safer place. There is more that we can all do on an individual level and that is to be aware of the signs of possible mental illness in teens/young adults and take certain actions to help the individual who may be ill. Author, Psychotherapist, and Positive Living Expert, Diane Lang, provides 14 signs to look for in teens or young adults who may have a mental illness and what to do to help.
Flanders, NJ -- Jan 22, 2013 / -- As we settle into 2013, the aftermath of the horrific tragedy at Sandy Hook Elementary is still very unsettling for many of us who are asking how we can help prevent something like this from ever happening again; hence the recent gun law debates and changes in gun laws. But how can we help individually? One way is to educate ourselves on the signs of mental illness in teens or young adults and how to help the person who may be ill. Author, Psychotherapist, and Positive Living Expert, Diane Lang, provides 14 signs to look for in teens and what to do to help.
Here are 14 signs that teens or young adults might possibly have a mental illness or problem:
- Feelings of worthlessness
- Anxious and feelings of intense worry or sadness
- Extreme fear and/or unexplained fear
- Changes in school -- grades/behavior
- Loss of interest in normal activities/hobbies/leisure activities -- social isolation
- Lack of interest in family, friends, etc.
- Changes in sleep patterns or eating habits (too much or too little)
- Increased mood swings, anger, irritability and/or impulsiveness
- Loss of focus and concentration
- Talking about suicide
- Obsessive dieting or extreme exercising
- Destroys property and breaks the law
- Uses alcohol or drugs
- Hears voices
- Have someone close to that person (friend or family member) approach them and let them know they are concerned about them. Be non-judgmental, calm, caring and empathic.
- Let them know there is help available.
- Give them resources of local agencies/therapists that can help (or as a parent of a teen look up resources yourself to get help)
- Let them know mental illness is treatable.
Lang has been interviewed for numerous magazine and newspaper articles and has been a frequent guest on radio and TV shows including "Fox & Friends" on the Fox News Network. Lang is a monthly contributor for "Family Beautiful" magazine, a weekly columnist for MommyTalk.com, a regular featured expert on the "Expat Show" broadcasted weekly on the New York ABC affiliate WTBQ-AM, and a Blogger at www.pazoo.com.
Lang is the author of two books: "Baby Steps: The Path from Motherhood to Career" and "Creating Balance and Finding Happiness."
Click here for more information on Diane Langs' books or visit www.dlcounseling.com. ###
