Is your kid just sitting there with a blank stare, telling you they do not care, seemingly robotic and emotionless? We have to wonder when our kids start acting this way if it is depression or plain teenage defiance.
When your teen stops caring it can be so frustrating, and will send you to the absolute wits end. You feel so frustrated that they are not communicating with you, they haven’t got much to say, and it feels like they are hiding things from you.
However, the truth is that if your teen simply does not care, it may be more than teenage angst, especially if it is an ongoing thing.
It’s Not Just Typical Teen Angst
You’ll be grasping at straws when you are so desperate to just reach through to your teenager, however nothing works. Their grades will start slipping, other issues may creep in, social issues, maybe even substance issues.
You will start to fret about it, devote time and effort into trying to find a way to help… And now you’re here.
Well, you are probably aware that teen years are a difficult time anyway and most of us do not come prepared into this time of life, however, it can spur on some extra difficulties. And, here is how…
Why Don’t They Care?
If your teen is screaming that they simply do not care when you warn them of a punishment or activity or anything then you may think it is just your teen trying to defy you or act indifferent towards a punishment.
However, if they are perpetually indifference and apathetic, as if nothing brings them joy then this is more concerning.
Sure, a teenager sulking is not exactly unusual, we were all sulky teens at one point, however, when it is more long-term it likely isn’t just a sulky, moody, hormonal teenager.
These things can often come with bullying, social problems, or other issues. Sometimes a sulky teen can even be a teen who is trying to punish a parent for something.
There are so many reasons, but what are the ones you should be looking out for?
Is Depression A Possibility?
One of the primary warning signs of depression is the loss of interest in things that once brought joy. If your teen has suddenly lost interest in their hobbies, passions, and interests then this is a warning sign of depression.
Here are some other warning signs of depression:
- Guilty and shame
- Fatigue
- Disinterest/ loss of interest
- Difficulty making decisions
- Difficulty concentrating
- Slowed moving and thinking
- Insomnia or trouble sleeping
- Change in diet and eating habits
- Hopelessness
- Sadness
- Thoughts about death
If you find that your teen is displaying 5 plus of these symptoms for more than a 2-week period then they may need a trip to the doctor to have them assessed by a mental health professional.
Warning Signs Of Mental Illness
Depression is not the only thing you should consider though, there are many mental illnesses that can influence a persons’ ability to care about things and experience joy.
A lack of emotion can be a concerning thing if there are other warning signs of mental health issues in the teen.
Emotional detachment is a common symptom of many mental illnesses, this can include C-PTSD/ PTSD, BPD, and some other disorders (See Also: Parenting A Teenager With Reactive Attachment Disorder).
Remember not to stigmatize around mental illness, it is much more common than we realize and oftentimes, it is totally treatable, and people can recover.
Here are some things you might want to keep your eyes peeled for in your teen if you suspect they may be suffering with a mental illness:
- Mood swings
- Decline in work/ school performance.
- Distorted thoughts
- Isolation
- Low self-esteem and self-image
- Sleep disturbance
- Lack of self-care and hygiene
- Little to no pleasure
- Self harm
- Avoiding social interaction
- Indifference when praised
- Appetite changes
- Feelings of worthlessness
- Outbursts of anger
- Psychosis.
Tips To Help You
To Conclude
Overall, if your teenager doesn’t care, it could simply be defiance, especially in a negative situation like an argument or being threatened with a punishment. However, if this apathy is all the time then you need to consider that something might be wrong.
Mental health issues are rising in teens and so it is absolutely essential you key in on any symptoms early on.
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Over the years, I have seen my fair share of teenage issues. I have also seen plenty of worried parents at a loss of what to do with their children.
My aim with Talking Teenage is to put a stop to this and help you to communicate with your teenagers better. This will leave you with a better relationship and help you to keep such a close bond.
Please take the time to read my website and learn anything you can - we were all teenagers once!
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