There is no perfect time to place a family member in treatment, especially when they deny having problems. This, of course, does not apply to medical emergencies, but you already knew that. Below is a quick guide to help you be aware of some of the things we often hear from parents led to calling us or treatment providers directly.
Emotional Changes
- Increased and persistant hopelessness
- Cries suddenly and often
- Extremely angry outbursts that seem like an overreaction
- Phobias or fears that seem exaggerated
- States that ‘no one understands’ them
- Child states he or she feels “controlled” by bad thoughts
- Excessive worry or anxiety
- Bizarre behavior (temper tantrums; rambling speech; paranoid)
Behavioral Changes
- Grades suddenly drop
- No longer interested in activities they seemed to love just months ago
- Isolates themselves; avoids people, even those they use to care about
- Changes peer group and avoids introducing new friends to family
- Threatening suicide, even seemingly insincere threats
- Significant change in how they express themselves
- Destructive toward self, others, or property
- Dramatic changes in appearance (clothing, body piercing, tattoos)
- Change in level of hygiene (no longer cares about appearance)
If you notice any of these changes call us for a complimentary conversation. You can also call your physician and/or therapist/counselor. Ultimately, it’s better to act and be described as overreacting rather than wind up losing your son or daughter to their internal demons.