How to distinguish teenage moping from a red flag: tips for parents

But where is the line between a normal teenage "storm" and symptoms of possible psychological disorders? A new paper from the University of Kentucky attempts to answer this question, Medicalxpress reports.

Many adults perceive irritability, closed-mindedness or harsh reactions in teenagers as the norm - and often they really are. Young boys and girls can become aloof, prefer solitude, and react violently to small things. Usually these changes are short-lived and are related to stress, studying or difficulties in socialising with peers.

However, there are signs that should alert parents and teachers, especially if they become persistent and prevent the teenager from living a full life. Such signs include:

• Constant irritability or outbursts of anger

• Moods that seem disproportionately strong and uncharacteristic

• Loss of interest in friends, hobbies and activities

• Significant changes in sleeping or eating patterns

• Sudden deterioration in academic performance or absences from school

• Talking about self-harm, being unwanted, or suicidal thoughts

Any hints of suicidal thoughts require immediate intervention, the study authors emphasise.

How to start the conversation?

Discussing a teenager's mental state can be difficult, especially if they are withdrawn. However, scientists advise not to avoid such conversations - on the contrary, you should look for ways to talk calmly, in a supportive way:

• Choose a private, quiet time for the conversation

• Ask open-ended questions: "How are you feeling?", "What's on your mind right now?"

• Listen attentively and do not interrupt

• Avoid judgement and hasty advice

• Return to the topic after a while to show that the concern has not disappeared

Even if a teenager is not ready to be honest right away, the very knowledge that an adult is there to listen creates a foundation of trust.

Where to look for help?

Parents should not handle these situations alone. A family doctor, school counsellor or mental health professional can be involved. In the case of an emergency, contact a helpline for urgent help.

Reliable channels for psychological support:

• National Psychological Association hotline - 0 800 100 102 (daily from 10:00 to 20:00, calls are free)

• PORUCH is a joint project of the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine, the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), the Ukrainian Institute of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and the NGO "VGC "Volunteer". The project includes online psychological support groups for adolescents - https://poruch.me/teenagers

• Counselling from the Teenergizer movement - an initiative of teenagers from Eastern Europe and Central Asia. On the website you can sign up for a free consultation with a psychologist or counsellor of the project: https://teenergizer.org/consultations/

• National hotline for children and youth from La Strada - children, teenagers and students can get anonymous and confidential help in difficult life situations:
  0 800 500 225 (mobile or landline) or 116 111 (mobile)

• "Ne dribnitsi " - a safe space for teenagers with free online counselling via chatbot. Counselling is done by real psychologists, not automated responses:
  https://www.notrivia.com.ua/

• Hotline of the charity fund "Voices of Children " - psychological support for children and parents by phone, as well as the possibility of face-to-face counselling (if your city is on the list):
  https://voices.org.ua/i-need-help/mental-help-for-kids/

• Lifeline Ukraine Suicide Prevention Line - 7333 (24/7)

• International Humanitarian Organisation "Ludina v Bidi" ("Man in Need") - 0 800 210 160 (anonymous, round the clock, free of charge from all operators in Ukraine

The authors emphasise that the earlier support is provided, the lower the risk of deterioration. And it is important to remember that adults need help too. When parents feel supported, adolescents cope better.