Latest news with #teenanxiety
Irish Times
4 days ago
- General
- Irish Times
‘My 16-year-old son doesn't like the way he looks. He seems to be struggling with puberty'
Question My 16-year-old son doesn't like the way he looks. He won't have his hair cut as he is trying to cover his face with his hair. This is causing students in his class to make nasty comments about his appearance. On occasion he is refusing to go to school because he doesn't want anyone to see him. He is very anxious and avoids social situations. He doesn't socialise outside school, but talks to friends online. He has now said he doesn't like his friends and doesn't want to hang out with them at school any more or speak online. He won't say why. I have tried to explain that it doesn't matter what people look like and he shouldn't care what people think. Also, I have talked to him about building resilience. He seems to be struggling with puberty and how his body is changing and also his features. This is really impacting his life now and affecting his school work. I read online about 'body dysmorphia disorder' and wondered if this is what is affecting him. We are not sure how to help him and would appreciate your advice. READ MORE Answer Lots of teenagers worry about their appearance or are unhappy about certain parts of their body. When these feelings and thoughts become excessive so that they start negatively affecting their quality of life, then the teenager may have a condition called body dysmorphic disorder. This can start off mild and then become more serious as the negative thoughts become habitual, and the teenager can spend large amounts of time ruminating and obsessing about their appearance. This can lead to low self-esteem and avoiding going out to meet people socially. As you have discovered, simply reassuring your teenager that they look fine or that they should not worry about what other people think usually does not reduce their obsessions – they may know this rationally but are finding it too hard to control their negative thoughts. [ Body image: 'It's a total bombardment of social media' Opens in new window ] Listening to your son Try to encourage your son to talk about what is going on for him. Ask him to describe his thoughts and feelings in detail. For example, encourage him to talk about how he feels going out and how he thinks growing his hair might help him. As you listen try to communicate compassion and understanding: 'Lots of people ruminate about their appearance – it can be really hard to change this.' Initially you are not trying to 'judge' or 'challenge' what he is saying, you are simply trying to help him talk and vent his feelings – this will help him feel better and not alone. Helping your son talk Of course, lots of teenagers find it hard to open up about something as personal as their body image, and asking too many direct questions can feel like a pressure and make them close down. In this instance it can work to take a step back and communicate a message that you are there for them when they are ready to talk. You can also make sure to be available at the times your teen is more likely to talk (such as travelling one to one to activities or late at night when they are more open). You can also create daily 'opportunities for conversation' such as arranging a trip when you can be one to one and relaxed together. Naming what is going on Naming his condition as something external to him could be helpful. You can start this conversation by talking informally about BDD – 'it sounds like you might be suffering from body dysmorphia disorder; this can happen to lots of teenagers'. Then you can encourage him to seek a diagnosis and further help (see below). A diagnosis of BDD could help him view his condition more objectively and help him to realise that he is not alone – that lots of teenagers feel this way. It also means that you both can research the condition online. Check out together some of the reputable medical websites, which describe BDD and related conditions as well as treatments and support groups that he might be interested in attending. Getting help You can seek formal assessment and support by going to your GP to get a referral to your local Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS). The recommended treatments for BDD include: Supportive counselling to help him talk through his feelings Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) to help him change his negative thoughts and ruminations Family therapy to help you support him and medication, notably SSRIs, which are a type of antidepressant that have been shown to have a positive impact. Finally, overcoming BDD and body image concerns can take some time. It is important to help him live his life well despite his ruminations. Continue to support him to get involved in his passions and fun activities and to support him to reach out and make friendships whether online or face to face. John Sharry is clinical director of the Parents Plus Charity and an adjunct professor at the UCD School of Psychology. See
BBC News
07-05-2025
- General
- BBC News
Teen anxiety means fewer in work or study in Dorset, report says
Teen anxiety means fewer in work or study - report 10 minutes ago Share Save Trevor Bevins Local Democracy Reporting Service Share Save PA Some young people are struggling with social interaction, according to the report The number of teenagers not in work or education in Dorset is on the rise, partly due to poor emotional wellbeing or anxiety, councillors have been told. Figures showed 4% of 16 and 17-year-olds were not in employment, education or training (NEET) in December - up from 3.1% in 2023. A report to Dorset Council's People and Health Scrutiny Committee said more young people appeared to be struggling with social interaction. It said, of 322 young people classed as NEET in December, 64 had since been supported back into employment, education or training. The meeting on Tuesday was told the increase in NEETs followed a national trend and the county's highest number was in Weymouth and Portland. The committee heard that difficulties for young people in rural areas were also compounded by a lack of public transport. Dorset Council There were 100 young people classed as NEET in the Weymouth and Portland area The report said: "The Education, Employment and Training Re-engagement Team increasingly find young people who are not in employment, education or training are struggling with social interaction, can be reluctant to engage face to face and some even find it difficult to have cameras on during online training. "These young people have a range of needs, some of which are medical or diagnosed, whereas others are young people struggling with their emotional wellbeing." The council's work has included drop-in sessions at schools, outreach work in the community and working in partnership with voluntary sector organisations. Head of commissioning for family help Simon Fraiz-Brown, who compiled the report, said Dorset Council had also increased the number of targeted youth workers from eight to 22, funded by the government's Pathfinder Programme. You can follow BBC Dorset on Facebook, X, or Instagram. More on this story Graduates turned down by supermarkets as vacancies drop
