Teenage Issues
Teens are well known to be facing huge changes as they develop. Many traverse these issues with only mild concerns and parental intervention. Adding paralysis to the mix can muddle development. Some issues affecting teenage development with paralysis include the following issues.
Depression
Depression is a mental health concern. In the general population, about 17% of teens have been diagnosed with short or long-term depression. At all ages with paralysis, the diagnosis is 16%. If injury or disease develops in the teen years, 25% report severe post-traumatic stress syndrome. Recognizing symptoms will help you provide mental health treatment to your child early.
Hormonal Changes
Hormonal Changes can be a roller coaster for both your teen as well as your family. They may be embarrassed about having others provide personal care, and self-conscious about voice changes, periods, erections, new hair growth, or pimples. Paralysis may lead to early onset or delayed puberty. Discuss these issues with your teen at the appropriate time so they know what to expect.
Catheterization can be an embarrassing time for those who seemingly suddenly want privacy. We teach catheterization with the person doing the catheterization’s toes facing the individual or nose. At the time of puberty, you can switch to your nose pointing toward the teen’s toes. This blocks looking right at the teen which does afford a shocking amount of increased privacy. This is especially appreciated by a newly injured teen who may not have built up a sensitivity to catheterization.
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Sexual Activity
With hormonal development, teens will hear wild exploits by their peers. Have open communication so they can understand how their body works, include body positivity, and explain contraception, and sexually transmitted diseases as appropriate for your teen.
Bullying
Bullying has been an issue for years, however, people are more aware of it now which can help curb some behavior. However, bullying can occur in person or online, which is much more difficult to notice and control. Bullies are adept at their technique. Teach your child to be courageous. Help your child to understand bullying so they can resist the lure of bullying, know how to report it, and how to deal with it mentally. Also, do not forget that your child may engage in bullying as a defense mechanism. More information about bullying can be found here.
Alcohol and Drugs
The teen years are times when experimentation with these substances occurs. Be sure your teen knows the medications they are taking to maintain their health and how recreational drugs and alcohol may affect them. Monitor their drugs to ensure they are taking them and not sharing them. Keep your teen’s health professional aware of all medications your teen is taking.
Overall communication is important for your teen. Some general ideas are:
- Stay connected with a mental health therapist to maintain open lines of communication as well as to build skills to help through difficult times.
- Create a judgment-free time where the teen is allowed to vent their frustrations without providing your opinion or telling them what to do. In the judgment-free time, only provide suggestions if they ask.
- If your teen cannot move parts of their body, help them by providing movement and exercise. Movement can reduce stress in the body as well as help hormonal changes.
- Be sure to build a relationship with your child so they will either discuss issues with you or with their healthcare professional.