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 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 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.