PTSD=POST TRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Introduction In our everyday lives, any of us can have an experience that is overwhelming, frightening, and beyond our control. We could find ourselves in a car crash, the victim of an assault, or see an accident. Police, fire brigade or ambulance workers are more likely to have such experiences - they often have to deal with horrifying scenes. Soldiers may be shot or blown up, and see friends killed or injured. Most people, in time, get over experiences like this without needing help. In some people, though, traumatic experiences set off a reaction that can last for many months or years. This is called Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, or PTSD for short. How does PTSD start? PTSD can start after any traumatic event. A traumatic event is one where we can see that we are in danger, our life is threatened, or where we see other people dying or being injured. Some typical traumatic events would be:  serious road accidents  military combat  violent personal assault (sexual assault, physical attack, abuse, robbery, mugging)  being taken hostage  terrorist attack  being a prisoner-of-war  natural or man-made disasters  being diagnosed with a life-threatening illness. Even hearing about an the unexpected injury or violent death of a family member or close friend can start PTSD. When does PTSD start? The symptoms of PTSD can start after a delay of weeks, or even months. They usually appear within 6 months of a traumatic event. What does PTSD feel like? Many people feel grief-stricken, depressed, anxious, guilty and angry after a traumatic experience. As well as these understandable emotional reactions, there are three main types of symptoms produced by such an experience: 1. Flashbacks & Nightmares You find yourself re-living the event, again and again. This can happen both as a "flashback" in the day, and as nightmares when you are asleep. These can be so realistic that it feels as though you are living through the experience all over again. You see it in your mind, but may also feel the emotions and physical sensations of what happened - fear, sweating, smells, sounds, pain. Ordinary things can trigger off flashbacks. For instance, if you had a car crash in the rain, a rainy day might start a flashback. 2. Avoidance & Numbing It can be just too upsetting to re-live your experience over and over again. So you distract yourself. You keep your mind busy by losing yourself in a hobby, working very hard, or spending your time absorbed in crossword or jigsaw puzzles. You avoid places and people that remind you of the trauma, and try not to talk about it. You may deal with the pain of your feelings by trying to feel nothing at all - by becoming emotionally numb. You communicate less with other people, who then find it hard to live or work with you. 3. Being "On Guard" You find that you stay alert all the time, as if you are looking out for danger. You can't relax. This is called "hypervigilance". You feel anxious and find it hard to sleep. Other people will notice that you are jumpy and irritable. Other Symptoms Emotional reactions to stress are often accompanied by:  muscle aches and pains  diarrhoea  irregular heartbeats  headaches  feelings of panic and fear  depression  drinking too much alcohol  using drugs (including painkillers). Why are traumatic events so shocking? They undermine our sense that life is fair, reasonably safe, and that we are secure. A traumatic experience makes it very clear that we can die at any time. The symptoms of PTSD are part of a normal reaction to narrowly avoided death. Does everyone get PTSD after a traumatic experience? No. But nearly everyone will have the symptoms of post traumatic stress for the first month or so. This is because they help to keep you going, and help you to understand the experience you have been through. This is an "acute stress reaction". Over a few weeks, most people slowly come to terms with what has happened, and their stress symptoms start to disappear. Not everyone is so lucky. About 1 in 3 people will find that their symptoms just carry on and that they can't come to terms with what has happened. It is as though the process has got stuck. The symptoms of post traumatic stress, although normal in themselves, become a problem - or Post Traumatic Stress Disorder - when they go on for too long. What makes PTSD worse? The more disturbing the experience, the more likely you are to develop PTSD. The most traumatic events:  are sudden and unexpected  go on for a long time  you are trapped and can't get away  are man-made  cause many deaths  cause mutilation and loss of arms or legs  involve children. What about ordinary "stress"? Everybody feels stressed from time to time. Unfortunately, the word "stress" is used to mean two rather different things:  our inner sense of worry, feeling tense or feeling burdened. or  the problems in our life that are giving us these feelings. This could be work, relationships, maybe just trying to get by without much money. Unlike PTSD, these things are with us, day in and day out. They are part of normal, everyday life, but can produce anxiety, depression, tiredness, and headaches. They can also make some physical problems worse, such as stomach ulcers and skin problems. These are certainly troublesome, but they are not the same as PTSD. Why does PTSD happen? We don't know for certain. There are a several possible explanations for why PTSD occurs. Psychological When we are frightened, we remember things very clearly. Although it can be distressing to remember these things, it can help us to understand what happened and, in the long run, help us to survive.  The flashbacks, or replays, force us to think about what has happened. We can decide what to do if it happens again. After a while, we learn to think about it without becoming upset.  It is tiring and distressing to remember a trauma. Avoidance and numbing keep the number of replays down to a manageable level.  Being "on guard" means that we can react quickly if another crisis happens. We sometimes see this happening with survivors of an earthquake, when there may be second or third shocks. It can also give us the energy for the work that's needed after an accident or crisis. But we don't want to spend the rest of our life going over it. We only want to think about it when we have to - if we find ourselves in a similar situation. Physical  Adrenaline is a hormone our bodies produce when we are under stress. It "pumps up" the body to prepare it for action. When the stress disappears, the level of adrenaline should go back to normal. In PTSD, it may be that the vivid memories of the trauma keep the levels of adrenaline high. This will make a person tense, irritable, and unable to relax or sleep well.  The hippocampus is a part of the brain that processes memories. High levels of stress hormones, like adrenaline, can stop it from working properly - like "blowing a fuse". This means that flashbacks and nightmares continue because the memories of the trauma can't be processed. If the stress goes away and the adrenaline levels get back to normal, the brain is able to repair the damage itself, like other natural healing processes in the body. The disturbing memories can then be processed and the flashbacks and nightmares will slowly disappear. How do I know when I've got over a traumatic experience? When you can:  think about it without becoming distressed  not feel constantly under threat  not think about it at inappropriate times. Why is PTSD often not recognised?  None of us like to talk about upsetting events and feelings.  We may not want to admit to having symptoms, because we don't want to be thought of as weak or mentally unstable.  Doctors and other professionals are human. They may feel uncomfortable if we try to talk about gruesome or horrifying events.  People with PTSD often find it easier to talk about the other problems that go along with it - headache, sleep problems, irritability, depression, tension, substance abuse, family or work-related problems. How can I tell if I have PTSD? Have you have experienced a traumatic event of the sort described at the start of this leaflet? If you have, do you:  have vivid memories, flashbacks or nightmares?  avoid things that remind you of the event?  feel emotionally numb at times?  feel irritable and constantly on edge but can't see why?  eat more than usual, or use more drink or drugs than usual?  feel out of control of your mood?  find it more difficult to get on with other people?  have to keep very busy to cope?  feel depressed or exhausted? If it is less that 6 weeks since the traumatic event, and these experiences are slowly improving, they may be part of the normal process of adjustment. If it is more than 6 weeks since the event, and these experiences don't seem to be getting better, it is worth talking it over with your doctor. Children and PTSD PTSD can develop at any age. Younger children may have upsetting dreams of the actual trauma, which then change into nightmares of monsters. They often re-live the trauma in their play. For example, a child involved in a serious road traffic accident might re-enact the crash with toy cars, over and over again. They may lose interest in things they used to enjoy. They may find it hard to believe that they will live long enough to grow up. They often complain of stomach aches and headaches. How can PTSD be helped? Helping yourself Do .........  keep life as normal as possible  get back to your usual routine  talk about what happened to someone you trust  try relaxation exercises  go back to work  eat and exercise regularly  go back to where the traumatic event happened  take time to be with family and friends  drive with care - your concentration may be poor  be more careful generally - accidents are more likely at this time  speak to a doctor  expect to get better. Don't ........  beat yourself up about it - PTSD symptoms are not a sign of weakness. They are a normal reaction, of normal people, to terrifying experiences  bottle up your feelings. If you have developed PTSD symptoms, don't keep it to yourself because treatment is usually very successful.  avoid talking about it.  expect the memories to go away immediately, they may be with you for quite some time.  expect too much of yourself. Cut yourself a bit of slack while you adjust to what has happened.  stay away from other people.  drink lots of alcohol or coffee or smoke more.  get overtired.  miss meals.  take holidays on your own. What can interfere with getting better? You may find that other people will:  not let you talk about it  avoid you  be angry with you  think of you as weak  blame you These are all ways in which other people protect themselves from thinking about gruesome or horrifying events. It won't help you because it doesn't give you the chance to talk over what has happened to you. You may not be able to talk easily about it. A traumatic event can put you into a trance-like state which makes the situation seem unreal or bewildering. It is harder to deal with if you can't remember what happened, can't put it into words, or can't make sense of it. Treatment Just as there are both physical and psychological aspects to PTSD, so there are both physical and psychological treatments for it. Psychotherapy All the effective psychotherapies for PTSD focus on the traumatic experiences that have produced your symptoms rather than your past life. You cannot change or forget what has happened. You can learn to think differently about it, about the world, and about your life. You need to be able to remember what happened, as fully as possible, without being overwhelmed by fear and distress. These therapies help you to put words to the traumatic experiences that you have had. By remembering the event, going over it and making sense of it, your mind can do its normal job, of storing the memories away and moving on to other things. If you can start to feel safe again and in control of your feelings, you won't need to avoid the memories as much. Indeed, you can gain more control over your memories so that you only think about them when you want to, rather than having them erupt into your mind spontaneously. All these treatments should all be given by specialists in the treatment of PTSD. The sessions should be at least weekly, every week, with the same therapist, and should usually continue for 8-12 weeks. Although sessions will usually last around an hour, they may sometimes last up to 90 minutes. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is a way of helping you to think differently about your memories, so that they become less distressing and more manageable. It will usually also involve some relaxation work to help you tolerate the discomfort of thinking about the traumatic events. For further information, see our factsheet on CBT. EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation & Reprocessing) is a technique which uses eye movements to help the brain to process flashbacks and to make sense of the traumatic experience. It may sound odd, but it has been shown to work. Group therapy involves meeting with a group of other people who have been through the same, or a similar traumatic event. The fact that other people in the group do have some idea of what you have been through can make it much easier to talk about what has happened. Medication SSRI antidepressant tablets will both reduce the strength of PTSD symptoms and relieve any depression that is also present. They will need to be prescribed by a doctor. This type of medication should not make you sleepy, although they all have some side-effects in some people. They may also produce unpleasant symptoms if stopped quickly, so the dose should usually be reduced gradually. If they are helpful, you should carry on taking them for around 12 months. Soon after starting an antidepressany, some people may find that they feel more:  anxious  restless  suicidal These feelings usually pass in a few days, but you should see your doctor regularly. If these don't work for you, tricyclic or MAOI antidepressant tablets may still be helpful. For more information, see our factsheet on antidepressants. Occasionally, if someone is so distressed that they cannot sleep or think clearly, anxiety-reducing medication may be necessary. These tablets should usually not be prescribed for more than 10 days or so. Body-focussed Therapies These can help to control the distress of PTSD. They can also reduce hyperarousal, or the feeling of being "on guard" all the time. These therapies include physiotherapy and osteopathy, but also complementary therapies such as massage, acupuncture, reflexology, yoga, meditation and tai chi. They all help you to develop ways of relaxing and managing stress. Effectiveness of Treatments At present, there is evidence that EMDR, psychotherapy, cognitive behavioural therapy and antidepressants are all effective. There is not enough information for us to say that one of these treatments is better than another. There is no evidence that other forms of psychotherapy or counselling are helpful to PTSD. Which treatments first? The National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE) guidelines suggest that trauma-focussed psychological therapies (CBT or EMDR) should be offered before medication, wherever possible. For friends, relatives & colleagues Do .......  watch out for any changes in behaviour - poor performance at work, lateness, taking sick leave, minor accidents  watch for anger, irritability, depression, lack of interest, lack of concentration  take time to allow a trauma survivor to tell their story  ask general questions  let them talk, don't interrupt the flow or come back with your own experiences. Don't .......  tell a survivor you know how they feel - you don't  tell a survivor they're lucky to be alive - they'll get angry  minimise their experience - "it's not that bad, surely ..."  suggest that they just need to 'pull themselves together'.

Sleep Problems in Childhood:

Sleep Problems in Childhood: Introduction: One of the most common problems in toddlers and young children is sleeplessness. The child may have difficulty settling to sleep, or wakes in the night and wants a parent. Very young children often fear being left alone at night. This ‘separation anxiety’ is normal at a young age. Difficulties in sleeping are due to a number of reasons such as napping too much in the daytime, bedtime fears and bedwetting. You might find that when your child gets very tired, they get irritable, aggressive or even overactive not sleepy. Older children and teenagers can also have problems with sleeplessness. They might find it hard to sleep if they are worried, drinking too much tea or coffee, cola or energy drinks, or are using illegal drugs. Some will just get into the habit of going to sleep very late. After a while, they find that they can’t get to sleep at an earlier time. It is important that your child has a regular sleep routine: • Decide on regular times for going to bed and getting up. • Stick to these times. Sometimes, difficulty in sleeping is part of a severe Depression. Daytime sleepiness: This can simply be caused by your child not getting enough sleep at night. Reasons for this might include: • Going out too late with friends, working or studying •Stress or worry. •Less commonly, loud snoring can wake a child this is called obstructive sleep apnoea. It can be caused by large tonsils and adenoids at the side and back of the throat. Taking them out can sometimes help. • Some young people sleep too much if they are depressed. • Drug or alcohol misuse may be a factor. • Narcolepsy is an unusual condition that causes unpredictable attacks of sleep during the day. People with narcolepsy may also have sudden attacks of weakness – this is called cataplexy. Nightmares: Most children have nightmares occasionally. These are vivid and frightening dreams. Children will usually remember the dream, and will need to be comforted so that they can get back to sleep. Nightmares can also be caused by worry, by nasty accidents, by bullying and by abuse of any kind. You can help by encouraging your child to talk about the dream or draw a picture of it. This will help you to find out the cause of the upset and work out what help or support your child needs. Night terrors: Night terrors most commonly affect children between the ages of 4 and 12 years. They are completely different from nightmares or anxiety related dreams. Unlike nightmares, they happen to young children an hour or two after falling asleep. The first sign is that your child is screaming uncontrollably and seems to be awake. In spite of appearances, your child is still asleep. They will not be able to recognize you, will be confused and unable to communicate, and it is usually hard to reassure them. It is best not to try and wake them, but sit with them until the night terror passes, usually after about 5 minutes. Try not to feel upset yourself. It can be very distressing to see your child so disturbed, but they will not remember it in the morning. Children usually grow out of this. Sleepwalking: Sleepwalking is similar to night terrors, but instead of being terrified, the child gets up out of bed and moves around. The main thing you can do to help is to make sure that they don’t hurt themselves. You may need to take practical precautions, like using a stair-gate, making sure that windows and doors are securely locked, and that fires are screened or put out. This is also something that children tend to grow out of. Why sleep problems matter: Sleep problems are very common. Most children’s sleep problems happen only occasionally. They are not serious and get better on their own with time. If they don’t, you need to take them seriously. As well as being upsetting, they may interfere with your child’s learning and behaviour. There may be an underlying health problem, physical or mental. Where can I get help? There are some simple things you can do to help your child sleep better: • Develop a consistent, relaxing bedtime routine with your child. This should start with quiet time to help your child to wind down – for example, a bath followed by a short bedtime story before you say goodnight. This helps children to settle, and should end with your child falling asleep without the need for you to be with them. •It is important to be loving, but firm, about when it is time for your child to settle down for the night. When your child cries out, it is important to be sure that they are not wet, ill or in pain. It is best to do this quickly, while still comforting and reassuring them. Don’t spend too much time with them or take them into your bed, because this will reward them for being awake. • A dummy can help to comfort young infants who wake needing to suck. Once you have weaned your child on to solid foods, it is best not to give them a bottle or dummy at night if they wake and can’t find it, they will probably start crying. A cuddly toy or favourite blanket can often help young children to cope with their separation anxiety. Your general practitioner (GP) or health visitor can offer advice and help. If things don’t get better, it is worth thinking about asking for a specialist opinion from a Paediatrician or Psychiatrist. This will help to find out exactly what the problem is and how it can be best resolved.

I HAVE EVERYTHING I HAVE EVER WANTED BUT STILL WHY AM I NOT HAPPY?

I HAVE EVERYTHING I HAVE EVER WANTED BUT STILL WHY AM I NOT HAPPY? So many person around us are searching happiness even after achieving their goal of life. Even after achieving Goal and be a successful and well settled, lots of people feel emptiness and loneliness in their life. They feel uneasiness and discomfort. Why?????? Is it a sign of Early Depression or Anxiety or only post stress effects or fatigue ???? This is nothing but only effect of Stress on Body and Mind. How to overcome ???? Apply following things in your life: (1)Coping skills to reduce stressors: develop various coping skills. (2)Physical activity: daily minimum of 30 mins physical activity is necessary. (3)Individual Exercise: self awareness and positive thinking. (4)Nutrition: Adequate healthy diet and regular scheduled eating patterns. (5)Social support: involve and interact with society,friends and family. (6)Relaxation: Use various Relaxatation techniques. Even after doing this thing if problem persist than you should consult your Psychiatrist as early as possible.

Teens and Depression

Teens and Depression Being a teen is not always easy. Adolescence is a time of physical, emotional, intellectual and social changes that build the bridge between childhood and adulthood. With change comes stress and anxiety. Therefore, teens may have mood swings daily -- one day they are up and the next day they are down. However, when a teen feels down for more than two weeks, it may be a sign of a more serious problem. It can be hard to tell the difference between normal mood swings and clinical depression. The following information may alert you to the signs of teenage depression. Quick Facts Teenage girls are twice as likely as boys to suffer from depression. Serious depression is not something that a person can just "snap out of." Use of alcohol or other drugs only makes depression worse. For youth who are questioning their sexual identity (homosexuality, bisexuality), feelings of loneliness and rejection lead to a greater risk of depression and suicide. Untreated depression can lead to suicide. Suicide is the third leading cause of death for young people 15 to 24 years of age. About one out of four high school students in America have seriously thought about killing themselves in the past year. Tips for Parents 1.What causes depression? oDepression sometimes runs in families. oDepression is often triggered by a loss such as the death of a friend or family member, parents' divorce, a move to a new community, a breakup with a boyfriend or girlfriend, failing a test or being cut from a team. oCircumstances such as social isolation, alcoholism in the family, poverty, family violence or ongoing conflict, or physical, sexual, or emotional abuse may contribute to or cause depression. 2.How can you tell if your teen is depressed? The following signs and symptoms may suggest your teen is depressed, particularly if they are notable changes from his or her normal behavior and last for more than two weeks. oMajor change in sleeping or eating patterns (sleeps or eats too much or too little) oFrequent absences from school or poor school performance oUnusual lack of interest in activities, friendships or hobbies oTrouble concentrating or making decisions oRunning away from home oAbusing alcohol or other drugs oNeglecting personal appearance oFrequently complaining of a stomachache or headache oThinking or talking about death, suicide or suicide attempts oPersistent lack of energy, fatigue oFeelings of guilt, pessimism, helplessness or hopelessness oPersistent sadness or irritability oFrequent crying oPersistent boredom or restlessness oLoss of self-esteem 3.What should you do if you suspect your teen is depressed? oSeek professional help right away. You are not expected to make a diagnosis. Only a thorough evaluation by a health professional can diagnose depression and rule out other problems. Your family doctor can often do this evaluation. Your family doctor or a school counselor may also recommend a mental health professional who works with teens. 4.A diagnosis of depression does not mean your teen's life is headed in a downward spiral. Most people (80 percent to 90 percent) who suffer from clinical depression respond to treatment. Treatment for depression may include counseling, medicine or both. 5.If your teen talks about wanting to die, get help immediately!

Teens and Violence Prevention

Teens and Violence Prevention Parents and others who care for young people can help them learn to deal with emotions without using violence. Because violence results from conflicts between people, it can be prevented by learning nonviolent ways to control anger and solve problems. Teaching your teen, through words and actions, that violence is never an acceptable form of behavior is very important. The tips provided here can help you. Quick Facts Almost 16 million teens have witnessed some form of violent assault. About one in eight people murdered in the United States each year are younger than 18 years of age. Research shows a link between violent television programs and aggressive behavior in teens who watch those programs. Most injuries and violent deaths occur between people who know each other. If there is violence in your family, it increases the risk of your teen becoming involved in future violence. A gun in the home is more likely to be used to kill a family member or friend than to kill an intruder. Tips for Parents 1.Start talking about ways to reduce or eliminate violence. oTeam up with other parents and get involved in your community; join your neighbors in activities to reduce violence. oTalk to your teen about ways to solve arguments and fights without weapons or violence. oAdvise your teen to talk to you or a trusted adult to avoid potentially violent situations. oIf you suspect a problem with your teen, start talking about it. 2.Monitor the media. oLimit the amount of television your teen watches to 1 to 2 hours a day (including music videos and video games). oDo not allow your teen to watch violent movies or TV programs. oIf something violent comes on the TV, talk about what is wrong with the program and how the situation could have been handled in a nonviolent way. 3.Be a role model by handling problems in nonviolent ways. oDon't hit your teen. Model non-physical solutions to problem solving. oCount to 10. Cool off. If you can't control your anger, tell your teen you need some time to get your thoughts and feelings under control. oProblem solve with your teen. Think together about options and consequences for behaviors. oSet limits, make sure your teen knows the rules and consequences, and follow through. oDon't carry a gun. This sends a message to your teen that using guns solves problems. 4.Reduce the threat of gun-related violence to your teen. oMake certain your teen does not have access to guns. If you have a gun, remove it from your home or store it unloaded and locked up. Lock and store bullets separately. oTell your teen to stay away from potentially dangerous situations and from guns in homes of friends or places where he or she may visit or play. oKeep in mind that teens don't always follow the rules. Also, teens are attracted to guns and see guns as symbols of power. Since you can't always count on teens to stay away from guns, you have to keep guns away from them. 5.Help your teen deal with anger. oAnger is a normal feeling. Anger does not have to be bad if it is expressed appropriately. Teach your teen that it is okay to be angry, but it's not okay to throw a punch. oPeople must control their anger before they can control a situation. oSometimes counseling is necessary to help teens deal with their anger appropriately. Steps your teen can take to avoid violence or injury 1.Recognize situations or events that are likely to escalate into violence. 2.Stop whatever you are doing and count to 10 backward. This will help you think about your feelings before they get out of control. 3.If you can't control your anger, get away. Take a time out. 4.Think about the options and consequences of your actions. For example, hitting someone could result in suspension from school or injury. 5.If necessary, get help from a third party to solve differences. 6.Cool off. Make sure you are calm and then talk to the person. 7.Listen carefully to the other person's opinion. 8.Be assertive, not aggressive. Stand up for your ideals. Begin every sentence with "I" For example: "I feel this way..." or "I don't like it when..." 9.Be willing to admit and be responsible for something you may have done wrong. 10.Respond with your HEAD, not your fists, threats, or weapons.

HOW TO HELP YOUR CHILD TO PREVENT ACADEMIC PROBLEMS?

HOW TO HELP YOUR CHILD TO PREVENT ACADEMIC PROBLEMS? Our children are becoming more competent and independent. They spend much of their time away from our supervision. They need recognition of their developing maturity, and at the same time, they are still children, and require our protection, guidance, and discipline. To set effective limits we must remember both sides of this balance. The best chance we have of establishing effective rules is through discussion with our adolescents about what is going on in their lives, how able they feel to take responsibility for themselves, and what we as parents need to require for our own peace of mind. Some rules are "bottom line," and are different from family to family. We make them because life without them would be unbearable. These rules usually include knowing where kids are if they are not at home, not allowing them to talk back to us, and strict rules about aggression or violence toward others. Other issues, like allowances, curfews, chores, and homework require a different amount of flexibility, depending on how responsible the child is. Education is important to every parent, and we want our children to succeed in school. Unfortunately, as they gain maturity, we may lose some control about how much homework gets done and the quality of the work. To keep ourselves sane and to avoid constant bickering, rules about homework and school performance should be firm and consistent. The best way to come up with those rules is to discuss school, homework and future goals with your teen. If they understand why you worry about their school performance, and can identify the benefits that school success will have for them, you are over one major hurdle. One way that teens decide whether we are truly interested in their lives, is by judging how involved we are with activities important to them. Many of us make the crippling assumption that our teens aren't willing to share their world with us, which is usually not the case. If we remember to encourage our teens to tell us about things, they will usually comply. Asking a closed ended question like "how was school today?" is sure to get the response, "fine." Asking if you can help with a Biology project may open many other doors. If you cannot get answers from your child about school, expectations and performance, do not be afraid to call the school and talk to the administrative, counseling, or teaching staff. They are frequently willing to work with you and your child to enhance his or her education and achievement.

UNDERSTAND OUR TEENS EMOTIONAL CHANGES

UNDERSTAND OUR TEENS EMOTIONAL CHANGES A teen deals with lots of emotional highs and lows. One minute they might feel great, and the next they feel sad and tearful. This kind of shift in moods is OK! Their life is changing, just like their body. These mood swings are not just hormones - they may be feeling a lot more pressure, and they are still developing the skills they need to deal with that pressure. They may be facing added responsibilities at home and school, tougher grading policies in school, their friends may be changing, etc. There are a lot of pressures on teens today, and many challenges and decisions they have to make. As they grow older teens will develop the skills they need to reduce stress or cope with it, but for now, just remember they are in a tough spot and need all the support they can get. We encourage them to reach out to adults and friends.

Parenting a Preteen

Parenting a Preteen Being the parent or guardian of a preteen is not as scary as it sounds! Most of the time they are struggling to be independent and to fit in at school, at home, and with friends. Keep in mind that helping your preteen to become an adult takes time, patience, and a commitment. There is no such thing as an instant adult! There are two things to remember: preteens need lots of love and they need a caring adult to show them right from wrong. Tips for Parents and Guardians •Let your preteen know that you love him or her no matter what. •Preteens need a trusting and loving relationship with a parent or other adult to feel safe and secure. •Talk to your preteen, listen to his or her ideas and opinions, and do things together. •Get to know your preteen's friends and learn what they do in school; it helps you understand your preteen even better. •Show you care by chaperoning a trip. •Join a parent group or support group where you and other parents can discuss parenting issues. •Attend all parent-teacher conferences at school. •Go to your preteen's athletic events and school musicals. •Answer your preteen's questions about health risks. •Teach your preteen to respect himself or herself and others. •Challenge your preteen to discover his or her own incredible potential. •Show your preteen that you are proud of his or her accomplishments, both large and small. Setting Limits and Boundaries •Establish limits and boundaries, such as curfews, study hours, behavior at parties, and expectations for special occasions. •Define the consequences of unacceptable behavior, make sure your preteen understands the consequences and then stick to them. •Recognize that some limits are negotiable and others are not. •Guide your preteen toward choices that will keep him or her safe. While preteens may fight with parents about some decisions, they usually realize that the limits placed on them are a sign of love, rather than control. •Monitor your preteen's behavior-what he or she says and does, where he or she goes and with whom, and when to expect him or her home. •Redefine your limits of control over your preteen's life as he or she starts to think and act more mature. Otherwise you risk some major problems in your relationship. •Monitor your own behavior-what you say, what you do, and what you believe. Your behavior will make a huge difference in the choices your preteen makes. Communicating with Your Preteen •Be honest and open with your preteen when talking about your values, beliefs, and ideas. It may be wise to just say "Here is what I think about...," briefly explain your views, and then drop the subject. •Help your preteen to make responsible choices by talking about their options. •Tell your preteen if you are disappointed or upset with his or her behavior. •Praise, hug, encourage, and say "I love you." •Express your expectations for his or her goals and accomplishments. •Recognize that your preteen's life may be very different from your own adolescence. •Your preteen deserves guidance, high but realistic expectations for achievement, and a fair balance between rules and freedom.