Does it feel like your teen has been pulling away from you and from the family? While it is considered to be developmentally normal for teens to start to seek out independence from the family, there is reason to be concerned if there has been a sharp change in your teen’s behavior while he’s also pulling away and isolating himself from family and even friends.
Why should you be concerned if your teen’s behavior has changed and he’s now isolating himself?
What does social isolation look like?
It should be said that it’s healthy to spend some time alone. The concern is when you begin to see serious changes in your teen’s behavior and attitude accompanying the isolation.
- Your teen may start to avoid any type of social interaction, even those that he once enjoyed.
- He may struggle to make new friends or keep up with established friendships.
- Your teen may avoid conversations, interactions, and even eye contact with his family and friends.
- He may show visible relief when plans are canceled so that he doesn’t need to go out and be around other people.
- He may also show visible irritation and anger if he’s made to leave his bedroom and be around others.
It can be overwhelming and confusing for the family and friends who now find themselves being pushed aside without apparent cause.
Isolation can make things worse and impact mental health
If being alone some of the time is not bad for us, why is isolation a bad thing for a teen? Strictly speaking, it’s not a bad thing. If your teen has been showing signs of behavioral changes, then you have cause for concern. His isolation may actually start to make things worse for him by pushing his behavior in new directions. Your teen’s angry outbursts may worsen, and he may stay out past curfew or run away. If he’s using drugs or drinking, he may increase his use and abuse while he’s isolated.
Another concern is that isolation can also take a toll on your teen’s mental health, particularly if he’s already feeling the symptoms of depression and anxiety. Spending too much time alone can lead to worsening mental wellness and lead teens to feel like they’re alone and no one understands what they’re feeling and going through.
How can you help?
If you see that your teen is struggling with his mental health, changed behavior, and worsening isolation, it’s important that you step in to get him the right kind of support and help. Some of the things that you could try include the following.
- Encourage your teen to spend time with the family and with his friends. If he shows little interest, try to encourage him to find new hobbies or interests that will let them meet up with new people their age.
- Keep the lines of communication open and let your teen know that you will always listen, support, and provide non-judgmental feedback if he asks for it. Your teen should feel like he can freely and openly share his thoughts with you.
- Get your teen professional help, particularly if his isolation is connected to mental wellness. Whether individual therapy, family therapy, or peer counseling and support, your teen will be able to find benefit in being able to open up and feel less alone.
Isolation can be a huge red flag that something is going on with your teen. Work with him to find out what’s going on so that you can better plan for his treatment.
Are you ready to consider a therapeutic program that can help teens who are struggling with their mental health and behavioral concerns? Liahona Academy can help teens find their way back, by offering programs tailored to meet their needs and address the concerns that are unique to them.
