Isolation affects teenagers in negative ways. They may become depressed or anxious and even begin to self-harm. Teen drug use and teenage alcoholism can also result from isolation while teens look for ways to alleviate their negative feelings. It’s essential to understand the reasons behind this behavior and what you can do to help your teen move past it.
The Growing Problem With Teen Isolation
Social isolation refers to a “state where there is a lack of connection between individuals and society.” Many teens isolate themselves for a variety of reasons. Some teens isolate themselves because they want to avoid conflict or because they want to avoid dealing with their emotions such as stress or anxiety.
Many Circumstances Can Lead to Isolation
Isolation can result from general circumstances like moving, changing schools, or living in an area where there isn’t much for teenagers to do outside of school hours. Other teens isolate themselves because they are depressed and don’t feel like being around anyone. Teenagers often isolate themselves due to stress, anxiety, and depression related to peer pressure or school pressures, such as grades, tests, and college applications.
While this condition can begin during childhood and continue into adulthood, it commonly occurs among teens with mental health conditions such as depression or anxiety disorders. Such individuals often suffer from feelings of loneliness, rejection, or shame about being different. They may even believe that no one will understand their pain. Other signs include:
- Withdrawal from friends and family
- Loss of interest in activities they used to enjoy
- Poor school performance or skipping school altogether
- Changes in eating or sleeping habits
- Sadness or irritability
- Feelings of worthlessness or guilt
- Lack of motivation or energy
- Thoughts of death or suicide
The Connection Between the Covid-19 Lockdown and Teen Isolation
The COVID-19 lockdown has been a contributor to teen isolation and depression. Teens are missing out on crucial socialization when they visit with friends, go to clubs, play sports, or even work part-time jobs. Their peers have made the transitions from childhood to teen much easier. Many of the activities that teens use to escape their stresses may not be available due to lockdowns and social distancing.
Strategies to Tackle Teen Isolation
If you’re concerned about your child’s isolation, there are strategies you can employ to help:
- Get them outside: It’s easy for teens to be comfortable inside, where they don’t have to deal with people or stressors. Encourage your teen to spend time outdoors. Even if they go for walks near the house, it will allow them to interact with people and see what’s happening around the neighborhood. Ultimately, fresh air, exercise, and time spent away from technology can help your teen get out of their head and combat depression.
- Encourage volunteering: Your teen may have no interest in spending time with their peers, but they may be open to working with younger kids. Volunteering can help your teen feel a sense of purpose, get out of the house, and build self-esteem.
- Limit screen time: If your teen is spending too much time staring at screens instead of getting out into the real world, it might be time for a technology intervention. Limit their screen time by setting rules about when they can use devices.
- Encourage physical activity: Teens are more likely than adults to develop depression if they don’t get enough physical activity daily, so make sure your teen gets plenty of exercise and eats a healthy diet.
- Find a job: Working gives teens a reason to get out of bed every day. A job provides the structure that helps some teens feel normal again. Jobs also give teens money to do things they enjoy. Your teenager might even find a career path through working in their current position.
Teach Your Child About Mental Health
Talking to kids about mental health can be difficult, but it’s a meaningful conversation with your teen during this developmental stage of their life. Make sure your child knows that it’s okay to reach out if they’re feeling down and the best ways they can do so.
Find a Mentor
Teens that exhibit signs of isolation may benefit from finding someone older who can serve as a friend and mentor. Someone who can listen without judgment can help them navigate their emotions and challenges and encourage them to set goals for their future.
Encourage Your Child to Pursue Activities Outside of School
Isolation can be challenging when it’s related to bullying or other problems at school. Help your teenager find activities outside of school where they can socialize and feel more confident. Consider art classes, intramural sports, dance lessons, or support groups. Along with the listed strategies, parents can also seek professional treatment to assist their child with any associated mental health disorders.
Teenage depression can rob many teens of their productivity and potential for success. Even if your teen isn’t suffering from depression or anxiety, too much isolation can adversely affect your teen’s self-esteem and mental health. On your search for teenage recovery centers in North Fort Worth, Texas, make Clearfork Academy your first choice. We understand how hard it is to believe that your teen can break free of drug abuse and manipulation. At Clearfork Academy, we see positive results every day. We’ve helped countless teens recover from drug abuse and pursue happy and healthy social and academic lives. Most of all, we help teens work toward a brighter future with their family members. If your teen needs help, get help today. Call us at (817) 259-2597 to learn more about our treatment programs and how we can help your teenager recover from potential substance use and other mental health conditions.
Originally from the Saginaw, Eagle Mountain area, Austin Davis earned a Bachelor of Science in Pastoral Ministry from Lee University in Cleveland, TN and a Master of Arts in Counseling from The Church of God Theological Seminary. He then went on to become a Licensed Professional Counselor-Supervisor in the State of Texas.
Austin’s professional history includes both local church ministry and clinical counseling. At a young age, he began serving youth at the local church in various capacities which led to clinical training and education. Austin gained a vast knowledge of mental health disorders while working in state and public mental health hospitals. This is where he was exposed to almost every type of diagnosis and carries this experience into the daily treatment.
Austin’s longtime passion is Clearfork Academy, a christ-centered residential facility focused on mental health and substance abuse. He finds joy and fulfillment working with “difficult” clients that challenge his heart and clinical skill set. It is his hope and desire that each resident that passes through Clearfork Academy will be one step closer to their created design.
Austin’s greatest pleasures in life are being a husband to his wife, and a father to his growing children. He serves at his local church by playing guitar, speaking and helping with tech arts. Austin also enjoys being physically active, reading, woodworking, and music.
