Teens Know Too- 115

Sep 4, 2020

Lately I've been receiving a lot more messages from teens that are experiencing symptoms. They either have been diagnosed with Hashimoto's Disease or they're having hyper or hypo symptoms. 

 

It's really important to me to provide a voice to talk about a lot of these things because it's important and it's often missed. Far too often we will say one of the following statements:

 

“Oh, they're just being a hormonal teenager” or  

“They're moody, it’s that time of the month”

 “They've hit puberty” and/or “they'll get over it”

The above statements can be “explained away”; however, you can have a child or a person that is incredibly even tempered. Suddenly they start having symptoms and things aren't quite right anymore. 

 

I want to ask you a series of questions to have you look at the person that is in your life, who may or may not be having these symptoms. 

 

1. Temperament: Is the teenager in your life, usually very even tempered or they’re someone that doesn't get easily upset? 
2. Current Stressors: What stressors are currently in the life of your family that could be contributing to additional stress or anxiety? Has this person been engaged in a lot of sports/activities? Have you had a death in the family? Has divorce occurred in your family? 
3. Other Health Challenges: Is this person going through other health challenges and health issues? 

Don't be afraid to talk to that person about what's going on. It’s very easy to come to the conclusion that the teenager in your life “doesn’t talk”, but trust me, they have a lot that they want to share, but sometimes, they just don’t know how to.  I wish someone would have pulled me aside and took the time to talk to me. Be sure to allow them the space to talk...don’t bring up the conversation when you have to hop on a call or you have an engagement in five minutes. Give them the time. Trust me, you’ll be happy you did. Also, don’t be surprised if the floodgates open. Remember, kindness, love and compassion.