Low self-esteem in teens is fairly common, but it does not mean your child is stuck feeling down about themselves. Raging hormones, peer pressure, and newfound relationships can be tough to manage. With your support and depression treatment for teens, your child can work through their problems in a healthier way, helping to build their self-esteem and other crucial life skills.
If your child is struggling with low self-esteem, reach out to Venture Academy for help. We understand how heartbreaking it can be to see your child thinking so poorly of themselves. We offer programs that help teens develop healthy coping skills, better communication, improved relationships, and self-worth. Connect with us online or call us today at 866.762.2211 to learn more about how our depression treatment for teens can help your child enjoy a brighter future.
What Are the Signs of Low Self-Esteem in Teens?
Teens can go through many emotional ups and downs as their hormones fluctuate and deal with challenging social situations. Sometimes, it can be difficult to discern between typical teen moodiness and issues with low self-esteem.
Some signs of low self-esteem in teens that can alert you to a potential problem include:
- Negative self-talk, putting themselves down
- Not wanting to try new things
- Inability to take a compliment or accept positive comments from others
- Avoiding attention from others, looking down, not making eye contact
- Having difficulty making friends, engaging in friendships, or developing romantic relationships
You may remember that the teenage years can be tough, and most adolescents go through this challenging period without feeling the support of others. Without having a trusted adult in their lives to talk to about their problems, low self-esteem in teens can lead to depression, anxiety, and substance abuse.
How Can You Support Healthy Self-Esteem in Teens?
Helping your team learn how to feel good about themselves is an invaluable life skill. Many teens struggle with self-worth, and this low opinion of themselves often continues into adulthood. You do not have to be a counsellor or study psychology to support healthy self-esteem in teens. As a loving parent, there is plenty you can do to help your child recognise their own value.
Some tips for helping instill healthy self-esteem in your teen are:
- Listen to them when they speak – Many children are used to being ignored or shut down by the adults in their lives. This can make them feel like what they have to say is unimportant. Take the time to listen to your teen and teach them that their thoughts, feelings, and opinions are worth sharing.
- Be mindful of how you treat yourself – Setting an example for your teen by the way you speak about yourself and allowing others to treat you is more important than you may realize. If you accept poor behaviour from others or talk down about yourself, your teen may follow your lead.
- Encourage self-care activities – Exercising, getting plenty of sleep, and eating healthy foods are all great for mental health and self-esteem. Teach your child how to take good care of themselves and treat their mind and body well.
- Compliment them regularly – The key is to give genuine compliments that showcase your child’s skills and strengths.
Cultivating healthy self-esteem in yourself shows your child that you walk the walk rather than just talking the talk. Engage in healthy activities together and focus on each other’s positive qualities. If your teen is struggling with low self-worth, getting professional help can be the best thing you do for them.
Choose Venture Academy’s Reliable Depression Treatment for Teens
If your teen is showing signs of low self-esteem or depression, call Venture Academy at 866.762.2211 or visit us online. Our depression treatment for teens can help them explore negative thought patterns and cultivate healthier beliefs about themselves and others. With our programs for troubled teens, you are never alone in the struggle to raise a happy, healthy child.