There is no perfect time to place a family member in treatment, especially when they deny having problems. This, of course, does not apply to medical emergencies, but you already knew that. Below is a quick guide to help you be aware of some of the things we often hear from parents led to calling us or treatment providers directly.

Emotional Changes 

• Increased and persistant hopelessness
• Cries suddenly and often
• Extremely angry outbursts that seem like an overreaction
• Phobias or fears that seem exaggerated
• States that ‘no one understands’ them
• Child states he or she feels “controlled” by bad thoughts
• Excessive worry or anxiety
• Bizarre behavior (temper tantrums; rambling speech; paranoid)

Behavioral Changes

• Grades suddenly drop
• No longer interested in activities they seemed to love just months ago
• Isolates themselves; avoids people, even those they use to care about
• Changes peer group and avoids introducing new friends to family
• Threatening suicide, even seemingly insincere threats
• Significant change in how they express themselves
• Destructive toward self, others, or property
• Dramatic changes in appearance (clothing, body piercing, tattoos)
• Change in level of hygiene (no longer cares about appearance)

If you notice any of these changes call us for a complimentary conversation. You can also call your physician and/or therapist/counselor. Ultimately, it’s better to act and be described as overreacting rather than wind up losing your son or daughter to their internal demons.