7 Healthcast: Issues facing teens today

The teenage years can be tough.

Michael Jellinek, MD, Newton-Wellesley Hospital
"It’s a time of tremendous change and a lot to cope with for themselves."

And today's teens face many hard situations.

Michael Jellinek, MD, Newton-Wellesley Hospital
"They face a lot of pressures in school."

Everything from bullying to bouts of depression and low self esteem.

Michael Jellinek, MD, Newton-Wellesley Hospital
"It becomes a vicious cycle, you feel worse and worse. Your child is not willing to try. They feel that they are going to fail before they start. And that can be self perpetuating."

For parents, raising teens can be equally as tough. Doctors say they are known to be more moody than adults.

Michael Jellinek, MD, Newton-Wellesley Hospital
"A lot for their parents to deal with during, let's say, age 13 to 17."

And parents should be aware of the warning signs that their teen is dealing with more than just a case of the blues.

Michael Jellinek, MD, Newton-Wellesley Hospital
"They feel hopeless, they can't have fun, they don't enjoy anything like they used to, or they may have sleep problems or eating problems and that is a warning sign that they may be suffering from depression."

Doctors' best advice for parents bringing up a teenager:

Michael Jellinek, MD, Newton-Wellesley Hospital
"I think having as good of a relationship as possible with the teenager, trying to have fun with their teenager, trying to keep communication open so that the teenager feels safe or safe as possible in letting the parent know that something is going off course."

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