Review: How To Understand What Your Teen Is Going Through
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 11 19, 2012
Dr Travis is "truly a teacher" who knows how to deliver the message. His writings consistently break down the subject in its simplest form and this is no exception.Take for example; anxiety in a preschooler is normally stemmed from loneliness and fear of the dark but as the child gets older it can be a number of things like super natural beings, tests and socialization among others. As they get to adolescence; like my teen is, its less specific fears such as impending wars, political catastrophe as well as social and family relationships; which I find him raising concerns with from time to time. But again my awareness of what it is and being able to identify that has not happened until I read this book and that's why I repeat Dr. Travis is "truly a teacher."During the new school term, a family member's son who's five refused to eat in school for almost three weeks. His parents refused to let him stay home because they saw it as a sign of him being stubborn and wanting to have his way; no one saw this as him being anxious; I know I certainly didn't but this book would have been a valuable resource a few weeks back at least if only to offer some recommended advice to the young parents.Interesting to note was that anxiety shows up more in boys while depression is higher in girls. The dangers I've learned that go along with prolonged anxious thoughts is that it can lead to thoughts of suicide; with a boy being more likely to carry the threat out.The seriousness of anxiety should be pointed out here. Dr. Travis noted that 40% of teens who experience anxiety often entertain thoughts of suicide and of that percentage half of them will attempt to carry it out. That's scary!Some tips that I was able to take away from this book was establish a routine for your child as this helps to reduce anxiety and help them to communicate. I think this is perhaps one of the most important. Also show concern and respect to your child. So many times we associate respect only belonging to adults forgetting that we are raising future adults.Dr. Travis centers his treatment advice on holistic methods but is also very thorough about the various medications available to your child along with a range of side effects so that you're able to make an informed decision.Don't wait until the teenager in your life exhibits symptoms of anxiety before you do something about it. Get proactive and order Overcoming Anxiety in Teens and Pre-Teens to assist in creating a more enjoyable life for your teen; and while you're at it, pick up its companionOvercoming Depression in Teens and Pre-Teens (Dr. T's Living Well Series). These are must have arsenals in the war against these often misunderstood disorders.