Agoura Hills, CA – Most parents of teenagers feel like their teen hates them at some point. “Hormonal, physical, and mental changes in teens can result in negative behaviors. While changes are normal, there may be underlying mental health conditions causing some of their reactions,” local teen mental health facility, BNI Treatment Centers, recently said in one of their blogs. The entire article covers the very topic of teens’ hostility toward their parents, and what parents can do to build a positive relationship despite it.
“Being a parent is difficult, and it can seem like despite your best efforts, your teens still treat you poorly. They may give an attitude when asked questions, refuse to help with chores, and seem to never want to spend time with you,” BNI Treatment Centers empathizes with parents reading. They also assure parents that to some degree, this is normal. However, they also say other factors might come into play, and they explore this later in the blog.
“Hate is a strong word, and chances are, your teen does not feel that way. They may be creating distance for many different reasons, such as wanting their own independence or not receiving the emotional care they need,” the article points out. It then goes on to explain why teens act with such hostility.
For one, they might not understand how their behavior makes their parents feel. “The way they say what they are feeling may come out as harsh or annoyed even though they don’t mean it to,” the blog says, adding that teens still learning to communicate is a contributing factor. It advises parents to talk about this with their teens and use it as a teachable moment.
BNI Treatment Centers also points out that teens’ stress responses are still developing. “There are significant shifts in the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis reactivity specifically, which results in higher levels of the stress-induced hormone response. Because of this, the limbic and cortical systems that are developing during adolescence can be more sensitive to these shifts,” the blog explains. According to the article, this can cause psychological concerns in teens, and impact how they treat their parents.
Mental health concerns may be the leading factor in this behavior too, the blog suggests. It shares statistics, shedding light on how many teens face stress related to poverty, gender identity, race, and immigration status.
The article advises parents on how to address their teen’s hostility. “Remain calm, let them cool down, and don’t be afraid to bring up that their words hurt,” the blog instructs. It says a calm and open discussion can be very beneficial. It also suggests seeking additional mental health support for teens who don’t open up or improve their behavior. “It is possible they experienced trauma and are embarrassed or ashamed to let you in. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can set in for teens who are carrying unresolved trauma, worsening mental health,” BNI Treatment Centers says.
The blog closes by highlighting how much mental health treatment can help teens in general. “Teens experience pressure and stress every day, and offering them a place to heal can be the relief they need for a brighter future,” it concludes.
BNI Treatment Centers is a psychiatrist-owned and operated facility providing behavioral healthcare for teens in California. Their methods are based on neuroscience, utilizing evidence-based therapies and enlisting experts to make individualized treatment plans for each teen. Because of their roots in psychiatry, they’re able to diagnose and treat complex mental health situations, all while keeping parents involved. For more on BNI Treatment Centers, visit their website or call them at (888) 522-1504.
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For more information about BNI Treatment Centers Outpatient - Dorothy, contact the company here:
BNI Treatment Centers Outpatient - Dorothy
Doug Jewell
424-365-1032
doug@bnitreatment.com
28038 Dorothy Dr
Agoura Hills
CA
91301
