Knowing When to Intervene: Recognizing When Your Teen Needs Help Even if Drugs Aren't the Problem with Annika

ABOUT THE EPISODE:
You may be a parent who's noticing changes in your teen or young adult that worry you, but drugs or alcohol don't seem to be the problem. Their behavior is off, they're acting uncharacteristically and definitely not thriving like someone their age should. What do you do?

This episode is a great place to start if you're thinking about intervening and what that can look like. You'll hear how Annika, mom to 2 teenage boys, noticed her youngest son withdrawing, not participating in family events or sports, refusing to get out of bed, and decided to take action. Some thought it was extreme, she and her husband believe it changed their son's life for the better - and their family's relationships too.

Annika bravely shares her family's story which may help you if you've got a struggling young person in your life. We discuss:

• how being aware of behavior that is out of character is different from behavior that is normal teen development
• what it was like to not even recognize her son anymore
• dealing with a teen who refuses to get out of bed or go to school
• finding help through an educational consultant
• what she learned about taking care of herself
• and why even though this experience was the hardest time of her life she wouldn't trade it 

EPISODE RESOURCES:

• The Upside of Stress
• The Gifts of Imperfection
• The Power of Validation
• Mindsight
• The Willpower Instinct
• Open Sky Wilderness Therapy
• NOLS (National Outdoor Leadership School)
• Outward Bound

This podcast is part of a nonprofit called Hopestream Community
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Download a free e-book, Worried Sick: A Compassionate Guide For Parents When Your Teen or Young Adult Child Misuses Drugs and Alcohol

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