Teen Vandalism – A Cry for Help from Defiant Teenagers in Virginia

Defiant Teenagers

When public property is marked with graffiti or damaged, it’s a strong indication that the individual responsible for the destruction is struggling with internal issues that need to be addressed. Defiant teenagers exhibit symptoms that are underscored by the following behaviors:

• Argumentative behavior
• Abusive language
• Total disregard or disrespect for others
• Manipulativeness
• Theft
• Lying
• Demotivation
• Hateful attitude
• Abuse of drugs or alcohol
• Truancy from school
• Suspension from school or expulsion
• Poor grades
• Angry outbursts
• Broken relationships
• Aggressiveness
• Involvement with gangs
• Vandalism – defacing or destroying public and private property

Some troubled teens have disorders that need to be treated. Such diagnoses can include attention deficit disorder (ADD), attention deficit hyperactive disorder (ADHD), depression, oppositional defiant disorder (ODD), bipolar disorder, alcohol or drug addiction, eating disorders (bulimia or anorexia nervosa), and conduct disorder (CD).

Whether a teen is diagnosed with a disorder or is dealing with certain issues or stresses that cause him to behave inappropriately, he can receive the proper treatment in Virginia. Treatment centers can help teens with certain behavioral problems. Specifically, teens who vandalize property often need therapy as well as medication, in many cases, to treat depression.

If they are prescribed an antidepressant, it’s advised that depressed teens continue taking the medicine for a while after their condition improves, or for about ½ year to a year more to prevent a relapse. When the teen finally stops taking the antidepressant, it’s still imperative that he keep scheduled appointments with his therapist just as an additional safeguard.

Also, the teen diet should be balanced and healthy, Regular exercise is also suggested as well as the avoidance of drugs or alcohol. While a troubled girl or boy is in recovery, it usually takes them several weeks before they begin feeling better. Needless to say, staying active with positive extracurricular activities and spending time with friends and family can be beneficial. In addition, teens treated for depression should continue to stay focused on school and work activities as well. So, it’s not so overwhelming, it helps to take schoolwork and break it down into manageable tasks. Major decisions, too, should be handled when a teen is feeling better.

If your child exhibits destructive traits, then it’s important to obtain counseling from a therapist in Virginia immediately. Counseling for teenagers can be established via the Internet or through social agencies in the state. Make the decision today to effect a positive change.

Tagged as: Counseling for teenagers, defiant teenagers, troubled girl