3. Negative Self-Perception
“I’m fat.” Unfortunately, this is a common teenage phrase. In this information age, kids are bombarded with re-touched and curated images that depict “perfect” bodies. It’s hard for children not to compare themselves with the images they see so frequently, and it can impact their mental health. When that comparison turns into negative thoughts about themselves, there is most likely a larger problem.
See if your teen is vocalizing their dissatisfaction with what they see in the mirror, hiding behind baggy clothing, or refusing to participate in regular activities because they are unhappy with the way they look. It could be a sign that there is more going on than just a fleeting frustration with their ever-changing bodies.