Common Issues Youths Deal With | ConnecTeen

Youth Issues Matter

We understand that life as a young person can sometimes be overwhelming. With all the changes happening around them, it can be challenging to navigate through it all. Sometimes, it can be beneficial to seek support, even if your child might not know they need it.

Here, we’ll discuss some common issues that youths face and the resources available in Calgary if someone you care about needs some help.

If you think you could use support, please contact us. We’re always here to listen.

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Do You or Someone You Love Need Help?

If your child or a youth you know is experiencing any of the following, it might be time to seek support:

Anxiety or depression
Changes in moods or behaviour
Unhealthy coping mechanisms (e.g. substance abuse)
Difficulty in school or relationships
Overwhelming emotions

Understand that seeking help is okay. It takes a lot of courage to admit to needing guidance and support.

Common Issues for Youths

Noticing when someone is struggling is the first step in helping them. Sometimes, youths may not have the skills to articulate what they’re going through, or they might be scared to ask for help.

By noticing changes in behaviours, moods, or attitudes, you can offer a listening ear, provide guidance, or direct them to resources that may help.

Parents & Guardians

Navigating the parent/guardian-child relationship can be complicated. As youths grow up, wanting more independence is natural, but it’s not always easy for parents to let go. Some common issues that youth face within the parent-child dynamic are:

Communication breakdown
Unhealthy boundaries
Differences in values and beliefs
Overprotection or lack of support

Relationships

Relationships are complex, and as youths get older, the stakes can get higher. Youth face many issues within their relationships, whether with peers or significant others. Here are some common issues:

Verbal/physical abuse
Toxic relationships

Gender, Identity, & Sexuality

As youths grow and develop, sexuality can become more nuanced and complex. Understanding and accepting themselves can be challenging, especially if the youth doesn’t feel supported or accepted by others.To learn more about our commitment to LGBTQ2S+ youths, please visit our Diversity & Inclusion page.

Some common issues regarding sexuality include:

Identity confusion or questioning
Discrimination
Stigma
Lack of support

Bullying

Bullying is a widespread issue that can occur anywhere, whether it’s at school, home, or online. Bullying can have lasting impacts on a person’s mental health and overall well-being. Some common forms of bullying are:

Verbal bullying
Physical bullying
Social exclusion or isolation
Cyberbullying
Racism or discrimination

Drugs & Alcohol

With so many changes happening around youths, experimenting with drugs and alcohol may feel like an escape. However, these substances can lead to addiction, which can have lasting effects on their life. Some common issues regarding drug and alcohol use are:

Peer pressure
Experimentation
Addiction
Mental health issues
Risky behaviour

The Future & Expectations

It’s not uncommon for youths to feel uncertain about the future and the expectations placed upon them. They may feel pressure to excel academically, socially, and professionally, which can be overwhelming. Some common issues youth face in regard to the future are: