Treating Adopted Teens: What You Should Know
Written by Three Points Center, Posted on
Treating adopted teens can be difficult. Many times teens blame themselves for being given up for adoption when they don't know their past. If a teen finds out they have a behavioral disorder, for example, it’s easy for them to believe that they weren’t wanted and given up because their imperfections.
Blame and Guilt
The feelings of blame build up inside these teens causing complications for them both psychologically and medically. Teens blame themselves for being adopted and in turn, turn to drugs and alcohol as an outlet. It’s important to work out these feelings with the adopted teen to help them deal with how they feel. It helps the adoptive teen have a better self-worth when they can deal with their feelings.
The feelings of grief and loss are often accompanied by guilt because the adopted teen may feel as though they are disloyal to their adoptive parents and families in some situations. They don’t want to hurt or betray their adoptive parents by asking questions or searching for their biological parents.
Without genetics and family history medical issues can arise. Some disorders can be traced by genetics, and this can help teens struggling with behavioral disorders that may have been passed down in their genealogical lines. Without a clear background, adopted teens feel unsure of their identity. This is extremely important at this pivotal age of development.
Things You Can Do To Help Your Adopted Teen
1. Attend support groups for adopted individuals that can help them cope with their feelings, fears and frustrations.
2. Use psychotherapy that can provide an outlet for feelings of guilt, anxiety, depressions and fear over being adopted.
3. Read as much as you can about adopted children, families and their experiences.
If your teen is struggling, feel free to contact Three Points Center today. We have answers for tough issues.
