Social Emotional Topics
All teens encounter at least some of the topics below. Our goal is to provide important information to help teens, and their parents, navigate the teen years safely.
Abuse
Unfortunately in our society, abuse in all its forms is far too common. Whether the abuse is sexual, physical, verbal, mental or emotional, the damage is real and has long-lasting effects on the victim. Click below to learn more about abuse and what you can do about it. If you or someone you know is dealing with an abusive relationship or situation, help is available.
1-800-342-3720 Child Abuse and Maltreatment Hotline
1-315-255-6221 Domestic Violence Intervention Program 24-Hour Hotline (local)
1-800-799-SAFE (7233) National Domestic Violence Hotline
1-800-656-HOPE (4673) National Sexual Assault Telephone Hotline
Stalking
* Yelling or shouting at partner frequently
* Explosive temper
* Extreme jealousy, insecurity, or false accusations of cheating
* Calling partner mean or hurtful names
* Pushing, grabbing, hitting, kicking, choking or any other physical violence
* Swearing at, insulting or putting partner down
* Checking up on partner's whereabouts all the time
* Checking partner's phone, texts, e-mails without permission
* Taking or forwarding inappropriate pictures of partner without permission
* Acting angry, depressed or violent when stressed
* History of being aggressive/abusive in past relationships
* Showing intolerance or hatred towards others
* Abusive to animals, children or the elderly
* Possessiveness; expects to spend every moment with partner
* Attempting to isolate partner from friends and family
* Spreading gossip about partner or their friends/family
* Telling partner what to do, wear, say, etc...
* Drug or alcohol use/abuse
* Coercing or forcing sexual activity
* Believing that they are always right and partner is wrong, stupid
* Threatening partner with harm
* Threatening suicide when upset or as a means to get their way
REMEMBER:
- Love is NOT controlling, angry or abusive.
- NO ONE deserves to be physically, emotionally, sexually or mentally abused by their partner.
- If there are red flags in your relationship, SEEK HELP before things get worse!
Red Flags and Warning Signs
If any of the following are present in your relationship, there may be the possibility of abuse or violence:* Yelling or shouting at partner frequently
* Explosive temper
* Extreme jealousy, insecurity, or false accusations of cheating
* Calling partner mean or hurtful names
* Pushing, grabbing, hitting, kicking, choking or any other physical violence
* Swearing at, insulting or putting partner down
* Checking up on partner's whereabouts all the time
* Checking partner's phone, texts, e-mails without permission
* Taking or forwarding inappropriate pictures of partner without permission
* Acting angry, depressed or violent when stressed
* History of being aggressive/abusive in past relationships
* Showing intolerance or hatred towards others
* Abusive to animals, children or the elderly
* Possessiveness; expects to spend every moment with partner
* Attempting to isolate partner from friends and family
* Spreading gossip about partner or their friends/family
* Telling partner what to do, wear, say, etc...
* Drug or alcohol use/abuse
* Coercing or forcing sexual activity
* Believing that they are always right and partner is wrong, stupid
* Threatening partner with harm
* Threatening suicide when upset or as a means to get their way
REMEMBER:
- Love is NOT controlling, angry or abusive.
- NO ONE deserves to be physically, emotionally, sexually or mentally abused by their partner.
- If there are red flags in your relationship, SEEK HELP before things get worse!
Alcohol
Alcohol use among teens has long been a problem that can lead to any number of dangerous and even tragic situations. As with any other drug, teens need to be educated on the dangers of alcohol consumption.
(includes video on drinking and binge drinking among college students)
Anger and our ability (or inability) to handle it can have serious effects on our lives and relationships. Click on the links below to find out more about managing your anger.
How Parents Can Help Teens Cope With Anger
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Anxiety
In today's world, anxiety has become a common and troubling problem for many, especially teens. Please view the links below for important information regarding anxiety and its treatment.
Break-ups
The following articles offer practical, real-life information that can assist students in dealing with relationship breakups. As always, if you or a friend is really struggling, please see your school counselor.
Ending A Relationship
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Anti-Bullying Resources
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Bullying
Anti-Bullying Resources
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Cyber-Bullying
Below are links to information regarding cyber-bullying. As always, if you are experiencing difficulty with this topic, please see your school counselor.
Teen Dating Violence
Violence in a relationship is NEVER okay or acceptable. If you have any concerns that your relationship may be abusive or violent, if you feel uncomfortable in any way, or if you find yourself lying about or justifying your partner's behavior, please read on...
Red Flags and Warning Signs
If any of the following are present in your relationship, there may be the possibility of abuse or violence:* Yelling or shouting at partner frequently
* Explosive temper
* Extreme jealousy, insecurity, or false accusations of cheating
* Calling partner mean or hurtful names
* Pushing, grabbing, hitting, kicking, choking or any other physical violence
* Swearing at, insulting or putting partner down
* Checking up on partner's whereabouts all the time
* Checking partner's phone, texts, e-mails without permission
* Taking or forwarding inappropriate pictures of partner without permission
* Acting angry, depressed or violent when stressed
* History of being aggressive/abusive in past relationships
* Showing intolerance or hatred towards others
* Abusive to animals, children or the elderly
* Possessiveness; expects to spend every moment with partner
* Attempting to isolate partner from friends and family
* Spreading gossip about partner or their friends/family
* Telling partner what to do, wear, say, etc...
* Drug or alcohol use/abuse
* Coercing or forcing sexual activity
* Believing that they are always right and partner is wrong, stupid
* Threatening partner with harm
* Threatening suicide when upset or as a means to get their way
REMEMBER:
- Love is NOT controlling, angry or abusive.
- NO ONE deserves to be physically, emotionally, sexually or mentally abused by their partner.
- If there are red flags in your relationship, SEEK HELP before things get worse!
Getting Help
Hotlines
loveisrespect 1-866-331-9474
National Domestic
Violence Hotline 1-800-799-7233
Crisis Text Line Text "GO" to 741-741
Local Resources
Rape/Crisis Hotline 1-315-252-2112
Mental Health Hotline 1-315-253-0341
Domestic Violence 1-800-253-3358
You can also speak to a trusted adult (counselor, teacher, parent, clergy, coach, etc...) if you need help.
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Depression
Depression is a common problem for many people, with multiple types and levels of severity. It is important to educate ourselves about depression and seek help if needed. Removing the stigma around depression and other mental health disorders is key to encouraging sufferers to take care of themselves. Depression is highly treatable, and in no way should a person feel embarassed or ashamed because they are dealing with it. The links below provide helpful information regarding depression and its treatment.
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Drugs
There are no circumstances in which illicit drug use among children or teens is okay. Drug use exposes kids to a host of dangers, including death. Education is key: please click the links below to learn more about drugs and childhood drug abuse.
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Eating Disorders and Body Image
Information coming soon. See your school counselor for help or information.Back to Top
Family Problems
Tips for Divorcing ParentsHelp for Parents of Troubled Teens
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It Gets Better Project
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Gender Identity
Gender Identity refers to a person's innermost sense of being male or female. It is how a person perceives themselves and wants to be perceived by others. One's gender identity may be the same as their sex assigned at birth (cisgender) or different from their sex assigned at birth (transgender).
Gender Expression is the external appearance of one's gender identity, usually expressed through clothing, hair styles, behavior, or voice, that may or may not conform to socially defined "masculine" or "feminine" characteristics.
Sexual Orientation is a person's enduring physical, romantic, emotional, and/or other form of attraction to others. Gender identity and sexual orientation are not the same.
Support for Transgender Youth and Their Families
The Trevor Project - crisis intervention and suicide prevention for LGBTQ youth
It Gets Better Project
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Grief and Loss
Everyone experiences grief and loss in their lives. Feelings of sadness, anger, fear and worry may occur when a loved one or a pet dies, a relationship ends, you change homes or schools, you lose a job or an important opportunity, or you experience a life-changing injury. People experience grief differently and express their feelings in different ways. There is no right or wrong way to grieve; the most important thing is to seek support when needed and to stay safe.
The following links can help:
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Healthy Relationships
Relationships, with friends, family, romantic partners or peers, are a huge part of our lives and can have a very strong impact on our emotions. For teens, relationships can be especially intense, in healthy ways and in unhealthy ways. So how do you know what a healthy relationship should look like? Check out the links below...
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Internet, Gaming, and Social Media
Social media, gaming and cell phone use are a huge part of teens' lives today, and while some teens are responsible users, many more are engaged in an unhealthy addiction to technology. The addiction is not limited to teens -- a growing number of adults are also far too reliant on their phones, games, and social media apps. Click on the links below to learn more about technology addictions and what you can do about them.
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Peer Pressure
Information coming soon. See your school counselor for help or information.Back to Top
Relational Aggression (Mean Girls)
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Self-Harm
Information coming soon. See your school counselor for help or information.Back to Top
Self-Image and Self-Esteem
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Sexual Health
Sexual health, like any other area of personal health, needs to be well managed. Lack of care and responsibility in the area of sexual health can have serious and even life-long consequences. It is very important for teens to be educated on all aspects of sexual health, to hopefully encourage them to make healthy, responsible decisions. The links below provide helpful information for teen and parents.
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Sexual Orientation
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Sleep Deprivation
Information coming soon. See your school counselor for help or information.Back to Top
Stress
Click on the links below to learn more about stress and how to manage it.
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Suicidal Ideation
Suicidal Ideation refers to thoughts a person my have about wanting to die and/or ending their own life. Some people may have suicidal thoughts when experiencing significant emotional pain or stress, and may think that suicide is the only solution to their problems.
BUT THERE IS HELP, AND THERE IS HOPE!
Below are the warning signs and risk factors for suicide, as well as steps to take to help someone who is suicidal.
***Information compiled from the following:
Lifelines: A Suicide Prevention Program; Hazelton; Center City, MN
American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (www.afsp.org)
Warning Signs
The following are warning signs that someone may be thinking about suicide:
Experiencing feelings of:
* hopelessness
* being a burden to others
* helplessness
* anger
* deep sadness
* anxiety
* agitation
* loss of purpose
* being trapped
* humiliation
Taking actions such as:
* using drugs and/or alcohol
* talking about death or a plan to die
* isolating oneself
* showing aggression
* giving away prized possessions
* behaving recklessly
* looking for ways to die
* visiting or calling people to say goodbye
* putting personal affairs in order
* making arrangements
Exhibiting changes such as:
* personality changes
* changes in behavior
* changes in sleeping patterns
* changes in eating patterns
* loss of interest in hobbies
* changes in appearance
* dramatic mood changes
* sudden improvement in mood
* showing rage
* talking about revenge
Making threats such as:
* statements about dying
* threatening to kill oneself if something doesn't go right
* reckless behavior
* a plan for suicide
* making a will
* self-injury
* suicidal gestures or attempts
Experiencing difficult situations such as:
* recent loss (loved one, pet, job, home, etc.)
* major fight or argument
* traumatic life event
* break-up of relationship
* getting into trouble
* living in a chronically stressful environment
Risk Factors
The following are risk factors and environmental factors that increase the chance that a person may attempt suicide:
(Risk is highest when someone has several of these factors at the same time)
Risk factors:
* Depression
* Other mental health disorders
* Substance abuse
* Prior suicide attempt
* Family history of mental disorders or substance abuse
* Family history of suicide
* Family violence, including physical or sexual abuse
* Firearms in the home or somewhere easily accessible
* Incarceration
* Exposure to suicidal behavior of others, such as family members, peers, or media figures
Environmental factors:
* A highly stressful life event (losing a loved one, financial loss, trouble with the law, etc.)
* Prolonged stress due to adversities such as unemployment, illness, serious relationship conflicts, bullying, harassment
* Exposure to another person's suicide, or to graphic/sensationalized accounts of suicide in the media
* Access to lethal methods of suicide during times of increased risk (firearms, sharp objects, drugs, alcohol, etc.)
Getting Help
If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide, help is always available.
HELPING YOURSELF
* Accept that you don't have to carry your burden alone
--- It's okay to ask for help
* Reach out to someone, preferably a trusted adult (parent, teacher, coach, clergy, neighbor, therapist, law enforcement officer, etc.)
--- If that person can't or won't help, find someone who will
* Seek help, through a hotline (see below) in moments of crisis, and through a mental health professional for longer-term support
* Allow others to help you
* Remember that problems are temporary, but suicide is permanent
HELPING SOMEONE ELSE
* Take the threat seriously (do not assume they are joking or just "looking for a reaction")
* Listen without judgement or shame (do not minimize the problem or try to talk the person out of their feelings)
* Show you care (let them know you are worried about them and want to help them get help)
* DO NOT leave the person alone (make sure you or someone else is physically present with the person)
* NEVER allow someone to swear you to secrecy; if someone is suicidal, you MUST tell so that the person can be helped
* Ask the tough questions (Are you thinking of hurting yourself? Do you have a plan for suicide?)
* Encourage professional help (If person resists, offer to go with them; if they refuse help and are suicidal, call 911)
* Reassure them that depression is treatable, help is available, and suicidal thoughts are temporary,
* Take action (Seek help for the person if they are unwilling or unable to help themselves; call 911 if necessary)
* Follow up (Find out if the person sought help and is doing better)
HOTLINES
National Suicide Prevention Hotline
1-800-273-TALK (8255)
Lifeline Crisis Chat
Cayuga County Mental Health Center Crisis Line
1-315-253-0341
CONTACT Community Services Suicide Hotline (Syracuse)
1-315-251-0600
1-877-400-8740
Emergency
911
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Teen-Parent Communication
Information coming soon. See your school counselor for help or information.Back to Top
Therapy and Counseling
Information coming soon. See your school counselor for help or information.Back to Top
